Are you tired of throwing away spoiled food from your fridge? The way you stack your fridge could be the culprit. A poorly stacked fridge reduces air circulation and cooling capabilities and can lead to food spoilage and energy inefficiency. With the summer entertaining season upon us, we look at why properly stacking your fridge is crucial to maintaining its optimal function and ensuring the freshness and taste of your food.
Give your food space
To maintain an efficient fridge, allowing for proper air circulation is important. Fridges need internal breathing to maintain everything cold uniformly and keep your food fresher for longer. Overstocking and lack of space between items can reduce air circulation, causing the compressor to work harder, which can contribute to an increase in running costs and your energy bill. Ensure to leave enough space between items on the shelves, allowing proper airflow and ventilation to reach all areas of the fridge.
Keep the air outlet clear
It’s also important to avoid blocking the air outlet, which can hinder efficient cold air circulation inside the fridge. The air outlet is usually located at the back of the fridge and should be clear of any obstructions. This will ensure the cold air circulates effectively, keeping your food fresher. Refer to your user manual if you need help locating the air outlet on your model.
A place for everything
When storing food in your fridge, certain foods should be placed in specific areas to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness. Fruits and vegetables should be stored in the vegetable compartment, but food high in water content, such as cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes or strawberries, should not be placed towards the back near the air outlets as they may freeze and lose their texture and taste.
Dairy foods and meat products should be stored on the lower shelves where it’s coldest or in dedicated drawers like the Wide Chilling Case and Supercool Chilling Case featured in the Mitsubishi Electric LX Series or WX Series fridges.
Under wraps
Lastly, it’s essential to be mindful of foods with strong odours and those that easily absorb odours. Seafood, beef, and other strong-smelling foods should be wrapped thoroughly or stored in airtight containers to prevent the transfer of odours onto other foods. Similarly, foods that easily absorb odours, such as rice, potato salad, and bread, should also be stored in airtight containers to avoid picking up any unwanted smells.
Taking the time to stack your fridge properly is a small step that can make a huge difference in the quality and longevity of your food. By following these simple tips, you can maintain an energy-efficient fridge that keeps your food fresher for longer, ultimately reducing food waste and saving money over time. With summer parties and entertaining in full swing, it’s the perfect time to give your refrigerator a thorough cleanout and restack using these helpful tips.
