09Apr
Transform Your Fridge: A Guide to Cleaning and Organizing
Your fridge is more than just an appliance—it’s the heart of your kitchen. Keeping it clean and organised isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s essential for food safety, reducing waste, and streamlining meal prep. Follow this step-by-step guide to turn your fridge into a well-maintained, functional space.
Step 1: Prepare Your Space
Before starting, ensure you’re fully prepared.
- Empty the Fridge: Remove all items, placing perishable foods in a cooler to keep them fresh.
- Declutter: Toss expired items, stale leftovers, and anything you know you won’t use. This clears space and prevents clutter from reappearing.
Step 2: Deep Clean the Interior
With the fridge empty, it’s time for a thorough clean.
- Remove and Soak: Take out shelves, drawers, and other removable parts. Soak them in warm, soapy water, scrub gently, and let them air dry.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Mix baking soda with warm water and use this solution to clean the fridge interior. Pay close attention to corners, seams, and door seals where grime accumulates.
- Clean the Door and Gaskets: Don’t forget the inside of the door and its seals—they often harbor crumbs and spills.
Step 3: Organize by Zones
Once your fridge is clean, focus on organization. Divide your fridge into zones based on temperature and food type:
- Top Shelves: Store ready-to-eat foods like leftovers, drinks, and snacks. This area is slightly warmer than the rest.
- Middle Shelves: Perfect for dairy, eggs, and deli items, which need a consistent temperature.
- Bottom Shelves: The coldest part of the fridge is ideal for storing raw meat, poultry, and fish. Use leak-proof containers to avoid cross-contamination.
- Crisper Drawers: Use these for fresh produce.
- High-humidity drawer: Leafy greens and vegetables.
- Low-humidity drawer: Fruits.
- Door Shelves: Store condiments, sauces, and similar items here. Avoid keeping milk or eggs in the door, as it’s the warmest part of the fridge.
Step 4: Use Clear Containers
Invest in clear, stackable containers for leftovers and prepped food. These:
- Maximise space.
- Allow you to see contents at a glance, reducing food waste.
- Help track freshness—label containers with dates to keep things organised.
Step 5: Practice Regular Maintenance
Keep your fridge in top shape with consistent upkeep:
- Weekly Wipe-Down: Clean shelves and remove old food before your grocery trip.
- Check Expiry Dates: Rotate items so older ones are used first.
Step 6: Avoid Overcrowding
An overstuffed fridge hinders air circulation, leading to uneven cooling and making it harder to find items. Aim to keep your fridge about 75% full to maintain efficiency and ensure proper cooling.
Step 7: Address Odours Promptly
If odours arise:
- Use an open box of baking soda to neutralise smells.
- Try natural solutions like lemon slices or a small bowl of coffee grounds to keep your fridge fresh.
Step 8: Monitor the Temperature
Maintain your fridge at an ideal temperature of 35°F to 38°F (1.6°C to 3.3°C). This range keeps food fresh while slowing bacteria growth. If your fridge lacks a built-in thermometer, consider purchasing one to ensure accurate readings.
Conclusion
A clean and organised fridge doesn’t just look good—it supports a healthier kitchen and simplifies meal prep. By following these steps and staying consistent with maintenance, you’ll prolong the life of your food and enjoy a more functional space.