Category Archives: Cleaning & Organization Tips

The Comprehensive Guide to Mold in Your Refrigerator

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Nobody ever wants to find mold growing in their refrigerator, but it is bound to happen to some of us. This guide tells you everything you need to know about mold in your fridge; including where to look for it and how to kill it.

What is mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow virtually anywhere, indoors or outside. Mold spreads by reproducing microscopic spores. When humans come in contact with these spores, they can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, headaches, and respiratory infections.

Several thousands of different types of mold exist, ranging from green fuzz to black slime. All of them have one thing in common, though: you don’t want to find any of them growing in your refrigerator.

Why does mold grow in refrigerators?

Your refrigerator provides favorable conditions for mold to grow and reproduce. It is a dark environment with minimal air circulation and a lot of moisture (a key factor in mold growth). Some places that mold is known to grow in the refrigerator include:

  • Interior walls and shelves. Mold can grow anywhere on the inside walls or shelves of your refrigerator, especially if there is pooling water that isn’t immediately cleaned up.

  • On your food. If you have ever left something in the refrigerator for far too long, you have seen firsthand how mold can grow on your food.

  • On the gasket. The gasket, also known as the rubber door seal is a common hiding place for mold.

What do I do if there is mold in my fridge?

Don’t panic if you spot mold growing in your refrigerator. In most cases, it can safely be removed with a little bit of baking soda, warm water, and 20 minutes of your time. Just follow these steps:

  1. Remove all food from your refrigerator. Throw away any items that the mold has come in direct contact with, as well as any uncovered foods in close proximity. Unopened foods stored in airtight containers can safely be kept.

  2. In a bucket, combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water.

  3. Dip a clean cloth in the bucket, and begin wiping down all of your refrigerator’s walls, shelves, and drawers. Gently scrub these areas until all visible signs of mold growth are gone. As a precaution, also wipe the outside of food containers and plastic packaging.

  4. Pour out the baking soda solution, and refill the bucket with warm water.

  5. Using a new cloth, wipe down every surface that came in contact with the baking soda solution. Repeatedly dip the cloth in the warm water until there is no trace of baking soda in your refrigerator.

  6. Thoroughly dry the interior and replace your food.

Speedy Refrigerator Service provides same-day refrigerator and freezer repairs to the New York City area. Our technicians are fully licensed and insured, and we offer one-hour service to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. Our phone lines are open 24/7, so call us anytime at 866-782-9376.

A Simple DIY Tune-Up For Your Refrigerator

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When it comes to keeping your refrigerator running, a little bit of maintenance can go a long way. You can not only extend the lifespan of your appliance, but also improve it’s energy efficiency with this simple DIY tune up.

Step One: Clean the interior.
A clean refrigerator starts with the inside. Remove all food items from your refrigerator and thoroughly wipe down the interior walls, shelves, and drawers. Discard any expired food items and restock your fridge. This will help prevent bacteria growth and unpleasant odors.

Step Two: Vacuum the condenser coils.
The condenser coils are located on the back of most units. These long, windy tubes are responsible for releasing heat. When they are coated in dust, they cannot effectively do this, and your refrigerator will suffer. Clean these coils using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

Step Three: Clean and lubricate the gasket.
The rubber door seal (known as the gasket) is usually one of the first components to break on most refrigerators. Inspect yours for cracks, holes, and loose edges. If you notice any of these signs, replace the gasket immediately. Otherwise, wipe it down with a soapy cloth and apply a thin layer of Vaseline to prevent it from drying out.

Step Four: Replace the water filter.
When was the last time you replaced your water filter? A dirty filter can lead to dirty water and ice. Not only does it taste bad, you could be exposing yourself to harmful bacteria. Changing the filter is an easy process; refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your model.

This routine should be performed every 3-6 months for a healthy, happy refrigerator!

Speedy Refrigerator Service provides in-home refrigerator repairs and tune ups to residents of Long Island and New York City. We specialize in all makes and models of refrigerators, freezers, wine coolers, and ice makers. Our phone lines are open 24/7, so call us anytime to schedule an appointment at 866-782-9376.

Common Myths About Refrigerator Maintenance

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Just like with any appliance, taking proper care of your refrigerator will help it last longer. Additionally, a good maintenance routine can also help you save money by lowering your unit’s energy consumption. If you want to keep your refrigerator running efficiently for a long time, make sure not to fall trap to these common myths.

An annual cleaning is sufficient for your refrigerator.

Most people only take the time to clean their refrigerators once or twice per year, thinking that it is enough. The truth is, you should clean out your fridge on a monthly basis. This helps you stay up to date on throwing away expired foods, which your refrigerator is (unnecessarily) using energy to keep cold.

You only need to clean the inside of the fridge.

