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Why food freezes in your refrigerator — and how to stop it

Get your fridge back from icy to ice-free.

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If you've ever opened your refrigerator expecting to find a fresh bottle of milk, only to discover that it's turned into ice, you're not alone. Most of us have this problem at some point. But thankfully, there are ways to fix it.

Understanding why your refrigerator Is freezing food

Your refrigerator has one job: to keep your food at a cool, consistent temperature. The temperature of fridges should be between 3°C and 5°C. But when certain parts of it malfunction or become damaged, the temperature can drop too low, causing freezing.

Temperature settings

First, check the temperature settings on your refrigerator. If the thermostat is set too low, turn it up slightly and see if that solves the problem. Sometimes, there are times when you might have set your fridge to a cooler setting - particularly when you’ve got a big shop in. But as you empty your fridge, it might be set at a much cooler temperature than it needs to be.

The role of air vents in a refrigerator

Air vents inside your fridge play a crucial role in maintaining its temperature. If these vents become blocked or obstructed, it can cause uneven cooling or freezing. To check if the air vents are not blocked, here's how you can do it:

  1. Locate the air vents - these are usually found in the top or back of the fridge.

  2. Check for visible obstructions such as food, containers, or debris that may be blocking the vents.

  3. If there are any obstructions, remove them carefully.

Remember, it's essential to keep your fridge's air vents clear to keep your food at a consistent, safe temperature and to keep your fridge working for longer.

Checking and replacing leaky door seals

Another common cause of freezing in your refrigerator is a faulty or leaky door seal. When warm air enters the refrigerator, it can cause the temperature to drop and food to freeze. Check the seal for any signs of wear or damage, and replace it if necessary. You’ll know this is a problem if your fridge door won’t stay closed - which we’ve covered in another aticle.

Why is my fridge freezing up at the back?

Poor air circulation and condensation build-up at the back of the fridge can cause freezing at the back of your fridge. Don't overload the unit and check the temperature settings to ensure there aren't any issues with faulty parts.

Ice maker settings

If your refrigerator has an ice maker, check the settings. If it's set too low, it can cause the freezer to become too cold and freeze other items in the fridge. This shouldn’t be a problem for fridge freezers though, since the freezer compartment is totally separate.

Ask a professional for help

If none of these solutions work, it may be time to call in a professional. A trained technician can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action. Our repair experts can get it fixed fast.

Time for a fridge upgrade?

If your refrigerator is getting old and outdated, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Newer models are more energy-efficient and have advanced features that can help prevent freezing and keep your food fresher for longer. Our Refrigerator Buying Guide is a great place to start.

Go smart

We’re all busy, so you might not relish constantly having to check your fridge temperature. That’s where smart fridges come to the rescue! With an app, you can adjust your fridge temperature wherever you are and also be alerted to any issues before they turn into real problems. They’re also:

  • Energy efficient - Smart fridges are more energy-efficient and come with advanced features that help prevent freezing and keep food fresher for longer. The LG InstaView American-Style Smart fridge freezer has an A+++ energy-rated and comes equipped with an Instaview panel that can help reduce cold air loss and keep running costs down. Knock twice on the Instaview panel and it will show you what's inside, so you won't have to open the fridge door to get certain items. Plus, you can download LG's Smart ThinQ app to receive an alert if you've left the door open, and adjust the fridge temperature remotely.

  • Frost free - Smart fridge freezers can regulate their conditions and defrost themselves, keeping your food fresher for longer. The **Bosch Series 6 fridge freezer **has advanced features, such as the VitaFresh Plus compartments that adjust the temperature to create the optimal environment for meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, helping them stay fresh and rich in vitamins for up to twice as long. You can even manually adjust the temperature and monitor overall performance from your smartphone. Plus, automatic defrosting helps it run smoothly and efficiently.

Preventive measures to keep your refrigerator running smoothly

Of course, the best way to avoid freezing in your refrigerator is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Regularly cleaning the fridge, checking the temperature, and maintaining the air vents can help keep your refrigerator running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the line. Check out our guide to regular fridge cleaning below.

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