Tips on How to Keep a Clean & Organized Refrigerator
Tips on How to Keep a Clean & Organized Refrigerator -If there’s one thing I do well in my home, it’s to keep a clean and neat refrigerator. I’m not organized in all areas of our home, but we are all set regarding the refrigerator/freezer! I think this habit may have started when we had a glass-door refrigerator. There’s nothing like having the contents of your refrigerator on display for all to see to ensure it’s kept nice and tidy.
We no longer have a glass door refrigerator but use the same method to keep an organized fridge.
How often do you clean your refrigerator?
I clean ours once a week right before going grocery shopping. Doing a weekly cleaning means it hardly ever needs cleaning. The first thing I do is check food items. When you clean it out once a week, there’s no mystery about what’s in food storage containers.
Simple steps to keep it organized
Organization is the easiest way to keep everything clean. I can clean the bins with soapy water every few weeks or as needed. If something spills or leaks, it’s in one bin, which is pretty easy to spot since it is clear.
- Use plastic containers or bins like these clear bins from Lowe’s to corral items like condiments.
- Use stackable berry bins that keep fresh produce fresher with the double-layered design to prevent excess moisture.
- Line crisper drawers with paper towels or linen napkins.
- Use small jars or a glass cup to hold fresh herbs or other small items. I use a glass to hold anchovy and tomato paste tubes, which can often leak.
Hexa 2-pack Multi-Size Bins (I use to hold canned drinks)
iDesign Clear Plastic Bins (Keeps like items all in one place)
Berry Bins (Wash your fruit and put it into the bin with a bottom that collects the extra water)
iDesign Narrow Clear Plastic Bin
iDesign Plastic Bins (To hold small single serve packets)
What is the coldest area in your refrigerator?
In my refrigerator, the top shelf is slightly warmer. In most refrigerators, the coldest areas are the bottom and back. But I think with newer refrigerators, most areas are at the optimal temperature, which is 41º.
What I use to clean the refrigerator
The best way is to use hot, soapy water or my favorite all-purpose cleaner, Thieves. What I like about Thieves is that it contains no harmful chemicals that can cause concern when coming in contact with food. I use this plant-based dish soap to clean everything.
Food Storage Containers
Use airtight containers when storing food to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh. Leftovers in these glass containers are better than in plastic containers to avoid food waste and food odors in the fridge.
Baking Soda and Lemon Essential Oil
I keep a small ramekin with about 1/2 cup of baking soda and 10-12 drops of lemon essential oil in the back of the fridge. It’s a good idea to freshen it once a week to keep everything smelling fresh. I can smell lemon when I open our refrigerator, and I love that! What’s better than having the inside of your fridge smelling like lemon?
To keep the fridge smelling fresh, I wrap lunch meat and raw meat in plastic wrap.
Keeping track of your condiments
Whenever I buy a new condiment, a bottle of hot sauce, or a jar of mustard, I use small round stickers that I write the month/year on and place on the bottom of the jar. Then, when I clean out the bins, I look at the olive jars, cornichons, etc., to ensure they are not too old to keep. Or, I’ll know that I need to put them in the front of the clear bins to remind us to use them sooner rather than later.
Expiration dates are usually for unopened jars, so I added a sticker stating the date I opened the jar.
Produce drawer organization
I like to line our produce drawers with linen napkins to collect any leaves from storing carrots with tops on, celery, fresh herbs, etc. It makes cleaning out the bins so easy. I have plenty of linen napkins, so I can change them out with fresh, clean napkins and toss the dirty ones in with the kitchen towel load that I do once a week.
When I have room in the produce drawers, I like to use smaller containers for apples, oranges, etc., but often, the large plastic lettuce and spinach containers take up most of the drawer.
The great thing about setting organizational systems is that they make everything easier. I can open the fridge and see what I need at a glance. Clear storage containers make it easy to see things like an almost empty jar of salsa!
sooooo inspiring… I’ll have what she’s having! I’ll be clicking through on ALL of those links to be sure! thanks for sharing
Since the fridge has the crispers in the bottom and that one everyone tends to put meats and cheese in, I’ve never really thought about using other bins or containers to help keep things like condiments etc. It’s a great idea! Thanks for the tips!
I use a sharpie to write the date opened on the paper label (if it’s a glass container) or on the plastic lid, or the plastic container itself. I do this not just for refrigerated items, but for vitamins and supplements, oils, coffee beans, crackers, and any other item that one may use gradually over a period of time, as well as toiletries (I keep a sharpie in the bathroom drawer), This gives me an idea of how long an item has been opened, but also how long it takes to use up that type of item. If it’s used quickly, I will buy two when next the item is on sale.
One could also use the bins in the doors for corralling condiments by type. Mine lift out easily for washing as needed.
Such good idea Julia! I’ve never thought to use bins in the doors. Also, keeping a sharpie in the bathroom to write the date opened is so smart! I will be starting this today! Thanky you!