Tips for an Organized Fridge

The holidays are upon us and we all know that means lots of family get togethers, cooking and leftovers. Trying to fit Grandma’s famous pie in an already over-crowded refrigerator is frustrating.  Plus, a messy fridge usually means things get forgotten or shoved to the back where they are likely to spoil. Here, we will give you some tips to get that fridge ready for the goodies and save you some space-and spoiled food!

Start with an empty fridge. Yes, take everything out. Wipe all the shelves, walls and drawers. Many people like to line the drawers with paper towels for easy clean up. It’s up to you. Remember to remove the drawers and clean underneath, as this is where many spills end up. Don’t forget the rubber seal around the door. 

Top Shelf

The top shelf is a great place to keep snacks, leftovers, boxed or canned drinks and other items with a shorter lifespan.  Anything that doesn’t require very cold temperature storage is safe here, too. Don’t store raw meats oaths shelf to avoid any leakage onto the items below. Vegetables and fruits are best left to another shelf, as well. 

Middle Shelf

This shelf tends to have the most consistent temperature, so eggs fare well here, but in their original carton, not the plastic egg storage container that comes with many refrigerators. You can also store snacks, ready-to-eat meals and even extra leftovers here, too.  

Bottom Shelf

This shelf, all the way in the back, tends to be the coldest area of the fridge. This is a good place for milk, yogurts and other dairy items that require a cooler temperature. Raw meat is safe here, too. And if it leaks, it is contained to a small area and doesn’t ruin everything else. 

Drawers

Vegetables should go in the high-humidity drawer, in their original package. The humidity helps to keep them fresher longer.  Fruits should go in the low-humidity drawer, also known as the crisper. If you pre-wash your fruits and veggies before storing, make sure they are completely dry since excess water can promote mold and mildew growth. 

Some refrigerators have a dedicated deli meats drawer. If not, store them on the bottom shelf with other easy-to-spoil items. 

Doors

The doors are the warmest, most inconsistent temperature areas of the fridge. So, while its tempting and seemingly convenient to store milk and eggs here, don’t. Condiments, pickles, salad dressings and other items with a high vinegar content can safely be stored in the doors. Butter and soft cheeses are also safe in the butter compartment in the door. Sodas and other non-dairy drinks (even juices, if they’re pasteurized) can go here, too. 

We know how busy the holidays are and we would love to help you mark this chore off your to-do list! Custom Maid does add-on refrigerator/freezer cleanings all year-round and we are looking forward to helping you out! Give us a call today at 918-376-4114! 

*For food safety, the FDA recommends keeping your refrigerator temperature no higher than 40° F. Check the temperature regularly to ensure food is safe to store and eat.