Tips

9 Things You’re Probably Overlooking That Are Ruining Your Fridge

The refrigerator is an essential household appliance, but after two of mine broke down, I realized I had never used such a simple device properly.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

1. Ensure Meat Is Fresh and Clean Before Refrigerating

Various types of meat and fresh produce need to be covered, rinsed, or otherwise ensured to be clean before being placed in the fridge. Many fresh meats have a bloody or fishy odor, which can lead to a foul smell or bacterial growth if placed directly in the refrigerator.

If there are certain types of meat that cannot be thoroughly washed, you can place them in ziplock bags or wrap them in plastic to maintain cleanliness and hygiene before refrigerating.

2. Avoid Overstuffing Your Fridge

I recommend keeping the ingredients stored in your fridge to a maximum of 2/3 full. Overstuffing the fridge will not only increase its energy consumption but also impact food preservation and lead to issues like foul odors.

To be frank, a jam-packed fridge makes it inconvenient to retrieve ingredients, doesn’t it?

3. Adjust the Temperature Accordingly

I usually set my fridge temperature to around 4 degrees Celsius for cooling and -18 degrees Celsius for freezing. In my experience, this temperature range is ideal for preserving quality and freshness without spoilage due to extreme temperatures, and it also helps reduce energy wastage.

4. Regularly Clean Your Fridge

Even if your fridge uses air cooling and is not prone to freezing, I recommend regular cleaning. Wipe down the interior, then spray with alcohol to disinfect and dry. This ensures your fridge remains clean and hygienic.

5. The Magic of Proper Food Storage

There are numerous tricks to properly storing certain foods in the fridge. For instance, if you place moist cookies in the fridge for half a day, they can become dry and crispy. Onions, too—if you freeze them for an hour before chopping, you’ll avoid those tear-inducing vapors.

6. Avoid Re-Freezing Thawed Meat

Meat that has been thawed multiple times should not be refrozen and then “frozen” again. This type of meat is more likely to harbor bacteria and will, at the very least, result in reduced meat quality and flavor.

7. Chilling Drinks

To quickly chill bottled drinks, first wrap them in damp paper towels and then place them in the fridge. For your favorite summer green bean soup, freeze it after cooking and let it cool. When you reheat it, you’ll find it tastes even better.

8. Space Out Your Food Items

It’s best to leave some space between the items stored in your fridge; don’t place them right next to each other. Not only can they affect each other, leading to cross-contamination, but they are also especially prone to transferring flavors. Avoid keeping too many leftovers, as this can also lead to bacterial growth or foul odors.

9. Don’t Block the Vents

Unless it’s a built-in fridge, place it in a well-ventilated area, and pay attention to whether the heat is dissipating from the sides, top, or bottom. Blocking the vents will reduce the fridge’s cooling capacity and affect its longevity.

Frequently asked questions

There are several things that people might be neglecting that can cause their fridge to deteriorate and not function optimally. These include not cleaning the coils, neglecting the door seals, ignoring the drain pan, not maintaining proper airflow, overlooking the temperature settings, neglecting regular cleaning, ignoring strange sounds or smells, using the wrong types of containers, and not utilizing the fridge’s features effectively.

Cleaning the coils is crucial as it helps the fridge run efficiently and prolongs its lifespan. Dusty coils can lead to increased energy consumption and reduced cooling performance.

Door seals that are not maintained properly can cause air leaks, leading to temperature fluctuations inside the fridge. This can result in food spoilage and higher energy costs.

Strange sounds or smells coming from your fridge could indicate a potential problem. It is important to address these issues promptly by checking for any blockages, cleaning the coils and fans, or seeking professional assistance if the problem persists.

It is best to use airtight containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic. These containers help keep food fresh for longer and prevent spills or leaks that can cause a mess in your fridge.

Ensure that there is sufficient space between items in the fridge and that air vents are not blocked. Proper airflow helps maintain an even temperature throughout the fridge and prevents cooling issues.

It is recommended to clean your fridge regularly, ideally once every three to four months. This includes wiping down shelves and drawers, vacuuming or cleaning the coils, and addressing any spills or leaks promptly.

Modern fridges often come with various features such as humidity-controlled crisper drawers, temperature-controlled zones, and adjustable shelves. Familiarize yourself with your fridge’s features and utilize them effectively to maximize its performance and keep your food fresh longer.