KitchenAid TOP-MOUNT REFRIGERATOR manual Refrigerator Care, Cleaning, Changing the Light Bulbs

REFRIGERATOR CARE

Cleaning

WARNING

Explosion Hazard

Use nonflammable cleaner.

Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

Both the refrigerator and freezer sections defrost automatically. However, clean both sections about once a month to prevent odors from building up. Wipe up spills immediately.

To Clean Your Refrigerator:

1.Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2.Remove all removable parts from inside, such as shelves, crispers, etc.

3.Hand wash, rinse, and dry removable parts and interior surfaces thoroughly. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water.

■Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as window sprays, scouring cleansers, flammable fluids, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum products on plastic parts, interior and door liners or gaskets. Do not use paper towels, scouring pads, or other harsh cleaning tools. These can scratch or damage materials.

■To help remove odors, you can wash interior walls with a mixture of warm water and baking soda (2 tbs. to 1 qt. [26 g to 0.95 L] of water).

4.Determine whether your refrigerator exterior is painted metal, brushed aluminum or stainless steel and choose the appropriate cleaning method.

Painted metal: Wash exteriors with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners, or cleaners designed for stainless steel. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. For additional protection against damage to painted metal exteriors, apply appliance wax (or auto paste wax) with a clean, soft cloth. Do not wax plastic parts.

Brushed aluminum: Wash with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners, or cleaners designed for stainless steel. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Stainless steel finish: Wash with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

■To keep your stainless steel refrigerator looking like new and to remove minor scuffs or marks, it is suggested that you use the manufacturer’s approved Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish.

IMPORTANT: This cleaner is for stainless steel parts only!

Do not allow the Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish to come into contact with any plastic parts such as the trim pieces, dispenser covers or door gaskets. If accidental contact does occur, clean plastic part with a sponge and mild detergent in warm water. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. To order the cleaner, see the “Accessories” section.

5.There is no need for routine condenser cleaning in normal home operating environments. If the environment is particularly greasy or dusty, or there is significant pet traffic in the home, the condenser should be cleaned every 2 to

3 months to ensure maximum efficiency. If you need to clean the condenser:

■Remove the base grille. See “Base Grille” graphic or “Base Grille” section.

■Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to clean the grille, the open areas behind the grille and the front surface area of the condenser.

■Replace the base grille when finished.

6.Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

Changing the Light Bulbs

NOTE: Not all bulbs will fit your refrigerator. Be sure to replace the bulb with one of the same size, shape, and wattage.

1.Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2.Remove the bulb from behind the control panel in the refrigerator or from behind the light shield in the freezer (on some models). Replace it with a bulb of the same wattage.

3.Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

Power Interruptions

If the power will be out for 24 hours or less, keep the door or doors closed (depending on your model) to help food stay cold and frozen.

If the power will be out for more than 24 hours, do one of the following:

■Remove all frozen food and store it in a frozen food locker.

■Place 2 lbs. (907 g) of dry ice in the freezer for every cubic foot (28 L) of freezer space. This will keep the food frozen for 2 to 4 days.

■If neither a food locker nor dry ice is available, consume or can perishable food at once.

REMEMBER: A full freezer stays cold longer than a partially filled one. A freezer full of meat stays cold longer than a freezer full of baked goods. If you see that food contains ice crystals, it may be refrozen, although the quality and flavor may be affected. If the condition of the food is poor, dispose of it.

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