When storms or unexpected blackouts hit, many people immediately worry: Is the food in my fridge still safe? Knowing how long food can last without power is key to protecting your health — and your wallet.
🕑 How long is food safe without power?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about six hours, as long as you don’t open the door.
Your freezer is more forgiving:
A half-full freezer will hold its temperature for roughly 24 hours.
A full freezer can last up to 48 hours.
The reason is simple — more frozen items cluster together, helping each other stay cold longer.
🚪 Keep doors shut to lock in the cold
Every time you open your fridge or freezer, you let warm air in and speed up spoilage. The FDA strongly advises keeping doors closed as much as possible.
If you think the power will be out for a while, stock up on ice or dry ice. About 50 pounds of dry ice can keep an 18-cubic-foot freezer cold for two days. Always handle dry ice carefully and never place it directly on food.
🌡 Check temperatures, don’t taste test
Once the power returns, use a fridge/freezer thermometer.
If your fridge or freezer is 40°F (4°C) or below, the food is safe.
Frozen foods that still have ice crystals can also be safely refrozen, though the quality might drop.
And remember: never taste food to see if it’s still good. If in doubt, throw it out.
🚫 What foods to toss
Certain foods become risky fast once above 40°F for two hours or more, or 50°F for over eight hours. Experts recommend discarding:
Raw or cooked meat, poultry, fish
Milk, yogurt, soft or shredded cheeses
Eggs and egg dishes
Hot dogs, bacon, lunch meats
Pizza, casseroles, pasta salads, creamy dips
Mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish (over 50°F for 8+ hours)
Cut fruits and vegetables, or any produce that’s slimy or sour
Anything contaminated by juices from raw meats
✅ Foods you can usually keep
Luckily, some foods are low-risk and hold up better. It’s generally safe to keep:
Hard cheeses, processed cheeses, butter, margarine
Condiments like ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, jams (but watch for mold after a few days)
Whole fresh fruits and veggies (if they’re still firm and unspoiled)
Breads, rolls, dry goods like flour, spices, nuts
🧊 Tips to protect your food next time
Group items together in the freezer to help them stay cold longer.
If you have coolers, fill them with ice and move high-risk foods there.
Try not to peek inside the fridge — keeping doors closed buys you valuable time.
🧽 Cleaning your fridge after a blackout
Once power’s back, it’s important to clean thoroughly.
Discard any spoiled food.
Remove shelves and bins, wash with hot water and soap, then sanitize with 1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water.
Wash the fridge’s inside walls, door, and gaskets with hot water and baking soda, then rinse with the bleach solution.
Leave the door open for 15 minutes to air out.
If odors linger, wipe with a vinegar-water solution, pack the fridge with rolled newspapers for a few days, or place coffee grounds or baking soda inside.
🔗 More smart kitchen tips
Want to make the most of your appliances once your fridge is running again? Check out our guide on 8 Easy Ways to Get the Best Results From Your Air Fryer — perfect for getting crispy, delicious meals without fuss.
