Mold in the refrigerator is one of the most unpleasant problems that may occur in the household. Knowing how to prevent mold in refrigerator can save the food you consume from harmful mold that might affect you and your family’s health.
Even though refrigerators are an essential feature of any home, they are rarely maintained appropriately, with mold growing from negligence and improper cleaning. When mold grows in a refrigerator, it can be highly unsafe.
It is primarily due to the development of toxins. It can also be harmful to humans, also known for the development of illnesses in some instances.
Mold is not only harmful, but it is also unsanitary and smells musty, which is especially true in a space with limited airflows, such as a refrigerator. Because there is a minor light source, very little ventilation, and a lot of moisture trapped within a fridge, the circumstances inside are ideal for mold growth.
How Do I Prevent Mold In My Fridge?
There are a variety of conditions within the refrigerator that contribute to creating an ideal environment for mold growth. Because of this, you should take certain precautions to avoid this from happening. Here’s an additional helpful guide on how to clean mold from the fridge.
1. Regularly clean your refrigerator
Experts recommend cleaning out your refrigerator once a month with a basic wash with soap and warm water and then correctly drying off the racks. In addition to cleaning the primary shelves, you should also clean up the sealants, the dry crispers, and any other sections you may have neglected.
Mold is most likely to disseminate or grow more quickly due to a problem with the refrigerator itself. Monitor your refrigerator regularly.
It ensures that nothing is dripping and that all of the seals are in functioning order. Either of these might result in mold growth. Take care of any repairs that need to be solved immediately.
2. Keep it dry
Mold is a moisture-loving organism, and it will struggle to survive if it does not have access to humidity. Remove spills or moisture that could lead to mold development using a clean towel regularly and gently wipe shelves and partitions with a paper towel once you finish cleaning.
3. Store food properly
Mold formation in the refrigerator can be particularly damaging to fruits and vegetables, which should be kept secure and clean at all times to avoid mold growth from occurring. Always make sure to check your food and remove possible dirt from growing.
You should transfer any food you didn’t previously keep in sealing or an airtight container. Even if mold growth does occur in the refrigerator, it will not be likely to access the food because of the airtight closure.
Why is there mold growing in my refrigerator?
A hardy fungus and flourishes cause mold in moist, dark environments, such as basements. Here are basic ways on how to test for mold in the basement.
Since they are dark, wet, and cold, refrigerators promote the formation of mold. If you have mold growing in your refrigerator, it will ruin your food, emit a putrid stench, and stain the refrigerator’s interior.
Mold you find in refrigerators as a result of moldy food you store inside. When food is left to rot in the refrigerator, it is common for mold to develop.
Mold can travel to other places as a result of the movement of the air. Mold growth in your refrigerator can be encouraged by high humidity and water collection in the refrigerator.
How do I store food?
Milk and other dairy food
It would be best if you store wrapped cheeses towards the back of the refrigerator or in drawers. You should keep dairy-based foods on the main shelves rather than the door shelves. Door shelves are sensitive to temperature variations, which might compromise the quality of dairy foods stored on them.
Meat and fish
Wrapped food should be placed in a container or on a plate to prevent leaks. Bottom-shelf storage is recommended for this type of food to prevent drips from contaminating the food above them.
Edible plants and fruits
Mixing this type of food with plants and fruits that are sensitive to ethylene is not recommended.
- Vegetables
Wrap your salad vegetables in waxed paper with air holes to keep them from becoming contaminated with anything. If you want to keep these vegetables fresh for an extended period, you can wrap them in a moist paper towel. Salads should be kept in the crisper.
- Containers
It will help if you store dressings, olives, and jellies on the refrigerator’s door shelf. They’re incredibly stable things that are just marginally impacted by temperature fluctuations in the environment.
Conclusion
For exact information on how to prevent mold in refrigerator, contact the company or consult your owner’s handbook. You can also ask around owners who experience the same problem and consult how they did it.
Moreover, when dealing with mold, always wear protective gear to keep yourself safe from any possible harmful effects. Allow your refrigerator to dry thoroughly before putting all items back.