How to Clean and Defrost Your Kelvinator Refrigerator

Your Kelvinator refrigerator serves as your kitchens important appliance It  works hard day and night. We often overlook this essential appliance until a problem arises. Regular care is not merely a suggestion; it is mandatory for efficient operation. Cleaning and defrosting a Kelvinator fridge significantly boosts energy efficiency immediately. You also prolong your appliance’s lifespan for years of reliable service. Neglecting this maintenance compromises your food hygiene and wastes electricity. You save money and protect your crucial investment by taking simple action. This is especially relevant for you, the responsible Durban homeowner, in 2025. Our humid KZN coastal climate encourages faster and heavier frost build-up. This extra ice places severe strain on your refrigerator’s compressor. Learn the expert maintenance process now. 

Safety First: The Essential Pre-Check

• Prioritize safety above all else before beginning any maintenance.
• Unplug your Kelvinator immediately from the wall socket. This critical safety measure prevents electrocution and protects the sensitive electronic components.

Safe Food Storage – Kelvinator fridge cleaning and defrosting

• Remove all perishable items from both the fridge and freezer immediately.
• Have an action plan for safe food storage during the cleaning process.
• Utilize a well-insulated cooler box with ice packs for temporary transfer.
• Never let vulnerable food items sit exposed to the warm Durban weather for long periods.

Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Process

Step 1: Clean Removable Parts

• Systematically remove and clean all shelves and drawers first. Take out every movable part from both the fridge and freezer sections.
• Soak these Kelvinator refrigerator parts in a large basin or bathtub of warm, mild soapy water.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub off any sticky residue or spills. Ensure a thorough scrub of all surfaces.
• Let them air-dry completely before you put them back inside.

Step 2: Tackle the Interior Walls

• Wipe down all interior surfaces thoroughly with your non-abrasive, food-safe cleaner.
• Do not over-soak the interior; instead, work with a damp cloth.
• Focus your cleaning efforts on the back wall and the corners. These areas are prone to moisture and bacterial growth.

Step 3: Clean Exterior Surfaces and Handles

• Wipe outside  surfaces to finish the job. Clean the top, the sides, and the door handles completely.
• Sanitise the door handles regularly; these high-touch points accumulate the most germs.

Step 4: Maintain Door Seals (Gaskets)

• Take a look at  the door seals (refrigerator gaskets) carefully for tears, cracks, or hardened sections.
• Damaged seals let  warm, humid air inside constantly.
• Clean the seals using a cotton swab and your mild solution. This removes hidden grime and helps keep the rubber flexible.
• A tight seal is absolutely crucial for your Kelvinator’s energy efficiency.

How to Defrost Your Kelvinator Fridge Safely

Defrosting: The Essential Annual Deep Clean

Understanding when to defrost is your first step. Visually inspect the freezer compartment regularly. Look for clear signs of excessive frost build-up. 

• Forces your Kelvinator to work harder, wasting electricity.
• Makes your freezer door struggle to close properly.

When and How Often to Defrost

You must understand your model’s specifications.

• Older Manual Defrost Fridges: These need the process regularly, typically twice a year.
• Newer Automatic (Frost-Free) Models: These manage ice internally. Even these models benefit greatly from an annual, complete, deep clean and check.
• Consult your Kelvinator user manual for any model-specific instructions.

Safe Defrosting Steps

Now, execute the defrosting instructions systematically:

1. Unplug the unit a second time to ensure safety.
2. Lay old towels  inside the freezer compartment.
3. Place more towels around the base of the fridge. This protects your kitchen floor from water damage.
4. Use a shallow pan or tray to collect the water safely as the ice melts.

Expert Tip: Speed Up the Melt

You can employ an expert tip for a faster process:

• Speed up the process safely with bowls of hot water.
• Put  a large bowl of steaming (not boiling) water inside the empty freezer cavity.
• Quickly close the door to trap the heat and moisture.
• This targeted warmth will loosen the ice rapidly. You must replace the cooling water as the temperature drops.

Critical Warning: Avoid Costly Damage

Avoid damage by resisting several common, destructive temptations.

• Never use sharp tools like knives, metal scrapers, or screwdrivers to chip away at the ice. This risks puncturing the cooling element or freezer lining.
• Puncturing the system leads to an extremely expensive, non-warranty Kelvinator appliance repair.
• Also, do not use a hairdryer or other high-heat sources directly on the plastic

Tips for Frost-Free Kelvinator Operation

Control the Internal Environment

• Practice excellent door management to control humidity.

• Minimise door-open time: quickly grab what you need and close the door.

• Every time the door opens, your Kelvinator fridge works harder to re-cool.

• Prevent humid Durban air from entering and creating condensation.

Optimise Internal Layout for Airflow

• Store items strategically in compartments.

• Don’t  overload shelves, drawers, or door racks.

• Allow air to circulate freely around all food items.

• Proper airflow maintains consistent temperatures and prevents ice buildup.

Maintain the Drainage Hole

• Regularly inspect and clean the fridge drainage hole (usually at the back bottom).

• A blockage causes water to pool inside the fridge.

• Clear clogs with a pipe cleaner or cotton swab dipped in warm water.

• This simple preventative step keeps your fridge running efficiently.

Conclusion

The most important step is addressing those major issues quickly to prevent further damage. When your appliance shows warning signs—like constant running or uneven cooling—don’t delay. If you suspect a serious fault that goes beyond simple maintenance, you need professional help you can trust. If you suspect a serious fault that goes beyond simple maintenance, you need professional help you can trust. Book Kelvinator Fridge Repair in Durban and let SAC take care of it for you.