Laptops For Less Blog

Fighting Refrigerator Bacteria

In our previous article on refrigerator cleaning technology, we promised to discuss bacteria in the refrigerator. Refrigerators create a breeding ground for bacteria…

Yes, when consumers are told how to keep their fridges in order they tend to keep them tidy, however there’s more to it than that. A recent study by Penn State University uncovered that refrigerator temperatures averaged about three
degrees higher than the recommended 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the fridges were so tightly packed that the air flow required to keep food cold was impeded. There were also nasty things like dog’s licking the bottom of the fridge shelf, or leaving the box open for hours.

The school’s researchers reminded study participants about the harmful bacteria that could exist in the fridge. They also gave them tips on how to keep it clean. When the researchers came back to check on the participant’s fridges, they found serious improvement. The people had spread their items around, and the air flow improved dramatically. These people also said they had cleaned, or intended to clean, their fridges more often.

However, even the strongest good intentions can be overridden by the hassle factor. Yes, it’s a tough job to clean the fridge and easy to avoid. The mess is out of sight out of mind as long as the door is closed, but it’s quite
important to maintain your and your family’s health.

There are many levels of refrigerator uncleanness. There can be mold or egg yolk that’s tough to scrub away, but most experts agree that fridge owners should explore their box once a week for food that needs to be tossed. They suggest
cleaning one shelf at a time to make the task less of a pain. They also recommend that the dirtiest part of the fridge should be attacked often: the bottom drawers. This is often the spot where spilled liquid ends up, and it generally takes a long time to evaporate.

A dirty refrigerator isn’t just about aesthetics. Food residue and spills carry health risks. Consumers must really be careful with raw meat packages and their drippings. This could contaminate other foods if the meat contains E. coli. This is especially dangerous if the drippings end up on foods often eaten raw like fruits and vegetables. Experts also recommend cleaning places like the door handle and the drip tray under the ice and water dispenser.

Manufacturers are joining in the fight against fridge bacteria too. Some fridges have Ion Air Purifiers installed. These devices generate positive and negative ions that break down mold, mildew, and bacteria. Tests show that some of these devices kill 99% of the fridge’s bacteria!

If you’re looking for a replacement refrigerator part or a spare refrigerator part you should buy them from a reputable online merchant like LaptopsForLess.com. We have a huge selection of refrigerator parts in stock, at very reasonable prices [often a fraction of the cost at a bricks and mortar store]. Brands stocked include: Bosch, Fisher Paykel, Frigidaire, General Electric, Icon, LG, Maytag, Panasonic, Roper, Samsung, Sanyo, Whirlpool and more…