How Safe Is It To Leave The Fridge Door Even Slightly Ajar?
February 27, 2024
source: iStock
I’ve got to confess, leaving the fridge door even slightly ajar is one of those fears deeply ingrained in me since childhood. My parents, like guardians of the cool air fortress, always drummed into me that it’s a big no-no. And honestly, the more I think about it, the more I realize they were onto something. Here’s why letting that chilly door stay even slightly open can be more harmful than you’d think.
First off, the energy waste is no joke. I remember my dad explaining how fridges work harder to maintain their internal temperature when warm air sneaks in. That tiny crack allows the cool air to escape, making the fridge go into overdrive to keep everything cold. This not only cranks up your electricity bill but can also shorten the lifespan of your beloved appliance. Imagine the fridge sighing in relief every time you ensure the door is snugly closed.
Then there’s the food safety issue, a topic my mom could lecture about for hours on end. Keeping food at the right temperature is crucial to prevent bacteria growth. Leaving the door slightly open can cause the temperature inside to rise above the safe zone (usually below 40°F or 4°C). This can turn your fridge into a playground for bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, and nobody wants to deal with food poisoning. It’s like inviting unwanted guests to a party they were never supposed to attend.
And let’s not forget about the impact on the food itself. Have you ever noticed how quickly food seems to spoil or lose its freshness when the fridge isn’t sealing properly? That’s because the fluctuating temperatures mess with the food’s longevity. Fruits and vegetables wilt, dairy products go sour before their expiration dates, and leftovers that were supposed to last until your next meal prep day end up in the trash way sooner. It’s a sad sight, watching your hard-earned money and precious groceries go to waste.
Not to mention, the moisture loss. A slightly open fridge door can lead to drier air inside, which isn’t great for produce or anything that relies on a bit of humidity to stay fresh. I’ve seen lettuce leaves turn into sad, crispy shadows of their former selves overnight, all because the door wasn’t closed properly.
As it turns out, my lifelong scare of leaving the fridge door even slightly open is pretty well-founded. The consequences range from increased energy bills and potential food safety hazards to the premature spoiling of food. So, every time I make sure that door is closed tight, I’m not just appeasing my inner child scared of parental scolding; I’m saving money, preventing waste, and taking care of my health. It turns out, those childhood lessons about keeping the fridge door closed were more valuable than I realized.