Top tips from the experts at Knowhow

When your fridge freezer first arrives, you'll need to let it stand upright for around four hours before turning it on if it's been transported horizontally. If your fridge freezer has been transported upright you'll only need to wait for 30 minutes to an hour.

Important: Please note that to ensure optimum performance of your appliance, it will need to be installed with sufficient ventilation to provide enough room to allow heat from the appliance to escape

If the recommended spacing (following the manufacturer's instructions) is not available, please bear in mind that this may cause the appliance to:

• Consume more power
• Increase running costs
• Reduce cooling performance

For the best performance ensure the appliance has as much ventilation as possible

Before you plug in your fridge freezer, remove all packaging, clean out all the compartments with soap and water, and wipe down the outside of the fridge with a clean cloth.

Plug your fridge into a mains socket and follow the instructions from the manual on what controls need to be changed, and what temperature to set your fridge at etc... Usually the temperature will need to start in the middle, e.g. set at 3 from a temperature scale of 1 to 5.

Once you've set all the controls to the correct values, you'll need to wait a few hours for the fridge to reach the correct temperatures. Some fridge freezers have a light that lets you know when you can start storing food. If unsure, check the inside temperature of the fridge and freezer every two hours with a thermometer.

Once you've reached the correct temperature, you can start to move all your food and drinks over.

(Refer to your manufacturer's manual for details)

First things first, switch the fridge freezer off at the mains.

Remove all contents and leave to defrost if necessary.. Do not turn the unit back on.

Remove the dead bulb from its socket. Removal should involve a simple 'twist and turn' process, similar to the one used to take out a normal lightbulb from a desk lamp or ceiling fitting.

First, apply gentle pressure to the plastic covering across the centre of the bulb, and then, while still pressing downwards, twist the bulb anti-clockwise until it begins to come away from the socket.

Look at the bulb closely to find which type of bulb it is and what power voltage it uses. You will need these details for when you purchase a replacement.

If you have trouble finding the correct bulb, try PartsMaster online. This website sells spare parts for thousands of electrical goods, including replacement bulbs for fridge freezers. Simply choose the manufacturer of your fridge freezer from the list provided, and then enter the model number and the serial numbers of the parts needed.

Before replacing the bulb, give the fridge unit a wipe all over with antibacterial spray. Dry completely before proceeding.

Now insert the replacement bulb. Once you have fitted the bulb, place two fingers over the plastic covering of the bulb, and twist it in a clockwise direction until it fits securely into place. Reconnect to the mains and check that the bulb illuminates.

Before replacing the contents of your fridge freezer, be aware that the temperature of your fridge freezer may take up to 24 hours to reach optimum temperature again.

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details

• A fridge should have a temperature of between 37°F(3°C) and 40°F (5°C). Any higher and the food will go off, any lower and you'll lose nutrients and fresh food can be ruined.
• The ideal freezer temperature is 0°F (-18°C) which will store food safely and stop bacteria forming
• It's a good idea to buy a fridge thermometer and check the temperature if you are not sure it the thermostat is working efficiently
• If you adjust the thermostat, it generally will take 24 hours to adjust the temperature

To measure the temperature

• Fridge: put the thermometer in a glass of water. Check the temperature during the first door opening after not using the fridge for 8 hours or more (such as overnight).
• Freezer: put thermometer between two bags of vegetables and as above check after 8 hours or more.

