Using the Produce Preserver
Using the Produce Preserver in your Whirlpool Refrigerator
The Produce Preserver in your Whirlpool refrigerator helps fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer by reducing excess ethylene gas inside the crisper drawer. Use this guide to learn what it does, how to install it, and how to get the best results from everyday produce. If you are using the produce preserver in refrigerator models that support it, you may also see references to the Fresh Flow Produce Preserver or FreshFlow Produce Preserver, which are compatible cartridge names.
The Freshflow™ Produce Preserver absorbs ethylene to slow the ripening process of many produce items, ensuring that certain items stay fresher longer. Ethylene production and sensitivity vary depending on the type of fruit or vegetable. To preserve freshness, it is best to separate produce sensitive to ethylene from fruits that produce moderate-to-high amounts of ethylene.
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How to Install the Produce Preserver
The Produce Preserver is a compact cartridge system that fits into a holder in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Inside the cartridge is an ethylene-absorbing material that helps slow the ripening process. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone many fruits and vegetables release; in enclosed spaces, it can speed up softening and spoilage. Lowering ethylene levels helps maintain texture, flavor, and appearance.
For your convenience, the suction-mounted can be installed in either the crisper or the refrigerated drawers.
- Wash the interior of a drawer with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water and dry thoroughly.
- Find the package containing the Freshflow™ Produce Preserver inside the refrigerator and install the Produce Preserver into the drawer according to the instructions provided in the package.
How to Replace the Produce Preserver
The disposable packet(s) should be replaced every six months or when the status indicator changes completely from white to red.
- Remove the used packets from the produce preserver housing.
- Remove the used status indicator.
- Install the replacement packets and status indicators using the instructions included in the package.
How to Use the Produce Preserver Effectively
Placement and storage: Keep the preserver in its designated crisper housing. Store ethylene-sensitive foods—such as leafy greens, berries, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers—in that drawer. High ethylene producers like apples, pears, avocados, and tomatoes can be stored in the same drawer when using a preserver; otherwise, separate them to avoid speeding up the ripening of sensitive items.
Best practices:
- Set crisper humidity appropriately: higher for leafy greens, lower for most fruits.
- Avoid overfilling the drawer to maintain airflow around produce.
- Dry items thoroughly after washing to limit excess moisture.
- Use vented produce containers or perforated bags to balance airflow and humidity.
- Keep the refrigerator at 37–40°F and ensure crisper seals close properly.
Maintenance and replacement: Replace the Produce Preserver every 6 months, or sooner if your model’s indicator changes color or you notice reduced effectiveness. Signs it’s time to replace include quicker wilting or softening, off-odors, or visible wear on the cartridge. Remove expired cartridges and install new ones promptly to maintain continuous freshness protection. When using the produce preserver in refrigerator drawers, always choose the correct FreshFlow Produce Preserver kit for your model.
The Freshflow™ Produce Preserver absorbs ethylene, allowing the ripening process of many produce items to slow down extending the freshness of produce up to 25%. Starter kits and refills are available here Freshflow™ Produce Preserver.
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