The refrigerator is a major appliance that is considered a kitchen workhorse and is built to last. However, no matter how good the integrity of your refrigerator is, it will still undergo wear and tear and eventually break down. If used improperly and not taken care of, even the best refrigerator in Singapore will show early signs of damage, inefficiency, and higher electricity consumption. To save your fridge and food supplies from mishaps, here are some common dos and don'ts when using your refrigerator. Prepare your notes and embark on a new adventure in caring for your hard working refrigerator.
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Dos When Using a Refrigerator
Do: Maintain the Right Temperature
The recommended temperature for your refrigerator is between 1ยฐC and 4ยฐC, while the freezer requires a temperature of at least -18ยฐC to -20ยฐC. These are the ideal temperatures for bacteria to slow down and your food to be properly preserved. These can also help you preserve the nutrient level of your food supplies while prolonging their shelf life. However, take note that these ideal temperatures will vary based on your fridge's configuration and the type of food that you store. If you want more control over the temperature of your fridge, look for a modern refrigerator with more specialised compartments and improved temperature controls.
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Do: Properly Organise Your Food Supplies
The key to efficient food preservation is to sort and store your food items according to their intended use. Storing your food supplies in their designated refrigerator compartment can also prevent cross contamination, premature spoiling, and food poisoning.
When organising your food in the fridge, make sure to know which items belong in a specific compartment and which do not belong inside your refrigerator. Itโs also wise to get quality fridge containers that you can label to thoroughly track the expiration dates.
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Do: Fill Your Refrigerator
When storing food inside the fridge, make sure you fill it with the right amount of food supplies. Compared to being relatively empty, we highly recommend filling your fridge with more food items. When the refrigerator is full, less warm air enters the appliance, making it more efficient in terms of maintaining the right temperature.ย
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Do: Give Your Refrigerator Enough Space
When positioning your refrigerator, make sure that you leave enough space for the heat to properly escape. To ensure the energy efficiency of your refrigerator, maintain at least a 6 inch gap between your fridge and the wall.
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Do: Clean Your Refrigerator Regularly
Keep your hard working refrigerator fresh and safe for food storage by cleaning it regularly. You can do this by wiping off spills, removing expired food immediately, defrosting your freezer, and deep cleaning your appliance. Donโt forget to clean your condenser coils and deodorise your fridge with baking soda or activated charcoal when deep cleaning your refrigerator. Never use harsh chemicals when dealing with your appliance.
Donโts When Using a Refrigerator
Donโt: Leave Your Fridge Door Open for Too Long
Leaving your fridge door open for too long can cause temperature fluctuations and require your appliance to work harder. This is not only detrimental to the energy efficiency of your major appliances, but it can also cause food spoilage. Prevent your fridge from being overworked by keeping its door open less frequently.
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Donโt: Store Hot Food Inside the Fridge
While itโs tempting to store freshly cooked meals inside the fridge when you are busy, doing so will only increase the temperature within the appliance, which can cause higher electricity bills. The best way to store cooked meals is to let them cool down before storing them in the appropriate fridge compartment.
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Donโt: Store Food in a Plastic Bag
When organising your fridge, make it a habit to remove your food supplies from the plastic bag before organising them inside the compartments. It might be convenient to leave them inside the plastic bags, but your food may be at risk of early spoilage, accumulating plastic odours, and having an overall unorganised look. The best way to store your food is to get proper fridge containers that you can safely stack within your fridge without obstructing the view of your supplies.
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Donโt: Overstuff Your Fridge
While itโs recommended to fill your refrigerator, be careful not to overload it, as this can cause food spoilage. Overstuffing your refrigerator may also take up space for new food supplies. It also blocks air passages and affects the circulation of cool air within the unit. If you keep wasting food or losing track of your food supplies due to overstocking, start changing the way you store food in your fridge.
The next time you buy some groceries, make sure to remove expired food items or those that do not belong inside your fridge to make way for new food supplies. If your refrigerator is too small for your storage requirements, it might be time to upgrade to a new one.
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Donโt: Compromise Your Refrigeratorโs Safety
Once you notice signs of damage like unusual noise, leaks, or inefficiency, immediately seek professional repair for your appliance. Although your fridge is made to last, a small issue can escalate into a bigger problem until your refrigerator malfunctions. If your refrigerator is damaged and in need of a very expensive repair, or if it is simply too old and inefficient, itโs time to consider getting a new one. In this way, you can enjoy innovative features and store food in your fridge without worrying about damage, contamination, or increased electricity bills.
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Conclusion
A refrigerator is a kitchen must-have that has changed the food storage game over the years. Surely, this major appliance has greatly evolved as technology advances. However, the same maintenance and food safety measures are applied to maximise its efficiency. While it can be hard to establish a better fridge habit, doing so will benefit you more in the long run. Youโll surely find yourself enjoying the convenience of using your refrigerator with less food spoilage and susceptibility to damage.
Upgrading your refrigerator? Browse through our extensive collection of refrigerators in Singapore. Shop our assortment of top-mount, bottom-mount, side-by-side, and French-door refrigerators from the best brands in Singapore.