How One Simple Fridge Adjustment Keeps Your Food Fresh Longer

Refrigerators are indispensable in our kitchens, preserving everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to dairy and leftovers by keeping them at cool temperatures. While we rely on this essential appliance daily, many of us unknowingly use it incorrectly, resulting in food spoiling faster than necessary.

A recent TikTok expert reveals that most users overlook a small but crucial feature inside the fridge: a numbered temperature dial, typically ranging from 1 to 5. This dial controls how long the compressor runs—essentially regulating the fridge’s internal temperature—yet it is often misunderstood or ignored.

The expert explains, “99% of people don’t use their refrigerators correctly. They twist the dial randomly without knowing it controls compressor run time, not just temperature. Setting it too low can cause food to spoil quickly, while setting it too high leads to ice build-up and moisture problems.”

Incorrect dial settings can cause puddles inside the fridge, mold growth, ice accumulation, and even increase your electricity bill. To avoid these issues, adjust the dial based on seasonal changes and how much food you store.

In warmer months, when opening the fridge lets in warm air, set the dial higher—around 4 or 5—to keep temperatures low and preserve freshness. During colder months, lowering the setting to 2 is sufficient and saves energy.

Maggie’s Oven Services offers helpful guidelines: if your fridge is often full, keep the dial between 3 and 4. If you store less food, a setting between 2 and 3 works well. Too low a setting leads to ice formation, which hinders air circulation and can cause the thermostat to fail, potentially resulting in expensive repairs. If you spot ice buildup, carefully remove it and adjust the dial to a warmer setting, allowing at least eight hours for changes to take effect.

To optimize your fridge’s performance and keep your food fresher for longer: