In our kitchens, refrigerators play a major role in preserving our food by keeping it frozen or chilled, as well as storing leftovers from previous meals. However, a disorganized and unclean refrigerator can be overwhelming and bothersome. To maintain a clean and organized fridge, follow the tips below for cleaning.
The germs and bacteria from raw meats, fresh produce, and spilled condiments have contaminated our refrigerators. We certainly do not want to be exposed to them.
Are you tired of opening your fridge and being greeted by a disorganized mess? Do you find yourself constantly throwing out expired food because it gets lost in the chaos? Well, it’s time to take control of your refrigerator and make the most out of it. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cleaning and organizing your fridge to ensure that it works efficiently and that you can easily find what you need when you need it.
Maintaining a clean and organized fridge can have a therapeutic effect and also make meal planning and preparation easier. To get the most out of your fridge, here are some helpful tips to follow.
Refrigerator Cleaning Tips
1. Empty the fridge
A method to efficiently declutter and arrange your refrigerator is to start by emptying it. Take note of the expiration dates and any signs of mold to separate items that are still safe to consume from those that are no longer fresh. By doing this, you can get rid of unwanted guests such as bacteria and unpleasant odors, and create more room for other items. Therefore, dispose of them accordingly.
2. Remove compartments and shelves
To eliminate any spills and unpleasant odors from spoiled food, as well as your own cleaning solution, it is important to carefully clean each drawer and shelf. This can be achieved by either using a homemade cleaner or a store-bought one. Once cleaned, wipe the surface with a soft cloth or disinfecting wipes and allow it to air dry.
3. Don’t forget the doors and walls
The fridge’s doors and walls may accumulate spills from various condiment bottles. It is necessary to thoroughly clean and wipe them to achieve a smooth and shiny surface. This will give your fridge a fresh and rejuvenated appearance. It is a pleasant task that can make kitchen chores more enjoyable.
It is important to remember to also clean the exterior and to not overlook the edges and seals.
4. Clean before putting it back
It would be ineffective to clean only the exterior of the refrigerator if you return your sticky honey jar and dirty condiment bottles without wiping them down first. Before putting them back, make sure to thoroughly clean and tightly close all the containers. This includes the unpleasant residue on the bottom and accumulated build-up around the lids. This can be quite alarming!
Don’t forget to clean the exterior of your fridge as well. Use the same solution of water and vinegar or dish soap to wipe down the doors, handles, and any other visible surfaces. Pay attention to any fingerprints or smudges and give them a thorough cleaning.
Many people make the mistake of not removing all the items from their fridge before cleaning. To properly clean your refrigerator, you need to empty it completely. Remove all the food, shelves, and drawers, and clean them separately. This ensures that every nook and cranny of your fridge gets the attention it needs.
5. Be decisive about refrigerator cleaning
When it comes to organization, it is crucial to make clear decisions on the placement of items. This applies to organizing your refrigerator as well. With multiple compartments in the fridge, it is up to you to determine which items belong in each section. It is important to consider the varying temperatures required for different types of food and arrange them accordingly.
Have you ever come across a refrigerator guide? It provides instructions on how to properly store food on each shelf of the refrigerator. Additionally, it is important to set the temperature of your fridge to 32 to 40 °F to prevent excessive spoilage due to the rapid multiplication of bacteria at temperatures between 40 to 140 °F. This information can be found on sources such as the University of Illinois Extension and The Spruce Eats.
Take out the shelves and drawers from your fridge. Wash them with warm, soapy water, and rinse thoroughly. Pay special attention to any stains or spills and use a gentle scrub brush if necessary.
Now it’s time to clean the interior walls and surfaces of your refrigerator. Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar or dish soap. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and wipe down all the surfaces, including the walls, doors, and gaskets. For stubborn stains or odors, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and gently scrub the affected areas.
6. Use fridge organisers
Nowadays, there is a growing trend of organizers being sold in various sizes and shapes on the market. It seems that people have become fixated on organizing and adopting a minimalist lifestyle. It wouldn’t hurt to join in on this trend, would it?
Utilizing organizers that appear to be tailored for essential items in the refrigerator can greatly maximize space within the fridge. This can also reduce the amount of time spent searching for specific items, which is a desired outcome for everyone. With lightning-fast speed, you can effortlessly locate what you need!
Raw meats should be stored on the bottom shelf or in a designated meat drawer to prevent cross-contamination. Place them in sealed containers or bags to avoid any juices from leaking onto other food items.
Fruits and vegetables should be stored in the crisper drawers, preferably in perforated bags or with a damp paper towel to maintain their freshness. Some fruits, such as apples and bananas, release ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening process of other produce. Keep these fruits separate from other items.
The door shelves are best suited for items that have a longer shelf life, such as condiments, dressings, and beverages. Avoid storing perishable items like milk and eggs in the door, as the temperature fluctuates more in this area.
When storing leftovers, allow them to cool down before placing them in the refrigerator. Divide large portions into smaller containers to promote faster cooling. Label containers with the date and consume within a few days.
Final Thoughts
Tidying and arranging items in the refrigerator may seem like a daunting undertaking. However, this achievable duty can greatly impact our daily lives. It allows for increased food storage, saves time and money, and protects our loved ones from potential hazards of contamination. Additionally, maintaining a clean fridge can extend its lifespan and improve its performance.
In case you are still uncertain about the necessary steps to take, reliable cleaning businesses such as Cleanrific are constantly ready to provide professional refrigerator cleaning services and advice.
Congratulations! You have reached the end of our comprehensive guide on cleaning and organizing your refrigerator for maximum efficiency. By implementing the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can transform your fridge into a clean, well-organized space that saves you time, money, and frustration.
Remember, maintaining a clean and organized fridge is an ongoing process. Regular cleaning, proper organization, and smart food storage practices are key to enjoying a fresh and efficient refrigerator. With a little effort and consistency, you can say goodbye to forgotten leftovers, expired items, and food waste.
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