Are You Making These Common Refrigerator Mistakes?

Is your fridge secretly working against you? You might think you’re using it correctly (after all, how hard can it be?), but small mistakes can lead to wasted food, higher energy bills, and a fridge that just doesn’t perform as well as it should.

Studies suggest improper food storage contributes to nearly 30% of household food waste. That’s like throwing money straight into the bin! Let’s look at some of the common refrigerator mistakes people make and how to sidestep them.

1. Ignoring Refrigerator Maintenance

Think of your fridge like a car—it needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. Not cleaning the condenser coils? That’s like never changing your car’s oil. Dirty coils force your fridge to work harder, increasing energy consumption and shortening its lifespan.

Check them every six months and give them a quick vacuum. Also, inspect your refrigerator door seals—if they’re loose or cracked, cold air escapes, making your fridge less efficient.

2. Using the Wrong Temperature Settings

If you’re guessing your fridge/freezer’s temperature, you’re playing a risky game with your food. The ideal setting is between 3°C and 5°C, while the freezer should be at -18°C.

Anything warmer encourages bacteria growth; anything too cold could freeze fresh produce. Use a fridge thermometer if you’re unsure—most built-in settings aren’t as accurate as you’d think.

3. Poor Fridge Organisation

Your fridge isn’t just a cold storage box; it has zones designed for specific food types. Meat belongs on the bottom shelf (to prevent drips), dairy in the middle, and condiments in the door. Storing milk in the door? Bad idea—it’s the warmest part of the fridge and shortens its shelf life. A well-organised fridge keeps food fresher for longer and makes meal prep easier.

4. Neglecting Regular Cleaning Refrigerator Routines

Your fridge is home to spills, crumbs, and forgotten leftovers. Ignoring it can lead to nasty odours and bacteria buildup. Wipe down shelves weekly and deep clean every month using a mix of baking soda and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals—they can leave behind residues that affect food quality.

5. Overloading or Underfilling Your Fridge

Both can cause problems. If you avoid overfilling your fridge, you’ll allow proper air circulation and prevent uneven cooling. But an empty fridge isn’t good either—it loses cold air too quickly when opened. The fix? Keep it about three-quarters full, and use bottles of water if needed to help maintain stable temperatures.

6. Improper Food Storage Tips

Storing food correctly can significantly reduce waste and keep your groceries fresher for longer. Not all foods belong in the fridge—tomatoes, onions, and potatoes are better stored in a cool, dry place outside the refrigerator to preserve their texture and flavour.

Conversely, items like eggs (in most regions) should be kept cool to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Always use airtight containers to lock in moisture and prevent contamination of leftovers.

Wait! Store Tomatoes Outside the Fridge?

Tomatoes are best kept out of the fridge if you want them to stay tasty and fresh. Storing them at room temperature lets them keep ripening, which brings out their natural sweetness and rich flavour. Putting tomatoes in the fridge slows this process and can make them lose some of their delicious taste.

Plus, the cold can mess with their texture, turning them soft and mealy.

For the best results, keep your tomatoes in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. A handy tip: store them stem-side down to prevent moisture from sneaking in and spoiling them! If they’re already ripe and you need to save them a little longer, you can pop them in the fridge for a short time—but let them warm back up to room temperature before eating to bring back their full flavour.

7. Wasting Energy by Ignoring Energy Efficiency

An inefficient fridge drains electricity and hikes up your utility bill. Keep it away from heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight. Also, don’t leave the door open while you decide what to eat—every second counts. And if your fridge is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading. Newer models use far less energy, saving money in the long run.

8. Letting Food Sit Too Long

We’ve all done it—shoved leftovers to the back, only to find them growing their own ecosystems weeks later. Label containers with dates and use a first-in, first-out system. If something is nearing expiration, move it to the front as a reminder to eat it soon. A simple system prevents waste and saves money.

Make No Mistake

Your fridge should be making life easier, not harder. By avoiding these common refrigerator mistakes, you can keep food fresh, reduce waste, and save on electricity.

The good news? These fixes take little effort but make a big difference.

Next time you open your fridge, take a second to check if you’re making any of these mistakes—and give your fridge the care it deserves.