Summer Tips for Fridge Maintenance and Odour Control

Summer's arrival brings with it warmer temperatures and higher humidity, which can pose unique challenges for maintaining your fridge. These conditions can cause your refrigerator to work harder, which may affect its efficiency and the freshness of the food stored inside. Effective fridge maintenance in summer is crucial to prevent food spoilage and control odours. Here’s how you can adjust your fridge use and care during these hotter months, with some helpful products to ensure your fridge remains a fresh and hygienic environment.

1. Ensure Optimal Temperature Settings

During summer, your fridge might need a little adjustment to maintain the proper internal temperature. Ensure that the fridge temperature is set between 3°C and 4°C and the freezer at about -18°C. This helps to compensate for the frequent opening of doors, which is common in warmer months.

2. Increase Air Circulation

Proper air circulation is vital in preventing the fridge from overworking and to ensure even cooling throughout the space.

• Utilise the Care+Protect Fridge Organizer Plastic to help organise the contents efficiently. These organisers help avoid overcrowding and allow for better air flow between items, which is particularly important during the summer when your fridge is likely stocked with fresh produce and drinks.

3. Enhanced Cleaning Routine

The combination of high humidity and temperature makes your fridge more susceptible to the growth of bacteria and mould, which can cause unpleasant odours and spoil food quickly.

• Clean the interior surfaces of your fridge at least bi-weekly with a robust cleaner like Universal Fridge Hygenic Cleaner. This product is designed to tackle bacteria and the grime that builds up more quickly in warm weather, ensuring your fridge remains hygienic and odour-free.

4. Control Odours Effectively

With the fridge being opened more frequently, the likelihood of odours increases. Fruits and vegetables, in particular, can start to spoil faster, releasing unpleasant smells.

• Use the Universal Odour Absorber for Fridges to keep odours at bay. This absorber helps neutralise smells by capturing and holding the gases released by spoiling food, which is essential in maintaining a fresh fridge throughout the summer months.

5. Check Door Seals Regularly

Loose or damaged door seals can allow warm air to enter the fridge, causing it to work harder and less efficiently.

• Inspect the seals for any signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary. Keeping the seals tight ensures that the cold air stays inside and the warm air stays out, which is crucial for maintaining efficiency during summer.

6. Defrost the Freezer

If your freezer is not a frost-free model, make sure to defrost and clean it at the beginning of the summer. Ice buildup can increase the energy consumption and reduce the efficiency of your freezer.

• Turn off the freezer, remove all items, and let the ice melt. Once defrosted, clean it with the My Care Plus Protect Fridge Cleaner before turning it back on.

By implementing these summer maintenance tips, you ensure your fridge and freezer continue to operate efficiently and remain free of odours, even in the hottest months. This not only helps in extending the life of your appliance but also in keeping your food safe and fresh longer.