If you suspect there is something wrong with your fridge freezer? Keep an eye out for:

• Your fridge partially freezing food or food feels warm
• Clusters of ice forming on the walls of the fridge section (this is fine for the freezer section, although the build-up should not be more than 1/4 inch)
• Melting ice in the freezer section
• Food going off before the expiration date given on the label
• Condensation forming on the fridge interior (or dribbling down the outside)

If you are fairly certain there is a problem with the temperature, follow the steps below before booking a repair:

• Check the thermostat against the 'ideal' temperature conditions listed above; the gauge is usually found on the inside compartment on the top shelf, and can be turned clockwise/anti-clockwise to turn the temperature up or down
• Check that the plug or electrical socket isn't at fault and the electrical fuse in your household fuse box; this may have flipped and may need switching back.
• Listen out for the compressor fan inside your appliance (should be humming). If you can't hear a soft humming sound, then the part may need replacing and the problem may have nothing to do with the thermostat.
• Remove any excess clutter from the surrounding area (this may clog the cooling fans and wreak havoc with the temperature gauge).
• Defrost the fridge and freezer compartments (a build-up of ice may be clogging the cooling vents).

If you have a "frost free" freezer which appears to have stopped working, you may have an issue with the compressor pump.

You can normally find the pump at the back of your appliance - it resembles a round black "tank" you should be able to feel warmth coming from it, but be careful when touching it to avoid burns. If there is no heat and the unit doesn't feel like it's gently vibrating it has stopped working.

This may be caused by a faulty switch, but if the pump needs replacing it may be more economical to consider looking at a new energy-effecient model rather than repair.

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details

Storing food correctly in the fridge keeps food safe and also helps certain foods last longer. An organised fridge also means you know where everything is so you can be in and out of your fridge quickly saving time, electricity and money!

Fridge storage - the Do's and Don'ts

• Don't overfill the shelves which prevents cold air circulating
• Do keep similar foods together on the same shelf so you know where to look for them
• Don't place any cooked foods and leftover dishes below raw meat, poultry or seafood
• Do store all raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood products on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator
• Don't store eggs in the egg trays on the inside of the refrigerator door as the temperature is higher than other parts of the fridge and changes with frequent door opening. Keep eggs in their original carton and place near the top of the fridge.
• Do store fruit and vegetables separately. Vegetables should be stored in the bottom drawers which is the warmest part.
• Don't put open cans in the fridge as the metal of the can may transfer to the can's contents but put in a storage container or covered bowl
• Do make sure all bottles and jars are closed and that all opened products are tightly wrapped in cling film or aluminium foil
• Don't put hot food in the fridge as it will raise the temperature in the fridge which can promote bacterial growth
• Do pack or cover food seperately to prevent transfer of flavour
• Don't open the door more than you need to

'Best before' and 'use by'

• Food with a 'use by' date goes off quite quickly and can be dangerous to eat after the date specified
• Food with a 'best before' date lasts longer and should be safe to eat but may not be at its best quality after this date

Food can look and smell fine even after its use by date but might not be safe to eat. It could still be contaminated.

Freezing and defrosting

It's safe to freeze meat and fish as long as you:

• Freeze it before the use by date
• Defrost meat and fish thoroughly before cooking
• Lots of liquid will come out as meat thaws so stand it in a bowl to stop bacteria in the juice spreading to other things
• Defrost in a microwave if you intend to cook straightaway or put it in the fridge to thaw so that it doesn't get too warm
• Cook food until it's piping hot all the way through

Date and label meat in the freezer and eat it within two days of defrosting. Don't keep food in a freezer indefinitely. Always have a good idea of what's in your fridge and freezer.

Hope we've helped answer that loaded question. You should be able to stack your shopping and be chilling in no time.

The first step is to find the source of the leak:

1. Inspect the door seals
Open the fridge door and check if there's any moisture on the rubber around the door. If there is, it could mean the door isn't shutting tightly enough and cold air is escaping from inside the refrigerator. Using a damp soft cloth, wipe the seals down to remove any crumbs or dirt that is caught in it. If the door seals are considerably worn, you might want to consider buying a new one. To find new parts, go to the PartsMaster website and type in the make/model of your fridge.

2. Check the door
Open the fridge door halfway - does the fridge door close on its own? If the seals are ok and it doesn't close on it's own it could mean the fridge is leaning too far forward. To fix this you'll need to adjust the refrigerator legs. Remove the guard at the bottom of the fridge and then have someone tilt the fridge back. Underneath there will be threaded or screwed legs that you can adjust accordingly.

