Learn how to choose the right fridge and how to maintain it, with tips from Christine Liew, senior manager of electrical merchandising – home appliances at Harvey Norman.

What should I consider when buying a refrigerator?

It depends on your lifestyle. If you’re someone who cooks everyday, you may need more space to store groceries. On the other hand, not everyone keeps mostly food in a fridge – some may only use it to store drinks and fruits.

Fridge vs Freezer

Is a refrigerator a fridge or freezer? A fridge consists of both a cooling device as well as a freezer. A fridge can keep items that require cooling temperatures from 7 to 1°C, while a freezer is suitable for items that require sub-freezing temperatures from -20 to -30°C.

Experts recommend a quarterly clean  of you fridge – every three months – for hygiene purposes. It is also a good habit to get rid of expired food items.

How often should you clean your fridge?

Experts recommend a quarterly clean – every three months – for hygiene purposes. It is also a good habit to get rid of expired food items.

A freestanding fridge is not suitable for enclosed areas - such as backing it up against a wall - as they require a minimum space allowance for heat ventilation.

Should my fridge be against the wall?

A freestanding fridge is not suitable for enclosed areas – such as backing it up against a wall – as they require a minimum space allowance for heat ventilation. You can also find fridges designed specifically for enclosed areas such as built-in cupboards. It may be best to place your fridge in front of a window for better heat ventilation.

Woman's hands washing a piece of white cloth in a bubbly white basin sink.

How often do you change the water filter in a refrigerator?

Experts recommend once in two years. It’s important to maintain our fridges, which will help ensure the freshness of the food stored inside.

A blue bucket filled with cleaning gloves, tools, and detergent bottles

3 Easy Ways to Clean a Fridge

  1. To remove odours from your fridge, simply place a cup of baking soda, vinegar or oatmeal in the fridge until the smell disappears.
  2. To clean stains, scrub the stained surface with a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid. For more stubborn stains, use white toothpaste.
  3. If your fridge is humming constantly or the interiors are warmer than the temperature that it is set at, it might be a sign that your fridge needs to be replaced for hygiene reasons, so that the filtration function will not be compromised.