FRIDGE MAGNETS
Why you shouldn’t stick your holiday magnets on the fridge
Sticking holiday magnets on the fridge is a lifelong tradition, but nowadays it could pose a risk for the appliance.
The refrigerator is the cornerstone of every kitchen and is a modern day essential in every household. For many however, the domestic fridge has become more than just another appliance... it is a blank canvas to be covered in that holiday souvenir icon that is the fridge magnet, it has become a household art gallery to commemorate those trips to Torremolinos, Toronto and Tokyo!
But, we have bad news, the fridge magnet may be damaging your appliance!
What's happening with the most famous summer souvenirs in your fridge?
If your refrigerator is a newer model, it probably has sensors on the front of the main door that can clash with the magnets. The light magnetic field created by the souvenirs could be prone to causing panels or elements that require digital automation to not work properly. Sometimes the fault may be negligible initially but, little by little the small magnetic force created by many magnets could be taking a toll on your appliance.
The materials used to make the grips are largely to blame. For example, they often contain a large amount of neodymium, known as the most powerful material known for permanent magnets.
Placing a magnet next to a refrigerator with a display will not destroy a fridge. Everything in moderation and a couple of magnet souvenirs are unlikely to create enough pull to affect the sensors around the display.
There is some good news for owners of older models of refrigerator though. Given that the possibility of issues arriving from a fridge packed with magnets only applies to new modern appliances, older fridge owners can make conscience free purchases of that overpriced Egyptian Pyramid, Mexican sombrero or the Berlin traffic light man magnet at the airport on the trip home.