How to use the refrigerator

Using the refrigerator in your kitchen

A refrigerator helps keep food fresh and safely stored. If you have a fridge-freezer, it will have separate compartments for the fridge and the freezer, otherwise they will be separate appliances. 

When storing food in the fridge, make sure to keep raw meat separate from ready to eat foods. This can be a bit harder if you only have one shelf to use, so make sure to put raw meat at the bottom of the shelf, and keep everything in sealed containers where possible. To keep the refrigerator at a safe temperature, make sure to close the doors properly after use. 

Most fridges will have a dial at the top to control the temperature. Higher numbers usually mean a lower temperature, but you can check the relevant manual from our online bank of instruction manuals. Food will last longer in a colder fridge, but make sure to turn it down if food is freezing.

 

Cleaning the refrigerator

Regular cleaning helps prevent smells and food spoilage. You will need to clean the fridge compartments on a regular basis.

To clean the fridge, first remove the contents. Try to minimise the time food is stored outside of the fridge; if you have multiple refrigerators, temporarily move food items to the other fridge, or clean one shelf at a time. Remove the shelves and drawers, and wash with warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly using a tea towel.

Check food for spoilage before putting items back in fridge. Make sure to communicate with flatmates if you’ve had to throw things away.

 

Top tips

• Label leftovers with the date.
• Don't overfill shelves, as this will make it difficult to keep track of what you have, and when things will go off.
• Check use-by dates regularly, and throw away expired food before it festers.

This article is part of our series on how to use appliances in your kitchen.