If too much moisture accumulates in the refrigerator, the food inside will go bad faster. But how does water accumulate in the fridge in the first place? We explain the wetness phenomenon and give tips on how you can easily solve this household problem.
Too much moisture in the refrigerator is a common household problem. Especially in the summer months, condensation can accumulate more in the refrigerator. The reason for this is increased humidity. The problem: If it gets too wet in the refrigerator, it consumes more electricity and food spoils faster. Therefore, it is important to regularly defrost the refrigerator to loosen possible icing, clean it and wipe it dry. Here you’ll learn how much moisture is normal in the fridge, where all that water in the vegetable crisper and on the glass shelves comes from, and how to get rid of excessive wetness in the fridge and prevent it in the future.
How much moisture in the refrigerator is normal?
To prevent mold from forming and food from spoiling in the refrigerator, the humidity in the refrigerator should not exceed 55 percent. This can be easily checked with a hygrometer. If condensation collects on the walls and shelves, it’s a sure sign of too much moisture in the fridge.
Still need tips on how to properly store your food in the fridge. We’ll tell you how to find the right fridge temperature and save electricity, too. You don’t have much space in your fridge? These are the foods you can stock up on.
Why is there so much condensation in the refrigerator?
But how does the water get into the fridge in the first place? It’s clear that the refrigerator itself doesn’t create moisture. Moisture always comes into the unit from outside, for example, from the food that is cooled in it and from increased humidity in the summer. Thus, every time the refrigerator is opened and closed, more humid air from outside enters the refrigerator, accumulates inside and turns into condensation when it cools down. That’s why refrigerators have a small hole in the back wall through which condensation can drain away. However, if this is blocked by food or dirt, the water collects at the bottom of the refrigerator s.
How to dehumidify a refrigerator?
To get rid of the pool of water in the refrigerator, there are two very simple household tips. First, of course, the refrigerator should be cleaned out and cleaned. Once the hole on the back wall is cleaned of dirt and the walls are dry, you can put the refrigerator back as usual. To prevent so much water from collecting again, there is a trick that absorbs moisture in the refrigerator: To do this, place a small bowl of salt or a dry household sponge in the places in the refrigerator where condensation forms quickly, for example in the vegetable compartment. Both sponge and salt reliably absorb moisture and thus protect the food.
How do I prevent condensation in the refrigerator?
You can also prevent too much moisture from accumulating in the refrigerator with these 4 tips:
- Open the refrigerator only briefly and close it tightly so that no heat from outside gets into the appliance.
- Do not put hot food in the refrigerator, as this will increase the temperature inside.
- Do not overfill the refrigerator so that no food touches the back wall of the refrigerator and air can circulate everywhere.
- Check the refrigerator door gasket and replace it if it is deformed or worn.
