The refrigerator is damp and generates too much condensation
You notice droplets inside your fridge ... Do the walls remain wet all the time? If this is happening in your fridge, as a result your food will not store well and even worse, you may observe water in the bottom of your refrigerator. Read this troubleshooting guide to understand the origin of this condensation problem in your refrigerator.
THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS FAULT:
-
Wrong fridge location
-
The exhaust duct is clogged
-
Misuse of the fridge
-
Poorly positioned or deteriorated fridge seal
-
Thermostat failure
WARNING
Before you do anything to your appliance, make sure you disconnect it from the power supply.
There is a risk of electric shock.
Wear suitable protective gloves if you need to dismantle anything.
There is a risk of getting cut or injured.
The fridge is poorly placed
A marked condensation concernis usually caused by a significant temperature difference. If your refrigeration appliance is installed in a room that is too cold, the compressor will have to compensate for this temperature difference by operating to excess, which can cause the appearance of moisture in the unit. For example, this can happen when the refrigerator is located in a garage or unheated room. It will therefore be necessary to change its place to solve this problem. To ensure the proper functioning of the device, refer to the instructions for your fridge to find out the lowest ambient temperature set by the manufacturer.
It is not uncommon to see condensation appear in a fridge during its first use. Or, following its return to service after several weeks of shutdown. Your device needs a little time to reach the requested temperature. This phenomenon will disappear when the indoor temperature is reached. You can help your fridge cool down by placing water bottles in it
If the exhaust duct is blocked
Often located behind where you store the lettuce (the crisper) in the bottom draw of the fridge, the hole in the moisture vent can be blocked. In this case, moisture will not be evacuated and will stagnate on the inner walls of the device. Sometimes you will observe a water leak under this draw or even under the refrigerator. Unclog this hole with a straw and a little hot water.
Misuse of the fridge
Faced with condensation, take stock of your habits in terms of using the fridge:
- Do you wait for the dishes to cool before placing them in the refrigerator? When placing hot items in the fridge, your refrigeration appliance will have more difficulty stabilizing its internal temperature.
- Do you open the door of the device too frequently, especially when it's hot? When the fridge door is opened too frequently or stays open for too long, warm outside air rushes into the appliance. This creates a series of thermal shocks that generate condensation. Group your food loads to be organised about what will be placed on each shelf with the door closed, then load your fridge quickly to avoid having the door open for too long. A well-organized fridge also means that you can locate items quicker and close the door sooner.
- Have you stored any food or storage boxes in a way that could interfere with the proper closing of the refrigerator door? Check that the door closes properly.
Some foods with a high water content, such as green salad or fruit, can accentuate condensation. They will release moisture during cooling. We advise you to pack them before placing them in the refrigerator. For example, put the salad in an airtight box with a sheet of paper towels inside to absorb the moisture. In addition, it will help you to keep salad longer.
A poorly positioned or deteriorating door gasket
The seal of the fridgemakes the fridge airtight via the temperature of the room where it is located. This is in order to guarantee a constant cold air in the device. If the seal no longer fulfills its role, the device will no longer be able to balance its temperature, creating excess moisture. Check the proper tightness of your household appliance. Check that the door gasket is properly positioned, without being displaced or tearing. A displaced joint can be repositioned by gently pulling it outwards. Clean the seal regularly to prevent it from becoming clogged and deteriorating. If the seal is worn or damaged, it will be necessary to replace it.
The thermostat is failing
Each refrigerator is equipped with a thermostat. Thanks to this spare part, you can adjust the temperature in the compartments of the fridge. How can this work? As soon as the temperature rises in the refrigerator, an electrical contact in the thermostat closes to operatethe compressor. If this element is defective, the compressor will run continuously and this can cause frost to form. Sometimes you will observe a puddle under the crisper or a runoff on the walls of the device.Before any repair, perform a complete defrost of the fridge to see if this solves the problem. To do this, empty the fridge and then unplug it. Help it defrost by dabbing the walls with a sponge and hot water. If the anomaly persists, it will be necessary to replace the defective thermostat.