When most people think of maintaining their refrigerator, they are thinking about the bacteria and cleanliness of the inside. The truth is, the most important maintenance you can do is actually located on the appliance’s exterior. Clean the condenser coils, located on the back of the unit, every six months using your vacuum’s brush attachment.

Keeping a second refrigerator in the garage is a good idea.

Many homes across the country utilize a second refrigerator for storing beer or extra food. While this isn’t a problem, keeping it in an unfinished area is. If your second refrigerator is in an unconditioned garage or basement, it could be working twice as hard to keep cool during the hot summer months. If it is an old, inefficient refrigerator, you are doubling-down on increased energy consumption and wear-and-tear.

The water filter doesn’t need to be changed.

This myth doesn’t pertain to the health of your refrigerator, but rather to your personal health and hygiene. If your refrigerator has a built-in water dispenser, you should replace the filter at least twice per year to keep your water clean and clear of contaminants. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this.

Bad maintenance habits almost always lead to breakdowns. If this happens to your refrigerator, the experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service can get you up-and-running in a matter of hours. We guarantee one-hour service to Long Island and New York City, and complete most repairs within the comfort of your own home. Call us anytime to schedule your same-day appointment at 866-782-9376.

How to Store a Refrigerator When It’s Not in Use

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Whether you purchased one yourself or it was gifted to you, the holiday season may have provided you with a new refrigerator. If you don’t keep enough food around the house to justify running two fridges at the same time, you might be tempted to recycle your old appliance. However, if it still runs without a problem, there is no sense in throwing something out just because you get a new one.

That extra refrigerator could come in handy one day if your family grows, you need some extra money, or your new refrigerator decides to break down. Your best bet is to store your old refrigerator now in case you need it in the future. Because refrigerators are built to retain moisture, storing them for long periods of time leaves them susceptible to developing mold and unpleasant odors. If you are planning on keeping yours in long-term storage, here is how to prevent these problems so you can store your food in it once again.

The key to preserving your refrigerator for future use is a good cleaning before sending it to storage. If your fridge has a built-in ice maker or water dispenser, the first step is shutting off the water supply. There is usually a valve in the supply line that can be cut off by turning a small knob. After this is done, allow 24 hours for the ice maker to use up the last of remaining water. Remove all the ice cubes, turn the ice maker into the “off” position, drain the water reservoir, and remove the filter cartridge.

Next, unplug your appliance and discard all food items. Wait several hours for the interior to defrost (if necessary) and completely dry it. Now, wipe down the interior with a mixture of warm water and a mild dish detergent. Be sure to thoroughly clean the shelves, drawers, back wall, and other hard-to-reach areas.

Dry the appliance again using a clean towel and leave the doors open for several hours, allowing excess moisture to completely evaporate. When you are ready to store your refrigerator, make sure to transport and store it in an upright position. Tilting it on its side could cause the oil or liquid refrigerant to leak out and damage the compressor. Your refrigerator should be stored in a secure, dry location to prevent pests, mold, and odors from damaging your appliance.

If you notice anything wrong with your refrigerator, contact the experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service. For 75 years, Long Island residents have depended on us to fix their refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, and wine coolers. We guarantee one-hour service to Nassau and Suffolk Counties, give us a call any time at 866-782-9376.

How to Prep Your Kitchen for the Holidays

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The holidays are supposed to be a time to unwind with your loved ones, but if you are in charge of hosting the family get-together, it can be anything but relaxing. Use these tips to prep your kitchen for your guests and take some of the stress out of the holidays.

Clean and tidy up.

This is the number one item on most of our to-do lists. Even if your house isn’t perfectly clean all of the time, you at least want your guests to believe it is. In addition to the common areas (living room, dining room, bathroom), you will want to pay extra attention to your kitchen. Don’t forget to clean out the inside of your refrigerator, wash all of your dishes, and wipe down your counter tops.

Take an inventory of your food.

Picture this: it’s the big day. Your family is over your house, stomachs rumbling with hunger. You’re preparing your main course, and suddenly you realize that you are missing a key ingredient. Don’t let this happen to you, take a thorough inventory of all of your food now. Plan your menu, double- and triple-check the recipes, and make sure you have everything you need.

Invest in a cooler.

When you are busy cooking in the kitchen, you don’t want your guests funneling in and out to get drinks from the refrigerator. Avoid this problem by keeping a well-stocked cooler in your living room, this will help keep your kitchen clear of traffic so you can focus on your food.

Pre-set your table.

After you have finished cooking, the last thing you want to worry about is setting the table. Luckily, this can be done well in advanced before your guests even arrive. Help lessen the burden on yourself by setting the table one or two days before your party.

If your refrigerator breaks down this holiday season, the repair experts at Speedy Refrigerator Service will get you up-and-running in no time! We guarantee one-hour service to Long Island and New York City, even on nights, weekends, and holidays. Give us a call anytime at 866-782-9376.