CLEANING is one of those jobs no one really enjoys doing, but sprucing up your fridge could actually save you cash.
That’s because if you neglect cleaning certain appliances, it’s not just unhygienic, but it can be costly too.
With energy bills rising by £149 annually for the average household at the beginning of this month, we’re all looking for ways to save.
And the key to saving cash could be giving your fridge a good scrub.
But only a fifth of households clean their fridge just twice a year, according to Lakeland’s Trends Report.
Some 18% of households clean their fridge twice a year, while 16% do it on an “ad hoc” basis only when it becomes noticeably dirty.
But kitchen experts actually advise that you should clean your fridge after every big supermarket shop.
Not only will this prevent bacteria from lurking, it can also help it to run more efficiently.
Simply cleaning and dusting the coils at the back of your fridge can slash energy consumption by up to 25%, according to Which?.
This is because dust on the coils can prevent the fridge from cooling properly.
You can vacuum away the dust and dirt to get your fridge freezer working more efficiently again which should bring down your energy usage.
You can prevent dirt and grime from clogging the coils by using reusable food covers to stop spills from opened packets or leftovers.
Covermate elasticated covers cost just £3.49 for a pack of eight from Lakeland. Or Tesco sells three reusable silicone lids for £3.
If you do have a spillage, it’s important to make sure that you clean it up straight away.
Flash kitchen cleaning spray costs at little as 40p at Morrisons.
Of course, it’s important to compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Supermarkets change their prices all the time, sometimes multiple times daily, so it’s worth checking you’re getting the best price.
You can use websites like Trolley to see how the major supermarket’s compare in terms of price on any number of goods.
BELOW we reveal how you can calculate your own energy bill.
To calculate how much you pay for your energy bill, you must find out your unit rate for gas and electricity and the standing charge for each fuel type.
The unit rate will usually be shown on your bill in p/kWh.The standing charge is a daily charge that is paid 365 days of the year – irrespective of whether or not you use any gas or electricity.
You will then need to note down your own annual energy usage from a previous bill.
Once you have these details, you can work out your gas and electricity costs separately.
Multiply your usage in kWh by the unit rate cost in p/kWh for the corresponding fuel type – this will give you your usage costs.
You’ll then need to multiply each standing charge by 365 and add this figure to the totals for your usage – this will then give you your annual costs.
Divide this figure by 12, and you’ll be able to determine how much you should expect to pay each month from April 1.
If you don’t defrost the freezer compartment in your fridge regularly, it could add significantly to your bills.
The frost buildup increases the amount of work your freezer’s motor has to do.
And if the motor is working harder, then this means it’s using more energy.
You can chip away at any build-up once it starts to look a little glacial inside and then your energy bill won’t have to take such a hit.
It’s also important to clean the condenser coils on the back of the appliance, as dust on the coils can prevent the fridge from cooling properly.
Replace damaged door seals to ensure cold air cannot escape and be wasted and let food cool down completely before refrigerating.
New seals are often available online for £30 to £100.
If you’re looking to replace an old model with a new eco-friendly version you could also save on your energy bills each year.
It’s worth shopping around to make sure you’re getting the best model at the best price if you decide to go down this road.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Wynne Evans was spotted heading to the BBC studios solo after his recent scandal with Katya Jones.
The opera singer flashed a smile as he was seen sitting on his own in the back of a black cab – after the pair apologised for their controversial “joke.”
As the vehicle pulled into Strictly‘s London base, Wynne, 52, hopped out ready to reunite with his BBC show professional.
His blue shirt with a butterfly print added a bit of cheer after a grim week for the Go Compare advert frontman.
The pair will perform a Quickstep to ELO classic Mr Blue Sky during tonight’s live show after being the talk of Strictly last week – and not purely for their Tango routine.
BBC Radio Wales anchor Wynne was seen with his hand around professional partner Katya‘s waist during the show – but later explained it was “a stupid joke that had gone wrong.”
He told how he was “heartbroken” over the backlash, which was additionally fuelled when she refused to high-five the Go Compare advert star – sparking rumours of a fall-out.
Katya took to her own social media pages to defend their antics before confessing she “can’t bear” the backlash in a candid chat on spin-off show It Takes Two.
It remains to be seen if the drama affects the pair’s performance on the live show – and consequent standing in the judges and public vote – yet they are strongly tipped to leave.
Dr Jill Jacobs , a former professor for dance movement, today spoke to The Sun on behalf of BetVictor and claimed show fans “don’t want scandal” – and therefore may well vote Wynne and Katya Jones out.
They are also the bookies favourite to be given the boot.
Talking about the pair’a potential eviction, Jill told us: “The question is only when.
“If people feel that way and they’re not happy about how the pair is, they’re feeling that the pair is a negative.
“While Pete and Jowita, whether they’re romantically involved, this is joy, this is happiness. They are sharing this. They’re bringing this to the show. We love it.
“It’s joy and happiness.
Here's who is matched with who this series...
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
“We don’t want scandal. We don’t want negativity.”
The pair have also been advised to drop their “everything’s fine” mantra ahead of their next performance.
It came as others called for TV star to be “axed” immediately.
DARREN FLETCHER’S teenage son Jack has been named in Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United matchday squad for the first time.
The midfielder, 17, is on the bench for today’s Old Trafford clash with Brentford.
Fletcher penned his first pro contract at United alongside his twin brother Tyler earlier this year.
His dad Darren, 40, played 342 times for the Red Devils between 2003 and 2015.
During his United stint he won five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, League Cup and the Champions League.
Jack is a highly-rated prospect and was signed from Manchester City last year alongside his brother.
The transfer was reportedly a record fee for the age group.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
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ADAM AZIM is putting his undefeated record on the line once again TONIGHT as he takes on British rival Ohara Davies in a mouthwatering lightweight.
Assassin hasn’t looked back since stopping Franck Petitjean in round ten of their 2023 fight to become the new European light-welterweight champion.
The Slough-born icon won and defended the European title in record timing as Azim went on to beat challenger Enock Poulsen three months later.
But Assassin could be coming up against his toughest challenge yet as he faces a former British and Commonwealth champion with a point to prove.
However, the wind will certainly be in the sails of Azim as Davies goes into this battle fresh from a TKO loss against Ismael Barroso.
Ironically, both men started their boxing journeys in East London’s iconic Peacock Gym with Azim looking up to Davies who is ten years older.
Adam Azim admitted that he respects Ohara Davies whereas Davies is confident that he’ll be handing Azim his first loss.
Azim said: “I can’t wait to get back in the ring and back to what I do best,” said Azim. “It was a great honour to win and defend the European title but now I’m ready for my next challenge.
“I’ve known Ohara Davies for many years. I respect him and what he’s achieved in the sport but when we meet in the ring, he’s just another opponent and another step on my journey to the top.
“He’s a good fighter. I think our styles will make for an exciting fight but there’s only going to be one outcome. I’m ready to make a statement and show everybody that I’m ready for the biggest names in the division.”
Davies said: “I’m excited for this fight. I like Adam Azim. I’ve known him since he was very young and it’s amazing to see his success so far in boxing,
“I followed him in the amateurs, and I’ve always respected him. But he isn’t a kid anymore. He’s grown into a man with massive potential. And that’s why it’s a shame that I have to hand him his first defeat.
“No needle, no hate, I want us to go back to our families happy and healthy after the fight. But this is where it all changes for him. I’m sorry Adam. This is where it ends.”