What Happens If You Leave the Fridge Door Open for 12 Hours?

Discover the effects of leaving your fridge door open for 12 hours and how to manage food safety risks.

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Leaving the fridge door open for 12 hours can cause food to spoil due to the rise in temperature. To address this, immediately close the door and check the food. Discard items that feel warm or have an unusual odor. Clean any condensation and ensure the fridge is functioning properly afterward.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What should I do immediately after realizing the fridge door was left open? Immediately close the fridge door and check the food for any signs of spoilage.
  2. How can I tell if food has spoiled due to a fridge door being left open? Check for warmth and unusual odors in the food items; discard anything that feels warm or smells off.
  3. Is it safe to eat food after the fridge door was left open for 12 hours? It is not safe to eat perishable food that has been in the danger zone (above 40°F or 4°C) for more than 2 hours.
  4. What steps should I take to clean my fridge after it has been left open? Clean any condensation or spills inside the fridge, and check that it resumes normal operation after closing.

Watch More

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