What to put in the fridge when not in use?

Author: Prof. Savanah Leuschke  |  Last update: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Another solution is to leave an open jar of freshly ground coffee beans inside the refrigerator and the freezer compartment if there is one. The natural aroma of the coffee will counteract stale air smells and help keep things fresh.

How to maintain a fridge when not in use?

For long-term departures, you also want to:
  1. Empty the refrigerators reservoir.
  2. Turn off the water supply valve.
  3. Leave an open box of baking soda inside (to reduce leftover odors), or,
  4. Use crumpled newspapers and a charcoal briquette, which will do the same thing.
  5. Keep the refrigerator/freezer doors ajar to prevent mildew.

What to put in the fridge when turned off?

Yes, use frozen water containers, keep the door closed as long as possible limiting access. You could also go with something like this and power it all day and a few hours into the night... Depending on the wattage of your fridge.

How do you store a refrigerator when not in use?

Keep the fridge upright. If you lay the fridge on the side you could ruin it. 2. Keep the fridge dry. If you can, leave the door open or ajar while moving and in storage. 3. Remember that climate control storage isn't necessary. Climate control storage is a bit expensive so we recommend going without. That's it!

How do you prevent mold in unused refrigerators?

Place Ice Packs on Shelves to Absorb Moisture

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.

How to Organize: The Fridge

Should I put baking soda in my fridge?

Using baking soda as a cleaning agent or as a deodorizer can help your refrigerator stay clean and fresh.

What happens if the fridge is not used for a long time?

Leaving your fridge unplugged for a long time can mess with its parts. The seals, gaskets, and inner workings can dry out, crack, or get brittle. This means your fridge might struggle to keep things cool when you plug it back in. Dust and debris can also pile up in the coils, fans, and vents.

How long can a fridge go without being used?

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

How long can you leave a refrigerator unplugged?

The duration for which you can safely leave your refrigerator unplugged depends on various factors, including the climate, the cleanliness of the appliance before unplugging, and the type of food residues left inside. In general, it is advisable not to exceed a few weeks.

Can I off the fridge when not in use?

Many also complain about the noise the appliance makes, and powering it down will help in better sleep. But there are more than a few reasons why you shouldn't be turning off your fridge at night. With the fridge switched off, the temperature inside rises, so will the chances of growth of harmful bacteria.

What should I not put in my fridge?

22 foods not to refrigerate
  • Apples.
  • Avocados.
  • Bananas.
  • Bell peppers.
  • Berries.
  • Bread.
  • Chocolate.
  • Coffee.

Should you leave the fridge door open when not in use?

You can leave the doors open for the whole time the fridge is in storage, however we find that if the fridge has magnetised door seals, these will demagnetise and your fridge won't seal as well when you close the doors again. Additionally a rag stuffed in to stop the door closing can – over time – deform the seals.

Do eggs need to be refrigerated?

To reduce Salmonella growth, eggs gathered from laying hens should be refrigerated as soon as possible. After eggs are refrigerated, they need to stay that way. A cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the movement of bacteria into the egg.

What are the do's and don'ts of a refrigerator?

Read below to find out the do's and don'ts.
  • Do adjust the temperatures accordingly. ...
  • Don't leave the refrigerator door open too long. ...
  • Do separate and organize items properly. ...
  • Don't overload the refrigerator. ...
  • Do clean your refrigerator regularly. ...
  • Don't use harsh chemicals when cleaning.

Is it OK to leave an empty refrigerator running?

If you are going to be away for a month or less, we recommend the following: Leave the refrigerator running. Leave the temperature controls at the normal settings. If all the food is removed and you want to save energy, the temperature control may be set to a warmer temperature setting during the absence.

How do you store a freezer when not in use?

How to Properly Store a Freezer When Not in Use
  1. Defrost the freezer.
  2. Clean the interior and exterior of the freezer.
  3. Secure the door.
  4. Select a fitting storage location.
  5. Prepare the freezer for storage.
  6. Position and secure the appliance.
  7. Inspect periodically.

How to store a fridge when not in use?

How to Store a Refrigerator in Storage
  1. Step 1: Switch off refrigerator the night before you plan on storing it.
  2. Step 2: Clean and disinfect every surface, inside and out.
  3. Step 3: Ensure the refrigerator is completely dry.
  4. Step 4: Move the refrigerator carefully.
  5. Step 5: Keep the refrigerator upright at all times.

How long is food safe in an unplugged fridge?

As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.

Can I switch off my fridge for 4 months?

If you are going away for a month or longer, it is a good idea to unplug your refrigerator to save energy. Empty your refrigerator, drain the water tank if you have one, clean the inside of the appliance and leave the doors open to avoid any unwanted odours.

What to do if the refrigerator is not used for a long time?

Quick steps: How to store a refrigerator
  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.
  3. Remove all food items.
  4. Defrost any ice compartments.
  5. Clean all interior surfaces.
  6. Tape doors closed if moving the unit.
  7. Remove condenser coil cover.
  8. Clean condenser coils and back of unit.

What shortens the life of a refrigerator?

For example, overloading the fridge with too much food can put extra strain on the motor, which will cause it to work harder and potentially fail sooner. Similarly, frequently opening and closing the fridge door can also lead to premature wear and tear.

How long will milk last in the fridge without power?

How long will milk/eggs last during a power outage? Milk, eggs, fish, meat and leftovers will last four hours in the refrigerator, as long as the door stays closed the entire time.

How do you keep an unplugged refrigerator fresh?

An unplugged refrigerator will naturally defrost as the internal system stops maintaining a cool temperature. Placing towels or wads of old fabric inside the refrigerator and changing them out regularly helps soak up excess liquid and prevent flooding or puddles forming.

Should I leave the fridge door open when unplugged?

Always leave the door open a bit. Refrigerators tend to collect bits of organic material and mosture in places not very obvious - especially in the drain area. These can petrify and cause mold and nasty odors. It's best to let the refrigerator air out completely.

Can you put a fridge in the shed?

If you want to determine if a fridge will work in your shed, you have to measure the minimum and maximum temperature of your shed, garage, or basement. You do this by putting up a thermometer and checking the temperature of the shed on a cold winter day or hot summer day. That way, you're sure the room is suitable.

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