Maintenance for a gas refrigerator

Cleaning Inside

Proper cleanliness is important, especially on the inside of the refrigerator. A recommended and convenient time for cleaning your refrigerator is during the regular maintenance or right after defrosting. Cleaning both inside and outside should always be done with a soft cloth and mild soap and warm water solution. Rinse the inside with a baking soda and warm water mixture of approx 1-2 tbsp. to 1 qt. warm water. Then wipe dry with soft cloth. Never use harsh or abrasive cleaners. Never use course cloth for cleaning.

Cleaning Outside

Waxing the outside of the refrigerator box may prevent against minor scratches and add to rust protection. Just use a standard auto wax on the painted metal surfaces only. Do not use on the plastic handles or rubber gasket. Always check the gasket surfaces for debris as this can cause a cold air leak from the interior.

Cleaning the absorption cooling unit will help with the units overall efficiency. This should be done every three months. Simply use a large soft bristle brush and clean the dust and lint from the Condenser Fins (at rear top of cooling unit) and the Coil Pipes below .

Keeping the area around and under the refrigerator will help prevent debris from being sucked into the burner tube. This is the most common problem with propane powered refrigerators not operating correctly. This should be done every three months.

See the Cleaning the Burner, Cleaning the Flue, and Cleaning the Orifice sections for more info.

Defrosting

The easiest way to defrost the refrigerator compartment is to do it overnight without turning it off. Simply turn the thermostat to minimum in the late evening and the ice should dislodged by morning. Using a plastic ice scraper on the fins at the rear of the refrigerator compartment can help with the thicker pieces of ice. Place a cookie sheet or towel under the fins to catch the ice. Never use a metal scraper or ice pick. Reset the thermostat to the original setting.

The freezer compartment can be done the same as the refrigerator.

The defrosted water from the refrigerator compartment will drain down the drain tube into the catch pan under the rear of the unit. It will eventually evaporate without harm, or it can be removed with a sponge.