4 Tips to Ensure that You Use Your Refrigerator Properly
Refrigerators are the workhorses of any kitchen. These machines are built to run continuously to keep your food fresh, but this doesn’t mean that you can neglect taking care of them. It’s not always about cleaning and regular maintenance, though. More often than not, it’s the way you use the machine that contributes most to its ability to operate smoothly.
To show you what we mean by this, we’ve outlined a few tips you can follow and provide the reasoning behind each one.
1. Avoid leaving the refrigerator door open
You might have a habit of going through your refrigerator and eating with the door wide open. While this is something we might all be guilty of, it’s actually very harmful to the machine. It lets plenty of cold air escape, triggering the machine to work overtime just to maintain the right temperatures.
Try to limit the amount of time you leave the door open so this doesn’t happen. You can make a list of the foods that are inside the machine and post it on the door. This way, you have a clear idea of its contents without having to open it at all. Additionally, make sure your refrigerator is organized so you can get what you need quickly.
2. Keep the machine away from heat
Your refrigerator will really struggle if you expose it to high levels of heat. This means you want to ensure that there is enough space behind it for air to properly circulate. Doing so also prevents dust from accumulating on the components that can cause them to overheat, and it gives you easy access for regular cleaning.
Additionally, you also want to keep the refrigerator away from windows where a lot of the sun’s rays come through, and definitely make sure that the stove and oven are at least 6 feet away from the machine.
3. Keep your food covered
A refrigerator is designed not only to keep food cold but also to maintain a relatively dry environment on the inside. If the food in it is left uncovered, two things happen: One, your refrigerator will have to work harder to keep its contents dry; and two, your food will end up losing all that precious moisture that makes it delicious.
4. Don’t put hot food into the machine
You should never put food that is still hot into your refrigerator. This will immediately increase the temperature inside the machine and cause it to work harder, and it will also increase the chances of food spoiling. This means anything that is hot has to be allowed to come to room temperature before it can be transferred into your refrigerator. Make sure the food is properly covered to avoid contamination.
Conclusion
Apart from these tips, you should also make it a habit to routinely clean the machine’s vents and coils, as well as check for any signs of damage. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your refrigerator is well maintained and will continue to run smoothly.
If you’d like to learn more about the proper use and maintenance of your refrigerator, visit our site for more helpful guides and resources.