For long vacations or absences, remove foodand unplug the refrigerator. Move the freezercontrol to the 0 position, and clean theinterior with a baking soda solution of onetablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda to onequart (1 liter) of water. Leave the doors open.Set the icemaker power switch to the0 position and shut off the water supplyto the refrigerator.If the temperature can drop below freezing,have a qualified servicer drain the watersupply system (on some models) to preventserious property damage due to flooding.12Preparing for VacationCare and cleaning of the refrigerator.Cleaning the OutsideThe dispenser drip area, (on some models)beneath the grille, should be wiped dry.Water left in this area may leave deposits.Remove the deposits by adding undilutedvinegar to the well. Soak until the depositsdisappear or become loose enough torinse away.The dispenser cradle (on some models).Before cleaning, lock the dispenser bypressing and holding the LOCK CONTROL padfor 3 seconds. Clean with warm water andbaking soda solution—about a tablespoon(15 ml) of baking soda to a quart (1 liter)of water. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.The door handles and trim. Clean with acloth dampened with soapy water. Drywith a soft cloth.Keep the outside clean. Wipe with a cleancloth lightly dampened with kitchenappliance wax or mild liquid dish detergent.Dry and polish with a clean, soft cloth.Do not wipe the refrigerator with a soiled dish clothor wet towel. These may leave a residue that canerode the paint. Do not use scouring pads, powderedcleaners, bleach or cleaners containing bleachbecause these products can scratch and weakenthe paint finish.Cleaning the InsideTo help prevent odors, leave an open box ofbaking soda in the refrigerator and freezercompartments.Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. If thisis not practical, wring excess moisture outof sponge or cloth when cleaning aroundswitches, lights or controls.Use warm water and baking soda solution—about a tablespoon (15 ml) of baking sodato a quart (1 liter) of water. This both cleansand neutralizes odors. Rinse and wipe dry.After cleaning the door gaskets, apply a thinlayer of petroleum jelly to the door gasketsat the hinge side. This helps keep the gasketsfrom sticking and bending out of shape.Drain opening in freezer compartment. Duringyearly cleaning, remove bottom freezerbasket and flush a solution of baking soda—1 teaspoon (5 ml) and 2 cups (500 ml) ofhot (not boiling) water— through the drainline with the help of a meat baster. Thiswill help eliminate odor and reduce thelikelihood of a clogged drain line. If drainbecomes clogged, use a meat baster andbaking soda solution to force the clogthrough the drain line.Avoid cleaning cold glass shelves with hot waterbecause the extreme temperature difference maycause them to break. Handle glass shelves carefully.Bumping tempered glass can cause it to shatter.Do not wash any plastic refrigerator parts inthe dishwasher.Dispenser drip area.Be careful when moving the refrigeratoraway from the wall. All types of floorcoverings can be damaged, particularlycushioned coverings and those withembossed surfaces.Pull the refrigerator straight out and returnit to position by pushing it straight in.Moving the refrigerator in a side directionmay result in damage to the floor coveringor refrigerator.When pushing the refrigerator back, make sure youdon’t roll over the power cord or icemaker supply line(on some models).Behind the Refrigerator