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Many people leave their refrigerator on permanently, but it can also make sense to switch it off on certain occasions. However, you need to take a few precautions to do this.
Switching off the refrigerator – good or bad?
If you use your refrigerator regularly, it should always remain in operation. Turning it on and off frequently is not only impractical, but can also lead to faster wear. However, there are cases in which it makes sense to turn off the refrigerator.
- If you are going away for several weeks or months and are not storing any perishable food, it is advisable to switch off the refrigerator.
- It is also necessary to prepare the refrigerator for switching off before moving house.
- If you use an additional mini-fridge just for drinks or parties, it is worth switching it off if you are not going to need it for a while. This will save you electricity costs.
- If you have an old refrigerator at home that consumes a lot of electricity, it’s better to replace it altogether than to keep switching it off for a while.
Switching off the refrigerator properly – step by step
If you decide to turn off the refrigerator, you should proceed as follows:
- Check which food is still edible and whether you can consume it before turning off the refrigerator. Store perishable goods such as milk, meat or fresh food in another refrigerator, for example at a friend’s house, or freeze them in a separate freezer.
- Remove all food and clean the refrigerator thoroughly with a damp cloth and vinegar to remove bacteria and odors.
- If ice has formed, let the refrigerator defrost completely. Place a towel or shallow dish underneath to catch the defrost water.
- Leave the refrigerator door slightly open to prevent moisture from building up and to prevent mold from forming.
- Once the refrigerator is dry and clean, you can disconnect it permanently from the power supply by unplugging it.
