How to Organize a Refrigerator
Your refrigerator is probably the most utilized appliance in your kitchen, so keeping it cleaned and organized is essential. Learn how to organize a refrigerator in this video by The Home Depot:
You will need the following supplies:
- Lined trash can
- Sponges
- Microfiber cloths
- Baking soda
- Refrigerator mats and liners
- Disinfecting wipes (optional)
1. Discard and clean: Pull everything out and discard any foods that are spoiled or past their expiration date. Thoroughly wipe down the interior with a damp cloth or disinfecting wipes. Be sure to clean up any jars or bottles that will go back in the refrigerator. Remove caked-on foods by scrubbing with a paste of warm water and baking soda.
2. Prepare interior: If the shelves are adjustable, move them around to make better use of the interior space. Use water-resistant liners and mats to contain spills; this will also make future cleanings easier.
3. Organize contents: Group like items together as you place food back into the refrigerator. Consider keeping leftovers, ready-to-eat snacks and popular drinks within easy reach on the top shelf. The bottom shelf is the coldest area in the refrigerator, while the door bins are the warmest. Condiments, butter, pasteurized juice and soft cheeses are best stored in the door bins. Creamy salad dressings and hard cheeses belong on the middle shelf, while items like dairy and fresh-squeezed juice should be kept on the bottom shelf if possible. Place fruits and hearty vegetables in the low humidity drawer and store leafy greens and water-based fruits like berries in the high humidity drawer.
4. Maintain freshness: To keep your refrigerator fresh, place an open box of baking soda inside to help absorb any lingering odors.
