Produce Spoiling Fast in a Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart Refrigerator? Placement and Settings

Fresh food that spoils faster than it should is frustrating, particularly in an expensive refrigerator. Before blaming a part, look at how the produce is stored and how the cabinet is being used.

Check the settings

• Confirm the temperature setting has not been bumped. A small change in the fresh food section matters over several days.
• If your crisper drawers have humidity or fresh-keeping controls, set leafy greens and fruit differently. Most vegetables prefer higher humidity; many fruits prefer lower.
• Make sure the drawers are pushed fully closed.

Check the habits

• Do not crowd the shelves. Cold air has to circulate around food.
• Keep produce away from the back wall where it can freeze in places.
• Do not wash berries and greens until you are ready to eat them, since moisture speeds mold.
• Store ethylene-producing fruit, such as apples and bananas, away from lettuce and herbs.
• Let hot leftovers cool a little before you put them in, and avoid holding the door open while you decide what to eat.

Check the cabinet

Look for frost, wet spots and a door that does not close tight. A gasket with food residue or a warped seal lets humid Houston air in, which makes the inside less cold and more damp than it should be. Wipe the gasket and see if the door pulls shut firmly.

When a technician helps

If everything above looks right and the thermometer still reads warm, or if one drawer stays much colder than the rest, a sensor, damper or fan may not be working correctly. We can measure the temperatures and tell you what we find.

Learn more on our refrigerator repair page, and see the service area to be sure we reach you. We quote in writing before starting, and repairs come with a 30-day workmanship warranty.