If you want to keep your portable fridge in peak condition for a long time, regular cleaning and maintenance are non-negotiable. Although you might occasionally clean your fridge, you’re probably doing it wrong.
Poor maintenance could expose you to health issues while your fridge deteriorates. Furthermore, considering the increasing cost of quality items due to inflation, constant repairs may burn a hole in your pocket. To avoid these, you must learn to take care of your portable fridge like a pro.
This article aims to guide you through the most effective ways of cleaning the inside and outside of your portable fridge. You will also discover how to properly maintain it for optimal performance and durability.
Precautions Before Cleaning
Carrying a portable fridge can significantly improve the quality of your road trips. However, proper cleaning is vital to enjoying its benefits for a long time.
So, take these precautions to make the process easy and safe.
1. Safety First
Safety is the first precaution before cleaning a portable fridge. First, unplug the refrigerator. This can help you avoid electrical malfunctions that could result in electrical shocks. So, unplug the refrigerator or shut down the circuit breaker if the plug is far from reach.
Further, ensure the safety of the cleaning or bleaching agents you use. Prioritize eco-friendly ingredients and avoid toxic chemicals that can cause respiratory issues and damage your fridge’s exterior.
2. Remove All Food and Drinks
After turning off the fridge, you must empty it before cleaning. Removing all foods and drinks makes it easier to clean. First, you will have enough room to see every crevice for thorough cleaning.
Also, removing all food and drinks avoids contact with chemicals from your cleaning materials. You will also easily spot spoiled or expired foods or drinks here.
3. Store Ejected Items in a Cooler
The items you removed from the freezer, especially perishable food, will soon thaw or get warmer. This may make the food inedible. So, prepare a cooler with ice to transfer the items. This can help retain the temperature of the food items, ensuring they don’t get spoiled.
4. Remove Ice Naturally
Cleaning only starts after the fridge is clear of items inside. In addition to food and drinks, ice particles may have built up inside. So, you must allow the ice to thaw naturally before commencing cleaning. To do this, leave the fridge door open to speed up the process.
Avoid scraping ice off the fridge interior to prevent damage. Lastly, consider doing this the night before you clean. That way, the ice has enough time to thaw, allowing you to start cleaning as soon as the day begins.
Cleaning Fridge Interior
The fridge’s interior is perhaps its most delicate part. Ensure to follow these steps to maintain proper function after cleaning.
1. Take Out Removable Parts
After thawing and clearing the contents of your car fridge, remove the removable parts. If your vehicle is spacious, your portable fridge is likely big and may have a basket, door shelves, and dividers. Carefully take away these parts and set them aside.
2. Clean Interior
Avoid harsh cleaning or scrubbing materials. Clean the edges and corners of the fridge to get rid of stubborn stains and bacteria. Double down on oil spills and food particles stuck to the walls.
3. Clean the Removable Parts
If the interior is dirty, the removable parts are likely dirty. They can be some of the easiest places for bacteria and stubborn stains to hide. So, be sure to clean or wash them thoroughly after removing them. Also, use gentle materials like a damp cloth for cleaning. After washing, you may leave them to dry naturally or use a clean cloth to dry them.
4. Reassemble
After cleaning the interior and removable parts, you may reassemble them. Ensure these parts are dry before putting them back in their place. If you have any trouble reassembling these parts, consult the user manual.
Cleaning the Fridge Exterior
Here’s how to properly clean the outside of your portable fridge.
1. Clean the Four Corners
Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe the edges of the fridge. Clean the top and sides of the refrigerator to remove stains, germs, and dust.
2. Work on the Handle
Studies show that the fridge handle may host dangerous bacteria and germs due to constant handling by different people. To keep it germ-free, pay special attention to cleaning the handle with eco-friendly cleaning agents.
3. Dry the Exterior
After cleaning the exterior, be sure it is dry before turning it back on. Drying it can help avoid accidents due to electrical shocks. So, use a clean, dry piece of cloth to wipe the edges of the fridge.
Maintenance Tips
Besides cleaning, you must learn some maintenance techniques to improve the functionality and durability of the fridge. Try these.
1. Keep Away from Hot Environments
A portable fridge is easily exposed to extreme temperatures like sunlight during road travel. This affects its performance and may significantly increase cooling time. So, check the positioning of the fridge and adjust it to ensure it is in a cool, dry place.
2. Keep It Shut
Check the fridge door to be sure it is latched before commencing your road trip. It is crucial to avoid spilling your food and drinks when the ride gets bumpy. It can also prevent damage to the fridge.
3. Remove Ventilation Obstruction
Ventilation is crucial to the performance of a portable fridge. Check for and remove any blockage to the ventilation grills. Also, clean the area to remove the build-up of dirt that may block its pathways.
4. Deodorize the Fridge
Some food items may have strong smells. While this is not necessarily unhygienic, it may not be pleasant and can affect other items in the fridge. To maintain a sweet aroma, you must deodorize the fridge. You may try a vinegar solution, a pack of baking soda, or a container of coffee beans. Leave them open in the car fridge for some hours to absorb or neutralize the odor.
5. Schedule Inspections
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring your portable fridge stays in peak condition. It can help you detect minor issues before they escalate. So, make time to check the fridge’s interior and exterior regularly.
6. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Every portable fridge comes with an instruction manual from the manufacturer. This can guide you into the best ways for maintaining, cleaning, and troubleshooting minor issues. Thus, refer to the manual if unsure of the best way to maintain the fridge.
7. Call the Experts
Finally, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance handling your fridge issues. Call an expert if you notice problems in the interior or exterior of the fridge. They can help you provide a quick solution that guarantees your safety and the fridge’s longevity.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining and cleaning your portable fridge is essential for preserving and getting the best out of it. Start the process by taking precautions to guarantee your safety. Then, clean the interior and exterior with eco-friendly cleaning agents.
Lastly, make regular maintenance a habit. It can help you detect minor issues quickly and reduce the stress of deep cleaning. If maintenance becomes too intense, call the experts.
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