As temperatures rise across the UK, homeowners are being urged to check their fridge seals using a simple cling film test to ensure food stays fresh. A faulty seal can let cold air escape, causing temperature fluctuations that spoil food faster and create unpleasant odours.
Kitchen expert Michael Forbes from AEG explains that placing a strip of cling film half inside and half outside the fridge door can reveal seal issues. If the film slides out easily when the door is shut, the seal is not working properly and should be fixed promptly.
Forbes also advises against storing milk in the fridge door, as it is the warmest spot due to constant temperature changes when opened. Instead, milk should be kept on the middle or lower shelf towards the back, where temperatures are coolest. The bottom shelf is best reserved for raw meats, poultry and fish to prevent dripping onto other items.
To keep fridges fresh during summer, a mixture of lemon juice, baking soda and salt can eliminate odours. Alternatively, placing ground coffee in a bowl inside the fridge neutralises strong smells like onion and fish within 24 hours, thanks to nitrogen acting as a natural deodoriser.
