Refrigerators are an essential appliance in every household. They not only keep our food fresh, but also help us save money by reducing waste.

However, there are some common mistakes we make with our refrigerators that can affect their efficiency and lifespan. In this article, we will discuss five common mistakes that you should avoid to extend the life of your refrigerator.

1. Overcrowding the Refrigerator

One of the most common mistakes we make with our refrigerators is overcrowding them with too many items.

When the refrigerator is overloaded with food and drinks, it becomes difficult for the air to circulate properly, which can result in warmer temperatures and food spoilage. Additionally, when the fridge is too full, you may not be able to see what’s in there, leading to items being forgotten and left to spoil.

Solution: Keep your refrigerator organized and avoid overfilling it. Make sure that you have enough space for the air to circulate.

Keep perishable items, such as meat and dairy products, in the coldest part of the fridge (typically, the back and bottom).

2. Ignoring the Temperature Settings

Another common mistake we make with our refrigerators is ignoring the temperature settings. The temperature in the refrigerator should be set between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the freezer should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the temperature is too high or too low, it can affect the quality and safety of your food.

Solution: Check the temperature settings regularly to make sure they are within the recommended range. If the temperature is outside the recommended range, adjust it accordingly.

You can also use a thermometer to check the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer.

3. Not Cleaning the Refrigerator

Keeping your refrigerator clean is essential for maintaining its efficiency and preventing food contamination. However, it’s a mistake many of us make, as we assume that the cold temperatures will prevent bacteria from growing.

Bacteria can still grow in a dirty fridge and can result in foodborne illness.

Solution: Clean your refrigerator regularly, ideally once a month. Remove all the items from the fridge and wipe down the shelves, compartments, and drawers with warm, soapy water.

Make sure to clean the door gasket and other small areas where dirt and bacteria can accumulate.

4. Placing Hot Food in the Refrigerator

Placing hot food in the refrigerator is another common mistake we make. When you place hot food in the fridge, it can increase the temperature, which can affect the quality of other foods in the fridge and put a strain on the compressor.

Solution: Let hot food cool down to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. You can also place the hot food in a container that has a lid, which will help prevent the steam from escaping and keep the food from drying out.

5. Not Maintaining the Refrigerator

Refrigerators require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently. Not performing maintenance can result in reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and even a shorter lifespan.

Solution: Have a professional technician perform a routine check-up on your refrigerator every year or two. They can check the compressor, evaporator, and condenser coils to ensure that they are running smoothly.

You can also clean the coils yourself with a brush or vacuum to remove dust and debris.

Conclusion

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help extend the life of your refrigerator and maintain its efficiency.

Keep your refrigerator organized, check the temperature regularly, clean it regularly, cool down hot food before placing it in the fridge, and perform regular maintenance. With these simple steps, you can keep your refrigerator in perfect condition.