How to Care for Your Fridge, Freezer and Washing Machine
A fridge, freezer or washing machine is a big purchase, and a few simple habits can help it serve you for years. None of this needs special tools. It is general good practice, and your user manual remains the final guide for your model. Here is what to do, from the day it arrives.
Set it up properly on day one
Where and how you place an appliance affects how hard it works.
- Level it. Use a spirit level or check by eye. Most appliances have adjustable feet. A machine that rocks is noisy and wears faster, and a washer that is not level can shake badly during the spin.
- Leave breathing space. Fridges and freezers release heat. Leave a gap at the back and sides, as the manual recommends, and do not push them tight against a wall or squeeze them into a cupboard.
- Keep out of the sun. Avoid placing a fridge next to a cooker, an oven or a sunny window, because it must work harder to stay cold.
- Wait before switching on. Many manuals advise letting a fridge stand upright for some hours after transport before plugging in. Check yours.
Protect against power problems
Voltage fluctuations and sudden cuts are a real concern in many Ghanaian homes. As general advice, protect fridges, freezers and air conditioners with a suitable voltage protector or stabiliser, because compressors do not like repeated sudden restarts. Buy one rated for the appliance, and ask a qualified electrician if you are unsure. If the power goes off, wait a few minutes before switching back on, and keep fridge and freezer doors shut to hold the cold.
Everyday fridge and freezer habits
- Do not overfill. Cold air needs to circulate.
- Let hot food cool before storing it.
- Do not leave the door open while you decide what to eat.
- Wipe spills quickly and clean the inside regularly with mild soapy water.
- Dust the back or the condenser coils gently when the manual says to, as dust makes the appliance work harder.
- Check the door seals. Close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal may be worn and letting cold air escape. Clean seals with warm soapy water and replace them if they are damaged.
Defrosting a chest freezer
If frost builds up inside a chest freezer, it takes up space and makes it work harder. Our chest freezers are popular with shop owners and families, and defrosting is easy.
First, switch it off and unplug it. Remove the food and keep it cold in coolers. Leave the lid open and place towels around to catch water. Never chip ice with a knife or sharp tool, as you can damage the lining. Once the ice softens, wipe out the water, dry the inside, plug in again and let it cool before returning food. Do this regularly, before the frost becomes thick.
Keep your washing machine fresh and working
Washers also need attention.
- Do not overload. Stay within the kilogram capacity of the machine. Overloading strains the motor and drum.
- Clean the filter. Many machines have a lint or drain filter. Check the manual for its location and clean it often.
- Wipe the drum and door seal on a front loader after use and leave the door ajar to dry, which helps prevent smells.
- Run an empty hot cycle now and then with a washing machine cleaner, if your manual allows.
- Use the right amount of detergent. Too much leaves residue.
- Turn off the tap after washing, and check hoses for leaks or cracks.
If you are choosing a machine, see our washing machines and compare top load, front load and twin tub.
Service early, not late
Strange noises, weak cooling, water pooling or a burning smell are signs to stop and get help. Switch off and call a qualified technician rather than keep using it. Small problems fixed early cost less than a failed compressor or motor.
When you buy from us, keep your receipt and any warranty details. Ask us on WhatsApp what support applies to your specific product, so you know exactly what to do if something goes wrong.
A simple maintenance calendar
Habits stick better with a schedule. Every week, wipe fridge shelves and check that nothing is blocking the vents inside. Every month, clean the door seals and the washing machine filter, and look at the hoses. Every few months, defrost the chest freezer if frost has built up, dust the back of the fridge and run a cleaning cycle in the washer. Once a year, ask yourself whether anything sounds or smells different, and book a technician if so. Write the dates on your phone calendar. Ten minutes a month is far cheaper than a repair bill.
Ready to buy?
Planning a new fridge, freezer or washer? Browse the refrigerators, then message us. You can pay cash or spread it over 4 months with hire purchase. Prices can change, so confirm on WhatsApp.