3. Test the drip pan
The drip pan is at the bottom of the fridge and is there to catch any drips. With the front guard off and the fridge tilted, look for the drip pan; it will be made of plastic and metal and usually sits above the coils. Carefully remove the drip pan (as there may be water in it) and wash it with warm water. Next, pour water into the drip pan and check if it's leaking. If there's a hole you can buy a new drip pan from the PartsMaster website.

4. Inside the fridge
In the fridge there will be a defrost outlet, usually a round hole located near the compartments at the bottom. Look to see if anything has blocked the hole; some refrigerators come with a un-blocker utensil but if not you can also use something like a straw. Once done, pour a small amount of warm water into the hole and check the drip pan.

Another cause of a leaky fridge is having a build-up of ice at the back or bottom of the fridge. Make sure you defrost the fridge on a regular basis.

5. Check the hose fittings
Note: Before starting make sure you know how to turn off the water valve.
At the back of the fridge there should be several hose fittings. Look for any water leaks and tighten the fittings if they're loose. On some models, it could be that the hose has bee moved and is dripping onto the floor instead of the tray. Also, check there isn't any damage or cuts on the hoses.

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details

Most fridges are designed to deal with the normal amount of condensation through a small drain at the bottom that should drain it all off and keep your fridge frost-free, controlling the moisture created naturally by the chilling process.

There are a couple of simple things to look for if you're winding up with unwanted water inside your fridge.

Drainage problems:

Most all fridges have a drain. Look inside your fridge for a "V" shaped channel with a small hole. This hole leads to a tube and a small pan which sits on top of your refrigerator's compressor. The defrost cycle causes water to run into the channel, down the tube, and then it generally evaporates with the heat of the hot condenser.

However, if that tube is clogged with food crumbs, you will have to clear it to get back to a normal mode of operation. A toothpick, pipecleaner, straw or a cotton bud can often do the trick.

Eventually, the drip pan might rust and need to be replaced so should be checked occasionally if the problem persists. And as long as you will have the fridge pulled out, make sure to vacuum dust off the coils as well just for good measure!

Even a frost free freezer will still ice up at times in the areas away from the heated defrost area and the drain pipes can freeze. This icing causes the pipe work to the compressor to ice over or sweat and cause a puddle. Or if the drainage has frozen over, it will need to be de-iced.

Give the freezer a good overnight defrost until it's totally clear of ice in addition to making sure the drain is clear to the pan at the back and then restart the freezer.

Condensation Problems:

Warm air can get into your fridge causing water droplets to form on the back wall or ceiling. Ask some of the following questions to determine the cause:

1. Was food warm when you put it into the fridge? Make sure it's at room temperature after cooking before putting it in the fridge.

2. How level is your fridge? Often, notching the front screws up one turn will keep condensation moving to the back drain.

3. Does the door shut securely and is the rubber gasket forming a complete seal? Check by closing the door on a fiver. If you can pull it out without a problem, the seal is probably letting warm air in and should be replaced.

4. What temperature is your fridge set on? Cold air is generally dryer. However having the temperature set too high can cause an imbalance.

5. Always close the fridge door as quickly as possible after opening it. Leaving the door open allows warm air to enter and increases the possibility of condensation.

Making sure that your fridge is clean inside and out, seals properly on the door and is set at a temperature between 0 - 5 degrees Centigrade (according to the Food Standards Agency) is essential to preventing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in your chilled foodstuffs.

In any case, soggy packages, drippy shelves and mopping up to cope with the moisture should not be something you have to just cope with!

