The Smartest Way to Keep Your Fridge Fresh and Odor-Free: An Overnight Hack

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Prepare a bowl of water

For this tip, the first step is to prepare a bowl of water. It is recommended to use a non-metallic bowl and fill it only up to 90% with clean water. This is crucial as water expands when frozen, and overfilling may cause the bowl to crack.

This preparatory step is not only simple but also easily achievable, even for those who are not accustomed to household chores. Preparing a bowl of water is the beginning of a creative and effective energy-saving solution.

2. Freeze it overnight

After preparing the bowl of water, the next step is to place it in the freezer overnight. Many homemakers who have tried this experiment observed that the water froze solid after just one night.

Letting the freezer rest during this period helps maintain the necessary temperature for water to turn into ice. This step is essential as it ensures that the ice is formed evenly and efficiently, ready for use the next day.

3. Transfer the ice cubes to the refrigerator

In the morning, take the bowl of ice from the freezer and transfer the ice cubes directly into the refrigerator. The ice will melt slowly in the warmer environment of the fridge.

This melting process not only cools the surrounding air but also helps maintain a stable temperature in the fridge without frequently activating the compressor. This is akin to providing “free air conditioning” for your refrigerator, reducing vibrations and noise during its operation.

Why does this tip help save energy?

The reason behind this energy-saving tip is clear: refrigerators consume the most energy when the compressor starts up. By maintaining a stable temperature through ice, the compressor runs less frequently, reducing the startup frequency to as low as ten times a day.

It is estimated that this tip can help save at least 30% of energy consumption, a significant figure considering the ever-increasing electricity prices.

Some additional ways to save energy in your refrigerator:

1. Regular defrosting

Regular defrosting is crucial to maintaining the efficiency of your refrigerator. When the ice layer in the freezer exceeds 5 mm, it can increase energy consumption by up to 10%. Thick ice layers not only take up space but also hinder the cooling capacity of the fridge.

As the compressor has to work harder to maintain a stable temperature, energy consumption rises. Therefore, periodic defrosting not only saves energy but also ensures that food is stored in optimal conditions. It is recommended to check the freezer at least once a month and defrost when necessary.

2. Wrap food tightly before refrigerating

Wrapping food tightly before placing it in the refrigerator is a simple yet effective energy-saving tip. When food is tightly wrapped, warm air from the outside cannot enter the fridge, helping to maintain a stable internal temperature. If food is not properly wrapped, humidity and temperature fluctuations can occur, causing the refrigerator to work harder to adjust.

Moreover, this practice also prevents odors and bacterial growth, prolonging food preservation. Using plastic wrap or airtight containers are effective ways to implement this tip.

3. Prefer glass or ceramic containers

Using glass or ceramic containers for food storage in the refrigerator offers not only aesthetic benefits but also helps save energy. These materials have better heat retention properties than plastic, contributing to stable food temperatures.

When food is stored in glass or ceramic containers, the internal temperature fluctuates less, reducing the need for frequent compressor startups. This not only saves energy but also improves food preservation and minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination from plastic.