Hygienic storage

To prevent filth there are some simple tips. By following them, the basic cleanliness in the fridge will be on a fundamentally better level. That is why we recommend everybody to take the following advice seriously and to apply it, to the private fridge if you want to and definitely to the Fair-Share Point fridge!

• The fridge should not get warmer than +5°C (control with a thermometer)!

• Do not store unclosed items in the fridge!

• Seal opened packages airtight!

• Loose objects (e.g. cheese) should be stored in an airtight box!

• Store dirty food at the bottom so the dirt is not trickling down!

• Separate raw and prepared food for a better system!

• Control the conditions frequently (throw away spoiled items, etc.)!

The choice of cleaning supplies

• Use rags/sponges washed at at least 60°C!

• Clean thoroughly with 6% vinegar-water mixture (e.g. 2 cups vinegar essence to 1l water)!

• Clean rubber seals with an old (but clean!) toothbrush, hot water and dish liquid or citric acid/ascorbic acid (available in the pharmacy)!

• Dry every item properly with a clean towel before putting it in the fridge!

• There normally is no need to use more aggressive detergents! (Exeptions can be sick users of the fridge or terrible conditions of the fridge.)

Frequency of cleaning

• Do a thorough cleaning with 6% vinegar-water mixture at least once per month; every week would be even better!

• Always remove condensed water from the back of the fridge or from the vegetable cooler immediately!

• Remove spilled liquids with a clean rag immediately!

Reasonable behavior for using fridges

As fridges run day and night they use quite a lot of energy which should be taken advantage of as best as possible. To make this happen in the most efficient way, there are a few tips on how to use fridges:

• packaged food does not produce any humidity in the cool storage so no ice will occur that has to be removed by de-icing.

• Stacked, square boxes are great to perfectly make use of the space.

• Transparent/labeled boxes are helpful for a good system.

• It is also good to have a clear system so no food gets lost and starts rotting.

• A half-empty fridge has to cool more often. So you can simply put water bottles or thermal packs inside if needed.

• The warmer the item you want to put in, the more energy is needed to cool it down. Better let warm food cool down to room temperature outside the fridge to save energy.

• Take care to close the door immediately!

• Take care to close the door properly!

• You can use thematically sorted boxes to have a faster taking-out/putting-in process (e.g. bread-eating boxes with spreads, butter, jam etc.)

• Before getting new food, have a look on what you really need to prevent having unnecessary accumulations of the same products! (Especially in private fridges.)