LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - AUGUST 4:   

Prortraits of Scott Carothers refrigerator and freezer in Louisville, Kentucky on August 4, 2022. (Photo by Luke Sharrett for The Washington Post via Getty Images) 

InflationVoices
Food - Drink
The Refrigerator Maintenance Task You've Been Overlooking
By ALI FAGAN
Most people empty their refrigerators of all food and give it a thorough cleaning. Though it may appear to be the ideal method for a spotless refrigerator, modern refrigerators are kept clean by air and water filters that must be replaced regularly.
By circulating air through the refrigerator, air filters neutralize any odors from rotting food and stop the growth of germs and microorganisms. As needed, change the air filter because it will gradually gather dirt and lose its effectiveness.
In contrast, water filters are typically found on refrigerators that make water or ice and remove impurities like lead and chlorine that cause unpleasant tastes or odors. For good operation, these filters should typically be changed twice a year.