The fridge is one of the most important appliances in any home, as it allows us to keep food fresh and in good condition for longer. However, many times we do not give it the importance it deserves and do not take care of it properly, which can lead to problems such as bad odors, spoiled food, or even breakdowns in the appliance. In this article, we will give you some tips to keep your fridge in perfect condition and prolong its lifespan.
What temperature should the fridge have?
The appropriate temperature for the fridge is between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is too low, the food can freeze, and if it is too high, the food can spoil faster. To ensure that the temperature is appropriate, you can use a fridge thermometer, which is placed inside the appliance and indicates the current temperature.
What care should I take with the fridge?
Proper location
It is important to place the fridge in a suitable location, away from heat sources such as the oven or stove, as this can cause the appliance to work harder to maintain the appropriate temperature. It is also important to leave enough space around the fridge for air to circulate and not accumulate heat.
Regular cleaning
It is important to clean the fridge regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria. To do this, you can use water and mild soap, avoiding abrasive products that can damage the interior of the appliance. It is also important to clean the water collection tray and the drain to prevent obstructions.
Organization of food
It is important to organize food inside the fridge to prevent them from mixing or contaminating each other. Raw foods should go on the bottom of the fridge to prevent dripping onto other foods and contamination. Cooked or ready-to-eat foods should go on the top. It is also important to label foods with expiration dates to avoid consuming spoiled food.
Temperature verification
It is important to regularly verify the temperature of the fridge to ensure that it is in the appropriate range. If the temperature is too high, it may be necessary to adjust the thermostat or check for any obstructions in the ventilation grilles.
Preventive and corrective maintenance
It is important to perform preventive maintenance on the fridge, such as checking the door seals to ensure they close properly or cleaning the condensers to prevent the accumulation of dust. It is also important to perform corrective maintenance in case of breakdowns, such as replacing the thermostat or motor if necessary.
What are the care for the fridge?
In addition to the care mentioned above, there are other aspects to consider to keep the fridge in perfect condition:
Do not accumulate too much snow in the freezer
If the freezer accumulates too much snow, it may be necessary to defrost it to prevent the appliance from working harder to maintain the appropriate temperature. To avoid snow accumulation, it is important not to leave the freezer door open for too long and not to introduce hot foods into the freezer.
Do not overcrowd the refrigerator
If the refrigerator is too full, it may be difficult for air to circulate and maintain the appropriate temperature. It is important not to fill the refrigerator beyond its capacity and leave enough space for air to circulate.
Do not place it near heat sources
As mentioned above, it is important to place the fridge away from heat sources to prevent it from working harder to maintain the appropriate temperature. It is also important not to place the fridge near windows or doors that receive direct sunlight.
Do not plug it directly into the electrical outlet or through cheap power strips
It is important to plug the fridge directly into the electrical outlet and not through cheap power strips, as this can affect its operation and increase the risk of breakdowns.
Where to put cold cuts in the fridge?
Cold cuts should go on the bottom of the fridge, along with raw foods. It is important to wrap them in plastic wrap or in airtight containers to prevent them from drying out or becoming contaminated with other foods.
In summary, to keep your fridge in perfect condition, it is important to consider aspects such as proper location, regular cleaning, organization of food, temperature verification, and preventive and corrective maintenance. It is also important to avoid common mistakes such as accumulating too much snow in the freezer, overcrowding the refrigerator, or placing it near heat sources. By following these tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your fridge and ensure the preservation of food.
Our advice
Remember to regularly check the temperature of your fridge and perform preventive and corrective maintenance when necessary. It is also important not to fill the fridge beyond its capacity and avoid placing it near heat sources. By following these tips, you can keep your fridge in perfect condition for longer.