Prepare the fridge before going shopping: useful tips for cleaning and organizing your fridge
The refrigerator is an appliance that is continuously in use, yet many of us forget to clean it. It is a good idea to thoroughly clean it thoroughly at least once a month, but most do not do this. In some cases, the fridge breaks down before we remember we should have cleaned it.
But what if we got into the habit of cleaning our refrigerator before going shopping? Being nearly empty at this time, it will be easier to take out the last few things and clean it. And this also allows you to do a proper inventory and identify any expired products "hiding" in the back of the fridge.
Below are some useful suggestions for cleaning your refrigerator properly:
Tips for cleaning the refrigerator properly
To properly clean the refrigerator, you will need clean cloths and a container of soapy water; if you prefer a more natural alternative, you can prepare a DIY sanitizing detergent with a solution of water and vinegar or water and bicarbonate, these mixtures are a perfect remedy for eliminating unpleasant odors and removing any mold. We recommend the following 3-step cleaning procedure:
1 Empty the refrigerator completely, carefully checking all the foods and throwing out any expired or spoiled items. Also remove the shelves and drawers. During the cleaning procedure, store the food in a fridge bag or an airtight container (but for no more than 2 hours);
2. Allow the shelves - especially glass ones - to reach room temperature before washing them and in the meantime clean the inside of the refrigerator with warm water and soap (or with the vinegar and bicarbonate-based detergent that you have prepared); you can then proceed to wash the shelves using the same detergents. Rinse thoroughly and dry off with a clean cloth.
3. Once all the components have been cleaned and sanitized, you can put the shelves and drawers back into the fridge.
How to store your food items neatly in the refrigerator
When refrigerating food, it is best to follow some guidelines; in fact, different areas of the refrigerator have different temperatures and some shelves are more suitable for storing specific products:
- upper shelves: these are the shelves where the temperature is highest and should be used to store drinks (which could also be stored at room temperature). Also use these shelves for ready-to-eat foods and leftovers, which should be consumed quickly;
- lower shelves: being the coldest, these shelves are those intended for storing raw foods;
- lower drawers: usually considered perfect for storing vegetables, it is important that the lower drawers are not contaminated by meat or meat products;
- the door: the refrigerator door is the warmest area of the fridge and only suitable for storing condiments in the racks which line the door.
How do you organize your refrigerator and cleaning it?
