6 Ways to Keep Mold from Taking Over Your Fridge

We've all had that moment when we open the fridge and get an unexpected, unwelcome surprise—a growing mold colony. The sight is enough to make anyone cringe, and it's no wonder why. Aside from being unsightly, significant amounts of mold in your refrigerator can lead to food contamination and health risks.

Merry Maids® can offer various tips to avoid a mold invasion in your refrigerator. Learn simple ways to detect early signs of mold growth and preventative measures to ensure your fridge stays in top condition.

1. Maintain the Refrigerator Thermometer to Ensure Optimum Temperatures

When it comes to keeping your food fresh and safe to eat, maintaining the temperature of your refrigerator is essential. One straightforward way you can ensure that your fridge is working correctly is by maintaining the thermometer.

By regularly checking the temperature and adjusting it accordingly, you'll help prevent spoilage and bacteria growth, which could lead to foodborne illnesses. Make sure to clean it regularly and replace it if it ever becomes damaged or inaccurate. Ultimately, taking these small steps will help you get the most out of your refrigerator and extend the life of your food.

2. Clean Out the Seals and Gaskets Every Few Months

Cleaning out the seals and gaskets is one of those chores that many overlook, but it's so important for keeping your appliances operating efficiently. Luckily, it doesn't have to be a huge ordeal. All you need is a trusty brush or toothbrush and a few spare minutes every few months. With just a little elbow grease, you can prevent leaks and prolong the life of your refrigerator. So, next time you're feeling brave, grab that brush and get to scrubbing! Your appliance will be thankful.

3. Put All Food that Should Be Refrigerated in Plastic Bags

Do you ever find yourself struggling to keep your food fresh? Using plastic bags is one easy trick to ensure you're storing all the right items in the fridge. Not only will they keep your food fresher longer, but they’ll also prevent any potential contamination from other items in the fridge.

So, next time you're unpacking your groceries, take a moment to separate any produce, meats, or dairy that needs to be refrigerated and give them each their own little plastic home.

4. Place Ice Packs on Shelves to Absorb Moisture

Have you ever noticed mold growing on the shelves in your refrigerator? It's pretty gross, right? Well, here's a little tip that might help prevent it from happening. Try placing ice packs on the shelves to absorb the moisture. Mold thrives in moist environments, so by reducing the moisture on your shelves, you'll be reducing the likelihood of mold growth. And it's an easy and affordable solution! So, next time you're stocking up your fridge, don't forget to throw a couple of ice packs in there, too.

5. Organize Food and Store Leftovers in Air-Tight Containers

Nobody likes a messy fridge, right? To avoid the hassle of searching for that elusive jar of pickles or fearing that your leftovers will go bad, it's important to arrange your food in an orderly fashion and store leftovers in air-tight containers. You don't have to be a professional organizer to do this; just dedicate a specific spot for each type of food and keep similar items together.

And when it comes to storing leftovers, air-tight containers are the way to go. Not only do they keep your food fresher for longer, but they also prevent any funky smells from permeating your fridge. Plus, opening your fridge and seeing everything neatly organized is always satisfying.

6. Throw Away Old or Expired Food to Remove Potential Mold Sources

It's time to finally tackle that fridge and pantry cleanout you've been putting off. Getting rid of old or expired food makes space for new groceries and helps prevent mold growth. Mold thrives on decomposing matter, and old food fits the bill perfectly. So, say goodbye to that half-eaten takeout container from two weeks ago and those expired yogurt cups hiding in the back of the fridge.

Merry Maids Can Help You Maintain a Mold-Free Home

Taking these points into consideration may significantly reduce the chances of mold growing unknowingly on food surfaces in your refrigerator. Now that you have pertinent information to ensure that your fridge is constantly kept sanitized, you can help prevent potential health risks due to mold infestation. To take it a step further, rely on our professionals at Merry Maids for exceptional cleaning services today. We can help clean your refrigerator and provide peace of mind knowing your fridge is clean and free of contaminants.