What to do if the refrigerator is constantly defrosting due to lack of light

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As long power outages become a common problem in Ukraine due to shelling of critical infrastructure, many homes are faced with the problem of defrosting the refrigerator. of light?

The main rule: do not open the door unnecessarily

Yes, during the day, especially if you work from home and are bored, you still want to go and open the door of the refrigerator, stand a little and look – what if there is something new appeared? But during a blackout, the first and most important rule is to keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible. This helps keep cold air inside, delaying the defrosting process.

How long does a refrigerator defrost without light:

Refrigerator: If the refrigerator is not opened, it will keep food cold for about 4 hours.

Freezer: A full freezer will maintain temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if half full).

How to prepare your refrigerator for a power outage

Preparation is key to ensuring your refrigerator doesn't defrost during a power outage. Here are some tips on how to prepare your refrigerator for a power outage:

1. Stock up on ice

Ice and gel packs: Keep reusable ice or gel packs in the freezer. They can be used to keep the temperature low during a power outage.

Ice Cubes: Fill plastic containers with ice cubes. They can be distributed throughout the refrigerator and freezer to keep them cold.

2. Organize your food

Group foods together: Grouping foods together helps them stay cooler longer because they insulate each other.

Move perishable foods like dairy and meat to the coldest part of the refrigerator or freezer.

How to keep a refrigerator defrosting during a power outage

• In the event of a power outage, here are some tips on how to keep the refrigerator cold for a long time:
• Minimize opening the door – plan in advance and think about what you need in the refrigerator, and then open it.
• If the power is out for a long time, move food to the freezer or take ice packs and frozen bottles from the freezer to cover the food in the refrigerator.
• Keep thermometers in the refrigerator. If the temperature in the refrigerator has risen above 4°C, food safety may be in question, it is better to transfer all perishable products to the freezer.

What to do if the refrigerator defrosts during a power outage

If the refrigerator starts to defrost, take the following steps to ensure food safety and minimize waste:

Move perishable foods to the freezer. Foods such as meat, seafood and dairy products are best placed in the freezer to prevent them from spoiling. However, foods such as bread, fruit and hard cheeses can usually be preserved even if they are heated.

You can't bear it – cook it. If there is no space in the freezer, it is better to prepare perishable foods to extend their shelf life in the refrigerator. If there are still ice crystals in the food, it is safe to refreeze. Otherwise, it is better to cook it before refreezing.

What to do after turning on the lights

After the power is restored, do the following with the refrigerator:

Make sure that the temperature is normal. See if the refrigerator has started to work and cool. The temperature in the main chamber should be below 4°C.

Smell and appearance. If any food smells or looks unusual, throw it away. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Tips for avoiding fridge problems during blackouts

Of course, all that wild dancing around the fridge is great. Consider these steps to better prepare for future power outages and keep your refrigerator safe.

Try backup power sources

A portable generator can power your refrigerator during extended power outages. High-capacity batteries designed for home use can also be a good investment to keep appliances running, especially if they are old and don't tolerate being switched on and off.

Regular maintenance

Clean and organize your fridge and freezer regularly to ensure efficient cooling of food. Also, make sure door seals are tight and in good condition to maintain optimal temperature.