As UK temperatures rise, a kitchen expert recommends this simple fridge cling film test to keep your food fresh and cold.
As temperatures in the UK begin to climb, there are more opportunities to entertain friends and family. Whether you’re gathering everyone for a Sunday roast or simply enjoying drinks in the garden, everything is more enjoyable when the sun is out.
However, homeowners are being advised to pay closer attention to their fridges. At this time of year, your fridge is working harder than ever, making it even more crucial to keep your food properly chilled.
AEG kitchen expert Michael Forbes says there’s a simple test you can perform to ensure your fridge is working at its peak, and all you’ll need is a strip of cling film.
When your fridge is packed with meat, dairy and beverages that require keeping cool, the very last thing you need is warmth sneaking in and spoiling your food.
The fridge seal keeps the door firmly shut, so if it becomes damaged in any way, your appliance won’t perform nearly as efficiently.
A quick way to check whether your fridge seal is working correctly is the cling film test. Place a strip of it half inside and half outside the fridge, then shut the door. If it slides out with ease or drops free, that section of your fridge isn’t properly sealed.
A faulty seal allows cold air to escape, triggering temperature fluctuations that can cause food to deteriorate more rapidly and result in unpleasant odours, so it’s well worth fixing promptly.
As well as checking the seal, Michael has encouraged Brits to reconsider where they’re actually storing items in the fridge — particularly in the door.
Many households store their milk in the fridge door, but it is actually the warmest spot because it’s constantly exposed to temperature fluctuations whenever the door is opened. Instead, milk should be placed on the middle or lower shelf, towards the back, where temperatures are coolest and it stays fresher for longer.
The bottom shelf should be reserved exclusively for raw meats, poultry and fish. This is the coldest part of the fridge and also prevents these items from dripping onto other items.
As summer draws closer, it’s also the ideal opportunity to give your fridge a thorough clean and banish any unpleasant odours. All that’s required is combining three kitchen cupboard staples – lemon juice, baking soda and salt.
This creates a solution you can place in your fridge to help eliminate odours, keeping it fresh and smell-free throughout the summer months.
Alternatively, place ground coffee in a bowl and put it anywhere inside your fridge to neutralise any unwanted smells within 24 hours. Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, which acts as a natural deodoriser by absorbing and neutralising odours, and is particularly effective against powerful smells such as onion and fish.
