Fix Your Fridge's Cooling and Leaking Issues

Even if you open the refrigerator every day, the things inside aren't cold enough and there's water pooling at the bottom? It's usually not a broken machine, but rather the door seal leaking air combined with the inside being packed too full, blocking the airflow. Below, we'll teach you what to do immediately and how to prevent it from happening again.

Q1｜Why is it "Not Cooling/Leaking Water"? (Common Culprits)

• Door Seal Not Tight: Cold air leaks out and hot air gets in, the unit runs constantly but doesn't cool enough, and produces a lot of condensation.
• Blocked Air Vents: Food touching the vents or shelves too full, preventing cold air circulation, resulting in some spots cold and some warm.
• Drain Hole Clogged: Defrost water can't drain to the drip pan, accumulating at the bottom of the fridge creating a "small pond".
• Back of Unit Overheated: Fridge too close to the wall or surrounded by clutter, poor heat dissipation = gets less cool the more you use it.

Q2 | How to Perform First Aid?

• Clear Space + Adjust Temperature
  • Move food blocking the vents; the refrigerator should be about 70% full for best results.
  • Refrigerator compartment: 3–5°C; Freezer compartment: around −18°C (after adjusting temperature, wait half a day to a day to see the effect).
  • Do not put hot food inside; let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge.
• Check Door Seal (Paper Strip Test)
  • Place a piece of paper between the door and frame; if it pulls out easily when lightly tugged, the seal is poor.
  • Clean the seal and door edge with a damp cloth; the refrigerator should be level, ideally slightly tilted backward so the door closes tightly on its own.
  • For minor deformations, gently warm with a hairdryer on low heat from a distance and press to reshape—avoid overheating.
  • If the deformation is severe, it is recommended to seek professional help for replacement.
• Unclog the Drain Hole
  • There is usually a small drain hole at the bottom of the back panel; gently unclog it with a cotton swab or cable tie; wipe dry any accumulated water in the tray.
  • If frost is thicker than 5 mm, turn off the refrigerator to defrost (placing a bowl of warm water inside with the door open can speed this up)—avoid poking ice with sharp objects.

Q3｜Daily Prevention

• Leave Ventilation Space: Leave at least 2–3 cm of space around the air outlet (front, back, left, and right); keep the back of the unit 5–10 cm away from the wall.
• Minimize Opening, Closing, and Lingering: Grab everything at once; avoid opening the door and "staring blankly."
• Wipe the rubber seal and clear the drain hole monthly; perform a thorough cleaning quarterly (and discard expired food while you're at it).
• Use Containers or Food Storage Boxes: Store damp vegetables or soup in containers to reduce moisture and prevent cross-contamination of odors.
• Odor Removal: Place a small cup of baking soda or coffee grounds to absorb odors, replacing it every two to three weeks.