You should vacuum behind and underneath your fridge every 6 to 12 months to remove dust and prevent the condenser coils from overheating. If you have shedding pets or a particularly dusty home, bump this up to every 3 to 6 months to keep your appliance running efficiently and to avoid unexpected spikes in your energy bill.
Experts recommend cleaning behind your refrigerator once every 3 to 6 months to keep the appliance running efficiently. If you have shedding pets or live in a highly dusty environment, you should clean it every 3 months. Otherwise, cleaning it once or twice a year is sufficient.
Vacuuming behind your fridge may not be glamorous, but it's one of the easiest ways to save energy, reduce repairs, and help your refrigerator last longer. If it's been a while (or forever), go ahead and block off 20 minutes this week. You'll be doing your appliance (and your grocery bill) a favor.
The compressor, coils and control board are the most expensive repairs. Your fridge's brand, model and size, plus your location, will impact repair costs. If your refrigerator is more than 6 years old and it will cost you more than half its original price to repair it, consider replacing it instead.
Deep cleaning your fridge involves an orderly, top-to-bottom process: empty all contents (use a cooler for perishables), remove all shelves and drawers, clean hidden food grime, wash the interior with a mild cleaner (like vinegar and dish soap), dry everything thoroughly, and organize the items as you return them.
8 mistakes to avoid when deep cleaning your fridge
There are a variety of household cleaning products that you can use to help refresh your refrigerator, including dishwashing soap, warm water and a vinegar solution.
The Amish keep food cold using a variety of off-grid methods, tailored to the strictness of their local church district. Common practices include:
The typical lifespan of a standard refrigerator is 10 to 15 years. Premium built-in models and simpler, basic units can sometimes last 15 to 20+ years, while compact or mini-fridges generally last 4 to 12 years.
Which refrigerator brand is most reliable? All three of the appliance experts we spoke to for this roundup said Whirlpool and LG were the most reliable refrigerator brands due to their durability, reliability and ease of repairs. Samsung and GE were also mentioned by our experts as high-quality fridges.
Vacuuming the back of your fridge—especially the condenser coils—removes dust buildup, allowing the appliance to release heat efficiently. This quick 15-minute maintenance task lowers energy usage, prevents overheating, and extends the fridge's lifespan. Aim to do this every 6 months.
No matter how tidy your fridge is, there's probably something in there that should be thrown out. Examples include condiments that have been opened for over 12 months, leftovers older than 4 days, and fresh meat and seafood past their prime.
Watch for warning signs like food spoiling prematurely, clicking or buzzing noises, continuous motor running, or excessive frost/condensation. Older units often cost more to repair than replace.
The 20/10 cleaning method is a productivity hack that involves cleaning or decluttering for 20 minutes, followed immediately by a 10-minute break. Popularized by organizer Rachel Hoffman in Unfck Your Habitat*, it prevents burnout by breaking daunting chores into manageable chunks and rewarding you with a dedicated rest period.
Clean behind and under your refrigerator without moving it by using a long, flat tool—like a Retractable Gap Dust Cleaner or a yardstick with a microfiber cloth wrapped around it. Slide it into narrow crevices to gather dust and debris.
If you notice fuzzy, slimy, or powdery patches in colors like black, green, or gray behind the refrigerator, it's a clear sign of mold. These growths may appear on walls, floors, or baseboards. Visible mold usually means the problem has progressed and needs immediate attention to prevent further spread.
Sub-Zero is the longest-lasting refrigerator brand, averaging 15 to 20+ years. For standard and premium household brands, Bosch, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and GE lead the market in longevity, typically lasting 12 to 17 years when properly maintained.
Proper maintenance is a major factor in how long a refrigerator lasts. Neglecting routine cleaning (such as coils) or ignoring minor repairs can lead to serious issues that shorten the appliance's life. Older refrigerators often become less energy-efficient, consuming more electricity than newer models.
Yes, Amish people bathe regularly, though the frequency and methods vary significantly depending on the season, how physically active they are, and the strictness of their specific church district.
Many traditional Amish communities consider manufactured toilet paper an unnecessary luxury and use resource-saving alternatives instead. In outhouses, families often repurpose old newspapers, magazine pages, or catalogs (like the Sears and Roebuck catalog). To make the paper soft enough to use, they crumple it vigorously multiple times.
Amish wedding nights prioritize community, tradition, and practicality over the modern idea of a private honeymoon. On their wedding night, the bride and groom typically return to the bride’s parents' home, where the newlyweds must wake up early the next morning to help clean the house after the large celebration.
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
People put crumpled aluminum foil in the dishwasher primarily as a hack to make silver or stainless steel utensils and cutlery look shinier.
Some cleaning tips recommend you clean your refrigerator with vinegar and/or lemon juice, but these solutions lack the surfactants needed to help penetrate and loosen sticky spills and gunky spots. Bleach should never be used inside your fridge, as lingering chemical residue could come into contact with your food.