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details

• Check the thermostat control. Even if you've not adjusted it, something may have knocked it. The fridge may also need to be adjusted depending on the temperature of its surroundings and the coldness of the weather.
• Make sure any food stored in the fridge or freezer is not blocking any air vents. This can stop air circulating properly.
• If the fridge is too close to the wall, the condenser coils will not function properly and can cause this problem.
• Defrost the fridge and freezer thoroughly and clean the inside surfaces with warm water. Check any air vents to ensure they are not blocked.
• Clean the condenser coils at the back of the fridge using a vacuum cleaner, making sure all dust and any dirt are removed. Clean any stubborn dirt away with warm soapy water, being careful not to scrape the coils.
• Make sure the fridge's fans are not clogged and are able to function properly.
• Check the door is closing properly. Make sure nothing is obstructing it or pushing it slightly open. Ensure the seals around the edge are working well.

Taking these steps will often stop your fridge working too hard and help it chill out. If you're still having problems, contact our Knowhow team on 0845 561 1234 .

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details

• Make sure nothing inside the fridge is pushing the door open. Large plastic bottles are often a culprit here, especially when the fridge is very full.
• Remove any heavy items stored in the door of the fridge. If the door now works it could be a symptom of some of the problems below.
• Check the rubber door seal (gasket). This needs to be well attached and smooth all around the edge of the door and frame. If it's come loose or looks twisted you may be able to move it back into place for the short term, but it should be replaced.
• If the door seal looks fine but the door doesn't "lock" shut and drifts open, the gasket may have become de-magnetised. You will either need to get the seal re-magnetised or replace it.
• If the door won't fully close something may be obstructing the hinges. Check that no debris is blocking them or that the plastic spacers are not worn or deformed.
• Should the door look like it's not hanging properly the hinges may have come out of alignment or have worn down. These can be adjusted or replaced so the door sits properly again.
• Check the hinge pins to see if they wobble or move when the door opens and closes. If they do, they may need adjustment or replacing

Most of these repairs are not too difficult or costly. Your user guide will give you details of any adjustments you can make yourself safely and without damaging your warranty, but if in any doubt consult a specialist.

Now you can get your fridge working again and close the door on the matter.

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details

There are a number of reasons for the lack of water:

• You have air in the water line. This can happen because of a bad water connection. To clear it, press the water dispenser lever for one or two minutes to flush the system.
• Your refrigerator water line is not turned on. Check the water supply to the unit is on and the supply hose is not trapped or kinked. Carefully pull the refrigerator away from the wall, locate the water connection on the back of the refrigerator and make sure the valve is open.
• Your water filter cartridge needs to be replaced. You'll usually find it located in the upper right of the refrigerator or behind the vegetable bin.
• The tube fitting at the bottom has been wrongly installed. Check the tube fitting at the bottom of the freezer door.
• The water tank is frozen. If it is set at 3°C or lower then it is possible in some circumstances that the water tank may freeze up. Try resetting the optimum temperature to 4°C.

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details

• Remove all food from the freezer, wrap it up in newspaper and cover with a towel. Alternatively, store food in a freezer compartment of your fridge/freezer or in cool boxes.
• Unplug the freezer from the wall and open the lid to allow it to defrost.
• If you freezer has one, lift the drain cover and insert the hose adaptor. Place a container at the end of the adaptor or direct it into a drain.
• Put pans of hot water into the freezer to speed up defrosting. As the water cools, replace it with more hot water.
• You can use a wooden spatula or plastic scraper to gently dislodge any stubborn pieces of ice. Do not use sharp objects such as a knife as you may cause damage to the freezer.
• Mop up water from freezer walls with a towel or sponge
• When it's totally defrosted, dry out the inside of the freezer with some fresh towels
• Use a clean, damp, cloth and put a little baking powder or mild detergent. Rinse well and towel dry
• Remove hose adaptor and replace drain cover if applicable.
• Replace your frozen food and turn the freezer back on at the mains.

