If you have noticed that one bottle of milk has frozen in your fridge while the other hasn't, it could be due to various factors related to the refrigerator's temperature settings, positioning of the milk bottles, and the fridge's internal airflow. Here are some possible reasons:
Temperature settings: The temperature settings in different areas of the fridge may vary. Some fridges have colder spots than others, and the shelf or compartment where the frozen milk was placed might be closer to the cooling element. Check the temperature settings in your fridge and ensure they are set to the manufacturer's recommended levels for food storage.
Airflow: The airflow within the refrigerator can differ depending on the fridge's design. If one milk bottle is positioned in an area with restricted airflow, such as near the back wall or close to the cooling vents, it may be more susceptible to freezing than the other bottle placed in a spot with more balanced airflow.
Proximity to cooling element: The milk bottle that froze might have been placed too close to the cooling element or evaporator coil inside the refrigerator. This proximity to the cooling source can cause localized freezing in that area.
Shelf height: If one milk bottle is placed on a lower shelf where the cooling is more intense, it could freeze more easily compared to the bottle placed on a higher shelf.
Door storage: Milk bottles stored in the fridge door might experience temperature fluctuations due to frequent door openings, which can lead to uneven cooling and freezing in some instances.
Refrigerator condition: In some cases, if a fridge's cooling system is malfunctioning, it might lead to uneven temperatures throughout the refrigerator, causing certain areas to become too cold and lead to freezing.
To avoid milk freezing in the future, consider these steps:
Check temperature settings: Ensure that the fridge temperature is set appropriately, usually between 34°F to 40°F (1°C to 4°C).
Positioning: Rearrange the milk bottles and other items in the fridge, placing them away from direct airflow or cooling elements.
Avoid fridge door storage: If possible, avoid storing milk or other sensitive items in the fridge door where temperature fluctuations are more common.
Regular maintenance: Keep your refrigerator well-maintained, including cleaning the coils, defrosting if necessary (for manual defrost fridges), and checking for any issues that may affect cooling.
If the problem persists or you notice other unusual behavior with your fridge, it's best to have a professional appliance repair technician inspect and diagnose the issue.