We recently purchased a new fridge and I want to make sure I keep it clean and organised. After having a small fridge while living in the caravan, it was awesome to have so much space again, especially with growing teenage boys. I now have a routine for cleaning and organising the fridge to keep it sparkling and easy to find what we are looking for.
How I Clean my Fridge
- Each week, usually the day before the bins go out, I do a quick clean up of the fridge, throwing away anything that is out of date or spoiled. I also like to give the outside of the fridge a quick wipe once a week as well.
- Then, each fortnight, the day before grocery shopping, I do the same thing. This time I also pull out the containers and give the shelves a quick wipe over with this fridge cleaner.
- Once a month, I will do a ‘deep’ clean where I take all the removable parts out of the fridge and wash in warm soapy water. Since I have glass shelves, I use warm water, as the sudden change of temperature, from cold to hot, may cause the glass to shatter. While all of this is drying, I wipe the inside of the fridge, using my homemade fridge cleaner. I also replace my fridge deodoriser. When placing all the items back into the fridge, I give them a quick wipe to make sure they are clean. I also check the use-by-dates, places the items that are closer to their expiry date at the front of the fridge.
The benefit of this is to always have a nice, clean, fresh smelling fridge. It is also great to know what food you have that can be used for meals during the week as well as helping lessen the grocery bill as you know what you already have and don’t need to purchase when you do your shopping.
How I Organise My Fridge
Keep your fridge organised is a great way to help with limiting the need for wasting food. It also makes it easier for the kids to find what they are looking for as they prepare their own meals. Here are some tips for how I organise my fridge.
- Designate certain areas of the fridge to specific items and always return them to the same place when you have finished with them. I use clear containers that I purchased from Kmart to group like items together.
- Cutting up fruits and vegetables ready to go and keep in containers. I have been using the System FreshWork Containers and have found they are keeping food fresher for longer. I also find the kids eat more fruit and vegetables as they are easier to grab when I do this.
- I have a drawer which I use for cold meats like ham, cheese and chocolate chips etc. for cooking, which leaves more room in the fridge area for other things.
- Using square or rectangular containers that you can stack if need be, takes up less space then round containers. You could also label the containers if you wish.
- When placing leftovers in the fridge, cool them down to room temperature, place in a square or rectangular container and place in the front of the fridge.
- Make sure everything is covered before placing in the fridge as this will help eliminate odours in the fridge.
- To prevent meat dripping all over the fridge, place them in a clear container of their own, which can be taken out and cleaned when using the meat.
- The best place for milk, eggs, creams and yoghurts is on the middle shelf as this is where the temperature is more stabilised.
- Typically, the coldest part of the fridge is the bottom shelf or drawer. This is great place to store meats.
- The temperature in the doors fluctuates the most. This is where I keep the sauces, marinades and water.
- Placing fresh herbs in water, helps them to stay fresher longer.
I am enjoying having a clean and organised fridge! It makes it so much easier to find what I am looking for and helps to keep wastage at a minimum.
I also have these gorgeous inventory lists which you may find helpful.
To download them, click on the link below:
*** Fridge, Freezer and Pantry Inventory Lists ***
Do you have any tips for cleaning and organising the fridge?