My left over food I store in the refrigerator keeps getting bad!?

Question

My name is Sidney. When I try to preserve left over food in my refrigerator, it keeps getting bad (sour) with some whitish mold-like stuff sometimes appearing on the food. I have tried to adjust the temperature (going to extremes even) but that does not seem to help.
Please, I really need answers or suggestions.

Answer 1

Um, Sid? How long are you leaving the food in there? That stuff does not have a perpetual shelf life, you know.

Answer 2

You didn't include the methods you use to store the food. Is it being placed in the frig hot or warm? Is it covered with foil, cling wrap, or not at all? Food should not be placed into the frig while hot. This causes condensation to form which will speed up the deterioration process including mold. Food should be wrapped to prevent collecting odors from other foods or making their own odors in the unit. This also reduces moisture on the food surfaces. Leftovers do not last for weeks, just a few days.

Answer 3

hi sidney, well, first ,do you cover the food and store it immediately? you should, as bacteria breed quickly.
secondly , 3 days would be average time for fridge on most foods, longer than that, consider freezing immediately and thaw as required.( don,t freeze salads or coleslaws! or raw vegies.) never put cooked and raw foods with or near each other, always cover everything!Never put raw meat above any other food, unless its in a deep bowl and can,t possibly drip and contaminate.
also i strongly suggest you totally empty the fridge and give it an antibacterial wash, as you may have a resident bacteria colony from the sound of it. vinegar is good and cheap, do not use bleach! its toxic leaves a taint and is not enviro safe. vinegar kills bugs perfectly well! remember the door seals! they are really bad for holding gunge!! good luck!

Answer 4

Baking soda is a good idea, also try to make sure that the containers you store your food in have air tight lids. Or if possible, freeze anything you don't think you will eat within the next week. Air tight containers will help the food keep longer.

Answer 5

Get a thermometer and find out what temperature your fridge is set at. Also, check your door seals. If they leak, then you won't be chilling anything. Remove everything and clean the whole thing out.

Answer 6

leftovers are only good for 2-3 days in a refrigerator.
if you want to keep it longer you would have to freeze it.

Answer 7

baking soda...keep an open box in there after you have theroughly cleaned it out....bleach.