Maintenance, Stainless Steel Care Cleaning

Compact Refrigerators

MAINTENANCE

CAUTION

The thermostat must be turned to OFF and the cabinet disconnected from the power source whenever performing service, maintenance functions or cleaning the refrigerated area.

CAUTION

Never use an acid based cleaning solution! Many food products have an acidic content which can deteriorate the finish. Be sure to clean ALL food products from any stainless steel surface. Common items include, tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables.

STAINLESS STEEL CARE AND

CLEANING

To prevent discoloration or rust on stainless steel several important steps need to be taken. First, the properties of stainless steel need to be understood. Stainless steel contains 70-80% iron which will rust. It also contains 12-30% chromium which forms an invisible passive film over the steels surface which acts as a shield against corrosion. As long as the protective layer is intact, the metal will not corrode and is still stainless. If the film is broken or contaminated, outside elements can begin to breakdown the steel and begin to form rust or other discoloration.

CAUTION

NEVER USE STEEL PADS, WIRE BRUSHES OR SCRAPERS!

Do not use an abrasive cleaner because it will scratch the stainless steel and plastic and can damage gaskets. Proper cleaning of stainless steel requires soft cloths or plastic scouring pads.

Cleaning solutions need to be alkaline based or non- chloride cleaners. Any cleaner containing chlorides will damage the protective film of the stainless steel. Chlorides are also commonly found in hard water, salts and household and industrial cleaners. If cleaners containing chlorides are used, be sure to rinse repeatedly and dry thoroughly upon completion.

Routine cleaning of the interior and exterior can be done with soap and warm water. Extreme stains or grease should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner and plastic scrub pad. When cleaning the exterior, always rub with the grain of the stainless steel to avoid marring the finish. There are also stainless steel cleaners available which can restore and preserve the finish of the steels protective layer.

Early signs of stainless steel breakdown can consist of small pits and cracks. If this has begun, clean thoroughly and start to apply stainless steel cleaners in an attempt to restore the passivity of the steel.

CLEANING THE CONDENSER COIL

The condenser coil requires regular cleaning every 90 days (recommended). In some instances you may find a large amount of debris and dust or grease accumulated prior to the 90 day time frame. In these cases the condenser coil should be cleaned every 30 days.

If the build up on the coil consists of only light dust and debris the condenser coil can be cleaned with a simple brush. Heavier dust build up may require a vacuum or even compressed air to blow through the condenser coil.

If heavy grease is present there are de-greasing agents available for refrigeration use, and specifically for the condenser coils. The condenser coil may require using a de-greasing agent and then being blown through with compressed air. Follow the de-greasing agent manufacturer’s instructions.

Failure to maintain a clean condenser coil can initially cause high temperatures and excessive run times. Continuous operation with dirty or clogged condenser coils can result in compressor failure. Neglecting the condenser coil cleaning procedures will void any warranties associated with the compressor or cost to replace the compressor.

CAUTION

Never use a high pressure water wash for this cleaning procedure as water can damage the electrical components located near or at the condenser coil.

In order to maintain proper refrigeration performance, the condenser fins must be cleaned of dust, dirt and grease regularly. It is recommended that this be done every three months. If conditions are such that the condenser is totally blocked in three months, the frequency of cleaning should be increased. Clean the condenser with a vacuum cleaner or stiff brush. If extremely dirty, a commercially available condenser cleaner may be required.

If your freezer seems to vibrate excessively when the compressor is running, loosen (but do not remove) the bolts on the compressor. Semi-hermetic models should be loosened before operating.