Why you should put a piece of paper on your fridge door this summer

During the summer months, the performance of your fridge can be compromised due to the high temperatures, leading to food spoilage.

Beko, a fridge manufacturer, warned that a damaged door seal is a common issue, allowing warm air to enter and forcing the cooling system to work harder, the U.K.’s Daily Express reported.

"A worn-out door seal can prevent the refrigerator door from closing properly, causing the cooling system to work harder to keep your groceries fresh," a spokesman for Beko said.

"This can lead to increased energy consumption and potential damage to your fridge and its temperature settings."

To check your fridge’s seal, Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko UK, suggested a simple test.

"Place the paper against the door seal and close the door. When you try to pull the paper out, you should feel some resistance," he explained.

"If the paper slides out easily, your door seal may need replacing."

After checking the seal, other steps can improve efficiency.

Sun advised allowing cleaned fridge shelves to dry thoroughly before returning them.

"The cooling technology is designed to keep everything at the right temperature, but any residual water on freshly cleaned shelves can freeze and lead to ice buildup in your appliance," he said, as quoted by tech site Tom's Guide.

Ice buildup can increase energy consumption and reduce cooling efficiency. If it forms around the door seals, it may prevent the door from closing properly or even damage the seals.