The refrigerator helps preserve and extend the shelf life of food. However, improper food storage (leaving food in the fridge for too long, sudden power outages, storing strong-smelling foods or seafood together, etc.) can cause the fridge to develop an unpleasant odor. This not only creates discomfort but also directly affects the quality of the food, causing it to lose its original flavor and freshness.
In reality, this issue can be easily solved with a simple medical mask. The process is very straightforward. Cut off one end of the mask, place a handful of dry tea inside, and tie it back up. Then, place it in the fridge. You can use a string or a wire to secure the pouch to the nose clip of the medical mask.
The waterproof layer and activated charcoal layer in the medical mask combined with the dry tea have the ability to absorb moisture, eliminate odors, and emit a pleasant tea scent. Furthermore, the tea can also absorb excess moisture, ensuring that the fridge remains dry and effectively prevents bacterial growth. Note that you should replace the tea bag once a month.
In addition to using it for the refrigerator compartment, the medical mask can also be used for the freezer compartment to save electricity. The freezer compartment often has high humidity, making it prone to frost accumulation, which not only affects the storage space but also increases electricity consumption.
Take advantage of the medical mask as a bag, stuff it with a lot of tissue paper or cotton inside to create a thick tissue package, and place it in the freezer compartment. The paper bag will absorb excess moisture inside, help the fridge breathe, reduce frost formation, and reduce electricity consumption. Compared to using dry towels or other items, the cost of a disposable medical mask and tissue paper will be much lower.
The main functions of the medical mask are moisture absorption and odor elimination, with minimal impact on electricity savings. If you truly want to save electricity, you should implement three measures: minimize opening the fridge, let the food cool completely before storing it, and place the fridge at least 10 cm away from the wall in a well-ventilated area, avoiding sunlight or other heat-emitting devices.
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Is Refrigerated Leftovers Linked to an Increased Risk of Cancer?
Dr. Lam Van Man, Head of Research, Development and Technology Transfer Department of the Institute of Safety Food, has warned of the risk of food poisoning when reheating leftovers from the refrigerator. But what should we be aware of when it comes to the possibility of these leftovers causing cancer? Here, we explore what the experts have to say on the matter and offer some tips for safe eating.