doors as little as possible. Don't put any food on the ice or in the ice chamber; leave the ice uncovered. You may have been told that wrapping your ice in newspapers, cloths or blankets, tends to keep it from melting. This practice is bad, because it prevents the free circulation of air around the ice, and that in turn prevents the purification of the air. The whole surface of the ice is needed to purify the air properly. Never put hot food in the refrigerator. Let it cool a bit first. It is a great mistake to have too small a refrigerator for the amount of food in it. The food is a heating element, and melts the ice faster than the ice can chill the food. Too much crowding of food also obstructs the air circulation so essential to keeping the flavor fresh and appetizing.
Operation of ice refrigerators .w Placing the Refrigerator. — Your refrigerator may look stout and tough, but in reality, great care must be taken to see that it is properly placed. Few people realize the importance of this. Place the refrigerator where it won't overheat or be exposed to moisture, draft or sudden changes of weather. A porch, even though protected, and a cellar are bad places for it. The best place is in the kitchen near the rear entrance. This may not be as convenient as a little nearer the working section; but it saves the iceman crossing your kitchen. The ideal arrangement, course, is an outside icer opening on the porch.
Opening and Closing Refrigerator Doors. — One of the quickest ways of spoiling the efficiency of your refrigerator as a preserver of food is to open the doors too often and keep them open too long. Tests have shown that in opening the door the temperature inside rises at least two degrees. Some housewives open the box every time they want a single article of food, instead of taking out several articles at once which may be needed about the same time. Refrigerator doors should be kept tightly closed. When not quite shut they leave a crack between the door and its frame and warm air seeps in or the cold air pours out. Under such conditions, it is impossible to keep the inside cold. It is also bad for the doors. The meeting of warm air on one side and cold on the other develops moisture and that makes the door warp and swell. This 'sweating' is especially noticeable on warm, damp days.
Keeping the Refrigerator Clean. — It is very important to keep your refrigerator spotlessly clean. That is literally true. A single drop of spilled milk or of other food can contaminate a refrigerator in a few days. One drop of milk can develop millions of bacteria if the temperature is right for it. In cleaning a refrigerator use a sponge or soft cloth and clean water. Don't use any sponge or cloth and any water. You do not have to give your refrigerator a weekly hot scald. You can clean it thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water and washing soda, followed by a rinse with clear cold water and then a thorough drying. Hot water heats the wall unnecessarily. Be sure to leave them perfectly dry. Moisture is bad. A friction powder or steel wool may be used on the ice compartment and drain only. The drain is the most difficult part to clean; use a long handled brush with steel wool packed into it. To be thoroughly clean a refrigerator should have no cracks or crevices in which dirt or germs can lodge. It is almost impossible to clean them out. In purchasing a new refrigerator, be sure to get one that may be easily and thoroughly cleaned.
<Callout type="warning" title="Do Not Cover Ice">Covering ice with newspapers or cloths prevents air circulation and purification of the air.</Callout>
<Callout type="tip" title="Proper Food Cooling">Always let hot food cool before placing it in the refrigerator to avoid rapid melting of ice.</Callout>
<Callout type="important" title="Proper Placement">Place your refrigerator near the rear entrance or outside on a porch for optimal cooling and protection from drafts and moisture.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- Keep ice uncovered to allow proper air circulation.
- Avoid opening the refrigerator door frequently or leaving it open long periods.
- Clean your refrigerator regularly and thoroughly to prevent contamination.
Practical Tips
- Always let hot food cool before placing it in the refrigerator to avoid rapid melting of ice.
- Place the refrigerator near the rear entrance or outside on a porch for optimal cooling and protection from drafts and moisture.
- Keep the refrigerator clean by using lukewarm or cold water and washing soda, followed by a thorough drying.
Warnings & Risks
Do Not Cover Ice
Covering ice with newspapers or cloths prevents air circulation and purification of the air.
Door Sweating
Leaving refrigerator doors open can cause moisture to develop, leading to door warping and swelling.
Modern Application
While modern refrigerators have vastly improved in efficiency and functionality, understanding how to properly maintain an ice refrigerator is still valuable for emergency preparedness. The principles of minimizing door openings, maintaining cleanliness, and proper placement remain relevant, providing a fallback method when electrical power is unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I not cover the ice in my ice refrigerator?
Do Not Cover Ice
Covering ice with newspapers or cloths prevents air circulation and purification of the air.
Q: How often should I clean my ice refrigerator?
It is very important to keep your refrigerator spotlessly clean. A single drop of spilled milk or other food can contaminate a refrigerator in a few days. Clean it thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water and washing soda, followed by a rinse with clear cold water and then a thorough drying.
Q: What is the best place to put my ice refrigerator?
Place the refrigerator where it won't overheat or be exposed to moisture, draft, or sudden changes of weather. The best place is in the kitchen near the rear entrance. The ideal arrangement is an outside icer opening on the porch.