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details

There are two types of ice build-up:

Powdered Ice is the most common type and forms over a longer period of time, having a powdery texture like snow - a tell tale sign is crystals forming on your food packaging. This type of ice is formed from warm air creeping into the fridge, usually due to the door being repeatedly opened and closed.

Another cause could be that there's a problem with the door seal, which is allowing excess air to enter. Using a damp cloth, wipe the seals down to remove any crumbs or dirt that might be caught in it. If the door seal is considerably worn or there's a tear, you'll want to consider buying a new seal. To find new parts, go to the PartsMaster website and type in the make/model of your fridge.

Solid Ice is found more in the base of chest freezers or anywhere that water can leak and become frozen. To find out how to find a potential leak, read our article on:

Defrosting

Most modern fridges and freezers are frost-free but older models will need regular defrosting to prevent the build-up of ice. You should always defrost if the ice becomes 3mm or more thick.

Before you begin defrosting:

• Make sure you store any chilled/frozen foods in a cool place. To be safe, wrap frozen foods in newspaper and pack them all together in a box (or try asking a neighbour if you could place it in their fridge-freezer for a few hours)
• Unplug the fridge/freezer, remove any drawers and place a wedge in the door to keep it open
• Place a tray or towels at the bottom of your fridge or freezer to mop up the water as the ice melts
• Avoid using sharp implements to remove any chunks of ice; this can lead to the evaporator at the back being pierced and stops the fridge from working
• Once the ice has thawed, clean the freezer and drawers with warm water and a small amount of detergent. Wipe dry and replace drawers.
• Plug the fridge/freezer back into the mains and make sure the thermostat is set correctly
• Now you can restock with your fresh and frozen food

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details

Cleaning your fridge

• Take out all the food, throwing away anything past its sell-by-date
• Take out all the removable parts of the fridge such as shelves, racks, vegetable trays etc..
• Handwash all the shelves and removable parts with warm soapy water. Leave to dry on paper towels or newspaper while you tackle the main part of the fridge.
• Using a clean sponge or soft cloth, clean the inside of the fridge, using either a mild detergent or baking powder and water. Don't use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as scourers, bleach etc as these can cause damage.
• Wash stainless steel and painted metal exteriors with a clean sponge or soft cloth and mild detergent in warm water
• Once the fridge is dry, replace all shelves and drawers
• Wash the outside of the refrigerator and the rubber molding around the door with warm soapy water. Dry with paper towels or a cloth
• Turn the temperature control knob inside the refrigerator back to the recommended setting and return the food to the refrigerator wiping any bottles or jars that are sticky, and put any uncovered food in sealed containers or freezer bags

It is simple science - a clean fridge means a healthy place to store food. Now you've shown the door to germs, your fridge will be sparkling and you can get on with the important job of eating what's inside it.

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details

The cooling coils are able to work at top efficiency when they're clean which makes them cheaper to run and also more environmentally friendly. Your fridge or freezer's user manual will show you exactly where they are and any special precautions you should take before cleaning.

• Turn off the power and unplug it from the mains
• Carefully move the appliance away from the wall so you have access to the back
• Locate the cooling coils. On some models they may be covered by a panel which can be removed as described in the user manual. Some just unclip, while others will be secured by screws.
• Using a vacuum cleaner and the appropriate brush attachment, clean away any dusty build up. Some vacuum cleaners have special attachments for this, but the narrow attachment or upholstery brush can also be used.
• You may be able to see the fridge or freezer's fan. Use the vacuum to clean any dust away from this too.
• Using a cleaning brush, gently clean away any stubborn dirt that still remains. If the coils have a sticky, fatty, build-up on them, clean this with warm soapy water then rinse clean and dry.
• Vacuum the coils once again to remove any last little bits of dirt that may have been dislodged while brushing
• Replace the back panel, if there is one, according to the user manual
• Move the device back against the wall, then plug it back in and turn the power back on

That'll keep your fridge feeling cool as a cucumber.

Always refer to your manufacturer's manual for specific details