GE 19 - Manual (Page 15)

15
CARE AND CLEANING
Cleaning—Outside
The ice dispenser spill shelf (on some models)
should be wiped dry immediately to prevent spotting
if excessive spills occur. Water left on the shelf may
leave deposits that you can remove by soaking with
undiluted vinegar. You can also use a paste of non-
precipitating water softener (such as Calgon brand)
and water, or 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of citric acid powder
per pint (500 ml) of hot tap water. Soak until the
deposit disappears or becomes loose enough to rinse
away. Usually 30 minutes soaking time is adequate.
Avoid using wax on the spill shelf and trim.
The door handles and trim (on some models) can be
cleaned with a cloth dampened with a solution of mild
liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Dry with a
soft cloth. Don’t use wax on the door handles and trim.
The soft door handles (on some models) are easy to
keep clean if they are waxed every few months. Use a
household wax such as Pledge brand or Jubilee brand
to coat the handles. Soil will then easily wash off with
a dish detergent and water or a non-abrasive all-
purpose cleaner.
Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean cloth lightly
dampened with kitchen appliance wax or mild liquid
dishwashing detergent. Dry and polish with a clean,
soft cloth. Do not wipe the refrigerator with a soiled
dishwashing cloth or wet towel. These may leave a
residue that can erode the paint. Do not use scouring
pads, powdered cleaners, bleach or cleaners
containing bleach because these products can scratch
and weaken the paint finish.
Protect the paint finish. The finish on the outside of
the refrigerator is a high quality, baked-on paint
finish. With proper care, it will stay new-looking and
rust-free for years. Apply a coat of kitchen/appliance
wax when the refrigerator is new and then at least
twice a year.
Appliance Polish Wax & Cleaner is available from
Service and Parts Centers.
Ice Dispenser
Car
e and Cleaning
Cleaning—Inside
Inside the fresh food and freezer compartments
should be cleaned at least once a year. Unplug the
refrigerator before cleaning. If this is not practical, wring
excess moisture out of sponge or cloth when cleaning
around switches, lights or controls. Apply an appliance
wax polish to the inside surface between the doors.
Use warm water and baking soda solution—about a
tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 L) of
water. This both cleans and neutralizes odors. Rinse
thoroughly with water and wipe dry.
Other parts of the refrigerator—including door
gaskets, meat and vegetable drawers, ice storage bin
and all plastic parts—can be cleaned the same way.
After cleaning door gaskets, apply a thin layer of
petroleum jelly to the door gaskets at the hinge side.
This helps keep the gaskets from sticking and bending
out of shape. Do not use cleansing powders or other
abrasive cleaners.
Avoid cleaning cold glass shelves (on some models)
with hot water because the extreme temperature
difference may cause them to break.
To help prevent odors, leave an open box of baking
soda in the rear of the refrigerator, on the top shelf.
Change the box every 3 months. An open box of baking
soda in the freezer will absorb stale freezer odors.
Quick Serve dishes and lids can be cleaned in an
automatic dishwasher or by hand with liquid
dishwashing detergent and water. You can remove
stains by soaking them in a bleach and water
solution—1 part chlorine bleach to 3 parts water.
(Stubborn stains may require soaking.) Use a plastic
scouring pad to remove burned-on soil. Do not use
cleansing powders or other abrasive cleaners.
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Do not wash any plastic parts from your
refrigerator in your automatic dishwasher.