8 Tips on How to Safely Use Refrigerator for a Longer Period

Refrigerators and freezers are essential appliances in our homes, helping us store and preserve our food. However, maintenance of refrigerators and freezers is important. In this blog, you will learn about eight simple tips to help you keep your refrigerator and freezer safe and in good working condition.

Follow these tips, and you'll be able to maintain your appliances properly and ensure the safety of your food.

When checking up on a fridge, keep these considerations in mind:

1. Keep it clean

 A clean refrigerator is essential for maintaining food safety and preventing bacterial growth. Here are some following tips for keeping your fridge clean:

1. Empty the refrigerator and dispose of any expired or spoiled food.
2. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the fridge with a solution of warm water and mild detergent.
3. Clean the shelves and drawers with mild detergent and warm water, and dry them thoroughly.
4. Keep a box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odours.
5. Clean the coils and the condenser of your fridge periodically to maintain the fridge's efficiency.

2. Organize it

Organizing your refrigerator can make finding what you need easier, prevent food waste, and keep your food fresh. Here are some following tips that will help you manage your fridge:

1. Before you start, take inventory of what you have and plan out how you want to organize your fridge.
2. Divide your fridge into zones for different types of food, such as dairy, meats, fruits, and vegetables. Keeping a list allows you to track what you have and find things more quickly.
3. Use clear containers or resealable bags to store food, so you can easily see what you have and when it needs to be used.
4. Make sure to label it with the date it was purchased or prepared so you'll know when to use it.
5. Keeping a shopping list on your fridge or near your refrigerator makes it easy to add items to it as you run out.

3. Check the seal 

 Checking the seal on your refrigerator is essential to ensure that it operates efficiently and keeps your food fresh. You can check your fridge's seal by following these tips:

1. Put a piece of paper in front of the door and close it. The seal may need to be tighter if you can easily pull the form out when the door is closed.
2. A wet cloth should be used regularly to wipe down the door seals and gaskets.
3. Apply petroleum jelly to the seals and gaskets on the doors.
4. It is essential to ensure that the door is aligned correctly; if the door is not aligned properly, the seal may not form correctly.

4. Maintenance

Keeping your refrigerator in good working order will ensure that it lasts a long time. To keep your fridge in good shape, following these tips:

1. These fridge parts can become clogged with dust and debris, decreasing the unit's efficiency. At least once a year, clean them with a coil brush or vacuum cleaner.
2. Make sure it is not leaking, and replace it if necessary.
3. A wet cloth should be used to clean the surface of the refrigerator, and it should be dried thoroughly.
4. Schedule a professional cleaning and service at least once a year to keep your refrigerator in good working order.

5. Power off

Powering off your refrigerator is essential when cleaning or maintaining, moving the appliance or doing any repairs. If you want to power off your fridge, here are some following tips:

1. The refrigerator should be opened or the circuit breaker should be turned off.
2. All spoiled or expired food should be disposed off from the refrigerator. 
3. Any removable components, such as shelves or drawers, should be cleaned separately. 
4. If you need to restart the circuit breaker or plug the refrigerator back in, make sure it is scorched.

6. Temperature Setting

The temperature setting on your refrigerator is essential to ensure that your food is stored correctly to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Here are some following tips for setting the temperature on your fridge:

1. Consult the manufacturer's manual to see the recommended temperature for your specific refrigerator model.
2. Keep the fridge at or below 40°F, as this is the temperature at which most bacteria cannot grow.
3. Keep the freezer at or below 0°F to ensure that your frozen food stays fresh.
4. Allow hot food to cool down to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator, as this will not raise the temperature inside the fridge. 

7. Be aware of expiration dates

Awareness of expiration dates is essential to keeping your food fresh and safe. To keep track of expiration dates, following these tips:

1. Look for expiration dates on packaged foods and any "best before" or "use by" dates.
2. Keep the older items in the front and the newer items in the back so that you use the older items first.
3. Pay special attention to expiration dates for things such as dairy, meats, and eggs.
4. Use your feelings, such as smell and taste, to determine if food has gone wrong.

8. Keep it full

Firstly, keeping your refrigerator full can help it run more efficiently and keep your food fresher for longer. Here are some following tips for keeping your fridge full:

1. Store leftovers in airtight containers and label them with the date so you can use them before they go bad.
2. Fill the space in your fridge, as they can help keep the temperature more consistent.
3. Use small containers to store small amounts of leftovers so you can use them quickly.
4. Keep a supply of frozen fruits and vegetables, as they can fill up space in your freezer.
5. Keep an inventory of ice packs in the freezer, as they can help keep the temperature more consistent and can be used to fill up space.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining a safe and efficient refrigerator includes regular cleaning, proper temperature setting, being aware of expiration dates, and keeping it full. Keeping track of expiration dates and the first in, first out method and storing leftovers can help prolong the life of your food and save energy and money.   

Moreover, different models of Refrigerators and Freezers are available at Japan Electronics. You can shop online and can visit store as well.