Make Note Of These 5 Mistakes When Handling Your Refrigerator

A refrigerator is the soul of any house. Even a perfect household minus a refrigerator for a single day can turn into a madhouse in no time. It not only prevents food items from going stale but also keeps the veggies and other perishables fresh for long. And, let’s not forget those sumptuous ice creams for late-night binging. In fact, you may be surprised that in numerous parts of the world, women use refrigerators to store many of their beauty products, including facial creams, sprays, and even lipsticks! Such a genial invention is this refrigerator.

However, no matter how genial a creation it is, if a refrigerator isn’t used perfectly, you are definitely not reaping full benefits out of it. And, in doing so, you may rip off the refrigerator of functioning to its full capability. Here’s a list of all the mistakes that you are probably making with your fridge, and ways you can tackle the same –

1. You’re probably setting the wrong temperature

FDA instructs the citizens of setting the temperature of a fridge to a minimum of 40° F (4° C). If you are storing your food at higher temperatures, chances are that the food might be contaminated with bacteria, and cause numerous illnesses. On the other hand, if the temperature of the fridge drips beyond 35° F, chances are that the food may freeze in no time, which we presume none of us want. So, set the temperature accordingly.

2. You’re not storing dairy items properly

Although most refrigerators have dairy counters towards the lower part of the door, this is not the place where you should store them. This is because that particular area lies farthest from the cold air fan, and is the warmest part of the refrigerator. Storing them right across the egg containers in the fridge is the perfect way of keeping your dairy from getting stale sooner than the due date.

3. You’re not storing the leftovers correctly

Sometimes certain food tastes better when left overnight. However, if you don’t store it properly, you shouldn’t probably be eating the same. Leftover foods should be kept in flat dishes, preferably metal or glass containers. There should not be any plastic or deep dishes. Also, don’t stack your pots one on top of the other. This will slow the process of cooling down, and hence, your food will cease to remain fresh for long.

4. You need to clean it periodically

Cleaning the refrigerator periodically should be one of your priorities, even if you don’t spill food here and there. This is because your fridge does not take much time to become an abode of bacteria, molds and other contaminants. So, try to deep-clean at least once every three months, if you are keeping your fridge relatively cleaner on a daily basis. Otherwise, once every month is the way to go.

5. Don’t refrigerate unwanted stuff

Certain fruits, including bananas, melons and mangoes, and starchy vegetables do not require refrigerating. They turn sugary in colder climates. So, if you’re guilty of doing the same, know that the kitchen counter is the perfect place to store these items.