Refrigerators keep food fresh and safe to eat. If temperatures are too high, food spoils faster. This document talks about temperatures and keeping your fridge clean, so food stays fresh.

Temperature
Put a thermometer in the refrigerator and check it regularly. It should be between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezer temperatures should be between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, check the control settings. Number 1 corresponds to the hottest, most humid temperature. Number 5 is the coldest and driest. Uncovered food, food in thin plastic bags, and ice cubes add humidity. Humidity increases motor running time-and your electric bill.

Freshness
Refrigerator manuals list how long foods stay fresh. Also, follow these ideas.

• Check weekly to make sure no food is spoiled or contaminating food around or below it.
• Place meat and dairy products in the coldest compartment.
• Put food and leftovers in the refrigerator right after cooking. Generally, leftovers are ok for up to 4 days.
• Move food from big pans to small glass or plastic containers. Put them in the refrigerator and cover them once they're cold.
• Do not cook the same food over and over again.
• Eat egg and dairy products before the expiration date on the label.
• Put an open box of baking soda on a shelf to help eliminate odors.
• If food has spoiled, like from a power outage or flood, discard the food.

Refrigerator Cleaning
Keep the inside and outside of your refrigerator clean. Clean with a solution of 1 Tablespoon of Baking Soda per quart of water, or equal parts of vinegar and water, or hot water and liquid dishwashing detergent. Scrub visible mold (usually black) using a solution of 3 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Use the same solution to clean the rubber seal around the door.

Finally, make sure the drainpipe beneath the refrigerator lets water flow into the leakage dish. If the pipe is blocked, read the owner's manual and follow the instructions to open it. Dust off the back of the refrigerator at least every six months.

Freezer
Freezer temperatures change from 0 to 5 degrees every 24 hours. For food quality, try the following:

• Cover food thoroughly. Wrap meat for the freezer with thick plastic or aluminum foil, or keep it in covered containers.
• Try to eat freezer food within three months.
• To remove freezer odors, place a cotton swab soaked with vanilla inside the freezer. Close the door for 24 hours.