One reader shared, “I left my phone in the refrigerator last night.
I only found it because my watch can ping my phone.”
I always check the laundry and fridge first."
Even at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, food can go bad.
The moment you notice a stench, it’s important to address the issue.
Messy appliances can be a sanitary risk, and so should always be treated with care.
Place expired items in zip lock bags to prevent trash from leaking.
Goods that you’re particularly attached to can be safely preserved for much longer in the freezer.
When deep cleaning your appliance, it’s helpful to first unplug it (viaThe Home Depot).
This way, you won’t waste electricity while sorting and sanitizing.
From here, go through the process ofproperly emptying and cleaning your refrigerator.
Remove all food items and detachable shelving, prepping a cooler to keep products chilled during the process.
Whenreorganizing your fridge, check that all items are in view and easily accessible.
Unsure of whether an item is still okay to eat?
As a general rule, when in doubt, throw it out.
It’s better to be safe than doubled over with food poisoning.
Food and Drug Administration, refrigerators should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (or lower).
It’s also important not to neglect your refrigerator’s handles and doors these too should be disinfected.
CNET recommends using an antibacterial wipe to clean them off daily.
