The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . This temperature inhibits the growth of microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. The freezer should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your fridge has a temperature dial with numbers from 1 to 5, the coldest setting is usually 5. However, its important to note that a lower fridge temperature does not necessarily equal better food storage. A refrigerator’s temperature usually ranges from 0.5 to 4 degrees Celsius (33 to 39 in Fahrenheit), and it also matters on which shelf the food is stored. In older appliances, the higher you go, the colder it gets. Based on these two factors, the number your fridge should be set on is usually between 2 and 4. If you’re always storing plenty of food, you need the colder settings (3 to 4). If you’re not storing as much, choose between 2 and 3. If the temperature is very low, ice will form and it may prevent air circulation. Ice could also cause the fridge’s inner thermostat to malfunction, which may lead to electronics failure. If ice accumulates, knock it off, lower the temperature, and bear in mind that the change will take place in at least 8 hours.

To set the ideal temperature of your refrigerator, it’s important to understand your refrigerator’s temperature controls. Every model is different, so the location of the controls may vary. You can refer to the owner’s manual for your refrigerator to find the temperature control panel. Adjust the thermostat to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Once you get your fridge in the ideal temperature range, you have to keep it there. Don’t overfill the fridge, keep the door closed as much as possible, and clean the coils regularly to ensure proper airflow.