Tips

8 Tips to Double Your Fridge’s Efficiency: Most Are Simple, but #2 and #5 Are Rarely Followed

Most houses have a refrigerator but not everyone knows the most efficient way to use it.

22 April, 2024

A well-organized refrigerator makes finding food easier and maintains its freshness. Group together items that are typically consumed together or store them in clear containers for easy identification. Avoid overstocking and cramming unnecessary items into the fridge.

2. Set the Correct Temperature

To increase food longevity, store items at the appropriate temperature and in the correct compartment. Some foods should be refrigerated to maintain optimal freshness, while others should be stored in the freezer for longer preservation. Modern refrigerators even have specialized compartments, such as the crisper drawer. Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions to determine which compartments are suitable for which foods.

3. Monitor Food Expiration Dates

When stocking your refrigerator, prioritize using older items or those with shorter expiration dates before reaching for newer ones. This practice helps reduce food waste by ensuring that items with earlier expiration dates get used first.

4. Prevent Cross-Contamination

Store leftovers or strong-smelling foods in sealed containers to prevent moisture loss, preserve flavor, and keep unpleasant odors from permeating the refrigerator. Additionally, place raw meat and seafood in the freezer or on separate shelves to avoid odor transfer within the fridge. Use spill-proof containers for liquids and avoid contact with other food items.

5. Extend the Life of Perishables

Produce such as fruits and vegetables should be cleaned and dried before refrigerating, as moisture can hasten spoilage. Leafy greens can also be spun dry before storage.

6. Minimize Door Openings and Close Properly

Limit the duration of refrigerator door openings to preserve cold air and maintain a stable temperature. Additionally, ensure the refrigerator door is properly closed after each use. This reduces energy consumption and promotes food freshness by preventing frequent temperature shocks to its contents.

7. Declutter Before Vacations

Before going on vacation or for extended periods of absence, remove perishable items that may expire during your time away. This prevents unpleasant odors and reduces the risk of food spoilage. Some newer refrigerators have customizable modes that allow you to put your refrigerator into a ‘vacation mode’ to save energy during extended absences.

8. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Every few days, promptly clean up any food spills, wipe down shelves, and regularly check for expired items. A clean refrigerator not only prevents unpleasant odors but also ensures safe food storage. If you notice a decrease in cooling efficiency, consider calling a qualified technician for an inspection.

Frequently asked questions

Refer to your refrigerator’s manual to set the optimal temperature for each compartment. Store food in the correct place to prolong its freshness.

Prioritize using older items and those with earlier expiration dates. This ensures you consume food before it goes bad and helps reduce waste.

Store leftovers and strong-smelling foods in sealed containers. Keep raw meat and seafood separate and use spill-proof containers for liquids to avoid contamination and unpleasant odors.

Clean and dry fruits and vegetables before refrigerating. This removes moisture that can cause spoilage. Spin dry leafy greens for extra longevity.

Limiting the duration of door openings helps maintain a stable temperature and preserves cold air. This keeps food fresh and reduces energy consumption.

Remove perishable items with upcoming expiration dates to prevent spoilage and odors. Consider using ‘vacation mode’ if your refrigerator has this feature.

Clean up spills and wipe down shelves every few days. Regularly check for expired items and give your refrigerator a thorough cleaning as needed to maintain hygiene and safe food storage.