You'll find plenty of choices if you're shopping for a new refrigerator. There are frost-free or self-defrosting models. The freezer could be on the top, the bottom, or the side. First of all, decide on the size you want. As a rule of thumb, an eight-cubic-foot refrigerator is about right for two people. Add an extra cubic foot for each additional member of your household. In comparing various models, consult the EnerGuide tag on the back. It will give you the average cost of operating the appliance each year. Try to find one on coasters; it makes the unit easier to move. About the only regular maintenance a refrigerator needs is cleaning. Dust or vacuum the coils on the back regularly. Built-up dirt there can make your unit work harder. The inside of your refrigerator should be kept clean. Drips and spills can become breeding grounds for bacteria that cause food to spoil. A tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm water makes a safe cleaning solution. An open box of baking soda will also absorb refrigerator odors. Be sure and change it every two months. Another thing to check occasionally is the rubber gasket that seals the refrigerator door. Cracks or gaps can let cold air escape. Look for signs of mildew that can harbor bacteria. If you spot any, it can be removed with a quarter cup of chlorine bleach and a quart of warm water. Rinse and dry completely. Finally, keep your refrigerator set at the proper temperature. Food keeps best at temperatures between 34 and 40 degrees. Keep your freezer set at zero degrees. There are special thermometers available that you can use to check.
