A SIMPLE step can help to your refrigerator run cooler without costing you a penny.
In fact, this handy hack can actually help you to save money in the long run.

A simple food preparation step can help cut down on your energy costs (stock image)[/caption]
The experts at Life Before Plastic have revealed a minor change you can to cut down on your energy bills.
By making a simple switch to a food prep step, you can not only keep your ingredients fresh for longer but also cool down your fridge at the same time.
According to the professionals, defrosting your dinner in your fridge instead of on your kitchen counter can help you save on household bills.
“It’s easy to waste food when you don’t know the correct way to store it,” the experts explained.
“Have you ever bought a bag of mushrooms then forgotten about them before it’s too late? Or a bunch of spinach that goes wilted and stinks out your fridge? We’ve all been there.
“Having to throw away food is money straight in the bin and bad news for overconsumption and our environment.
“Knowing how to store your food properly ensures maximum freshness, lower energy bills, and reduces food waste.”
By defrosting food in your fridge, you can help keep the appliance’s interior temperature low.
“Putting a frozen item in the refrigerator helps cool the appliance down and then it doesn’t need as much energy to keep the rest of your food cold,” the pros revealed.
They broke down the various benefits of this handy food prep technique.
“This helps lower your energy bill and defrost your food at a healthy speed so it does not spoil.”
Depending on how much food you plan to defrost, you may even be able to adjust the temperature of your fridge.
This will help to further reduce your energy bill costs.
A higher temperature setting will cost less to run because it requires less energy to maintain a warmer temperature.
And there are other DIY hacks you can take when it comes to your fridge.
Hacks for Keeping Food Fresh in Your Fridge
IF you want your food to stay fresh, you’ll need to try out this useful hacks…
- Herbs in Water: Store fresh herbs like parsley and coriander in a glass of water, then cover with a plastic bag to keep them fresh for weeks.
- Wrap Greens in Paper Towels: Wrap leafy greens in paper towels before placing them in a plastic bag. The towels absorb excess moisture, preventing wilting.
- Use Mason Jars: Store salads, chopped vegetables, and even leftovers in mason jars. They are airtight and keep food fresher for longer.
- Revive Stale Bread: Sprinkle a bit of water on stale bread and pop it in the oven for a few minutes to make it fresh again.
- Baking Soda for Odours: Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb odours and keep food tasting fresh.
- Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil: Chop herbs and freeze them in olive oil using an ice cube tray. This preserves their flavour and makes them easy to use.
- Keep Cheese Fresh: Wrap cheese in wax paper instead of plastic wrap. Wax paper allows the cheese to breathe, preventing it from becoming slimy.
- Store Avocados with Onions: Place a cut avocado in an airtight container with a slice of onion. The sulphur compounds in the onion slow down oxidation, keeping the avocado fresh.
- Use Vinegar Wash for Berries: Rinse berries in a mixture of water and vinegar (one cup of vinegar to three cups of water) before storing. This kills bacteria and mould spores, extending their shelf life.
- Egg Freshness Test: To check if eggs are still fresh, place them in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs will sink, while old ones will float.
Implement these clever hacks to maximise the freshness of your food and make the most of your groceries.
An 80p hack will help to freshen up your stinky fridge and prevent mildew forming.
You can also use a kitchen staple to rid both your fridge and car of unwanted smells.
A guide on the right way to store your groceries can also help you save on your energy bills.
Mrs Hinch’s fans have also revealed a trick to keeping your fridge smelling fresh.
And an easy fix can prevent water from gathering at the bottom of your fridge.

Experts recommend defrosting your food in your fridge to help keep the appliance’s temperature low (stock image)[/caption]