Debunking 7 Common Fridge Myths

Jun 16

4 minutes

The blog post has been auto-translated.

Debunking 7 Common Fridge Myths post illustrative image As summer arrives, do you open your fridge only to be greeted by a strange smell? In fact, many Hong Kong residents are still misled by 'fridge myths,' leading to unnecessary electricity waste and posing food safety risks. Below, we debunk 7 common misconceptions one by one, helping you save electricity, space, and keep your food fresh.

Myth 1｜"Is a full fridge more energy efficient?"

❌ Too full → It actually hinders air circulation, making the compressor work longer, louder, and consume more electricity
✅ 70–80% full is ideal: There's enough food to maintain low temperatures, yet space is left for air convection
✅ Regularly "organize the fridge": Check for expired or duplicate ingredients weekly to maintain space and reduce waste

Myth 2｜"Is it okay to put hot stuff directly into the fridge?"

❌ Putting hot food directly in can cause the internal temperature to rise sharply, easily promoting bacterial growth and making the fridge consume more electricity
✅ First let it cool to room temperature (should be done within about 30 minutes), then seal it in containers and refrigerate; soup can be divided into small bowls to cool slightly
✅ If you are worried about spoilage, you can place the food in a bowl of ice water to quickly cool it down before putting it in the fridge

Myth 3｜"Raw and cooked foods can be placed anywhere, as long as it's cold enough"

❌ Juice from raw meat drips onto cooked food → High risk of cross-contamination
✅ Layering + Sealing:
- Top layer: Ready-to-eat/cooked foods (cake, dairy products)
- Middle layer: Opened drinks, leftovers in sealed containers
- Bottom tray: Raw meat, fish, placed on a tray
- Drawer: Vegetables and fruits, to maintain humidity
✅ Store sauces and drinks by the door → The door has the highest temperature, not suitable for milk and eggs

Myth 4｜"Frost in the fridge means it's cold enough, so no need to worry"

❌ Thick frost＝Poor insulation → Decreased cooling efficiency + Increased electricity bill
✅ For frost-prone fridges (not No Frost), when ice layer>5 mm, you should
- Unplug and take out the food
- Leave the door open to defrost, you can use a fan to speed up the process
- Wipe dry and plug back in
✅ Frost-free fridges automatically defrost, but the condenser coils and rear heat dissipation grill should be vacuumed every 6 months to maintain efficiency

Myth 5｜"Fridge odor will naturally disappear"

❌ Only masking the smell without removing the source, bacteria still breed
✅ Correct three steps:
- Find the culprit: Check and discard spoiled/leaking food
- Natural cleaning: 1 part white vinegar + 5 parts water sprayed all over the fridge; for stubborn stains, gently scrub with baking soda paste
- Long-lasting odor removal: Place open baking soda boxes, activated charcoal packs, or coffee grounds, replace monthly

Myth 6｜"The lower the temperature knob, the better, the colder it is, the longer the preservation"

❌ Around the freezing point, fruits and vegetables are prone to frostbite, and the compressor running for a long time can damage the machine
✅ Refrigeration at 0–4 °C and freezing at –18 °C are sufficient to inhibit bacteria. A refrigerator thermometer can be added to calibrate the scale
✅ In summer, you can slightly lower the temperature by 1 notch when the fridge is full; in winter or when the fridge is half empty, raise the temperature by 1 notch to save electricity

Myth 7｜"Does vinegar/baking soda cleaning corrode the interior?"

❌ Low concentration white vinegar (1:5) and baking soda are mild cleaners and will not harm plastic shelves
✅ After use, wipe clean with a damp cloth and keep dry
✅ Avoid using steel brushes or spraying high concentrations of bleach, as it can easily scratch or leave a chemical smell