The appliance in question is your fridge. I feel like this beauty doesn’t get as much time to shine as it should. It’s a very underappreciated item in your kitchen. Let’s learn how to organize the fridge!
This giant box has all the answers and can put your Magic 8-Ball out of business. Hungry? Open the fridge. Bored? Open the fridge. Lonely and looking for love? Just open the fridge. Can’t afford a Caribbean all-inclusive? What you have in there should suffice as a buffet… hopefully.
A lot of us don’t know that there’s actually a science behind proper food storage. I’m sure I speak for quite a few of us when I say that grocery shopping usually involves cramming everything we just bought into random empty spots.
Well, not anymore! Welcome to the wonderful world of organization! This will save your life, your food, and your energy bill.
Let’s Get Started on How to Organize Your Fridge!
To get started, we will cover some basic storage tips. Then, we will delve into all those shelves and their functions. At the end, I’ll also have a quick guide on how to clean this bad boy. Soon, you will be a Fridge Master! (certificate not included, but you’ll know how to organize your fridge like a pro).
Just the Tip (Fridge Storage)
Adjust the Fridge Shelving
If you’re able to rearrange them, get creative! Just make sure your larger items will still fit.
Maintain the Interior Temperature
Keep your fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) and your freezer at or below 0°F (18°C). If the temperature is any higher, bacteria will spread faster than you can imagine. We will focus on freezer storage at another point. So don’t worry, your dead bodies are still safe in there… for now.
Certain Foods Should Steal the Spotlight
Anything that’s close to expiry should be front and center and ready for action.
I know you’re dying to try the new items you just bought, but please avoid wasting food as much as you can. Your old food deserves some love too.
Put Your Cans Away
Chemicals from aluminum cans can sneak their way into your food. Ain’t nobody got time for health risks. Put any leftover contents from the can into another container or a bowl.
Never Put Hot Food in the Fridge
Does potential salmonella contamination sound appetizing to you? I didn’t think so. That being said, any food that’s been left out should be refrigerated within 2 hours.
Keep All Meat in Its Original Packaging
Pack away your meat and bring it out when it’s needed. If something doesn’t have that Styrofoam thingy at the bottom, just place it on a plate in case of leakage. The last thing you want is random meat juice all over your fridge.
This same method also applies to anything that you’re defrosting. (Always place it on a plate to avoid cross contamination.)
Don’t Stuff It All in There
Air needs to flow around like a free-spirited hippie. I know it can be super tempting to have an impressive selection of take-out boxes. A crowded fridge will give you inconsistent temperatures.
Don’t Wash Produce in Advance
The added moisture can cause it to spoil prematurely. Wash fruits and vegetables right before you’re about to use them.
The Top of the Fridge Is Not a Storage Unit
I know this may seem like a great place to hide your wine from your prying children, but I advise against it. The fridge gives off heat, which could ruin your anything that’s on top. Not only that, just imagine you’ve had a bit too much to drink. You decide to violently open your fridge, and all of a sudden, the crock pot falls on your head.
If you’re going to store anything up there, stick to small items like cooking magazines, etc. Do this at your own risk, though, as you may end up adding a concussion to your dinner menu.
Baking Soda Is Your Bestie
Some days, it seems like your fridge is a one-way ticket to funky town. This kind of smelly cocktail isn’t too pleasant for your nostrils, I’m sure.
Place an opened box of baking soda on the second or third shelf. This will help to absorb any foul odors. Replace it every 3 months or less. Write the date on the box of when you opened it. It’ll be easier to remember when to swap it out.
How to Organize the Fridge: The Shelves
Ahhh, science class. It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago, does it? As I previously mentioned, there definitely is a method to the madness when it comes to storing foods in different sections of the fridge. We will cover the four main sections and the ideal items to store there for optimal freshness.
Top Shelves: Most consistent temperatures
Bottom Shelves: Coldest
Doors: Warmest (Items here must be able to withstand constant temperature fluctuations.)
Crisper: Certain fruits and veggies
The Top Shelves
The top shelves should be home to anything that’s ready to eat, doesn’t require cooking, and foods that don’t spoil as easily as others. This includes, but is not limited to: leftovers, condiments, juices, salads, hummus and other dips, yogurt, cheese, sour cream, deli meat, herbs, berries, etc. You can also divide leftovers into smaller containers.
The Bottom Shelves
Dairy items, such as eggs, milk, butter, etc., are perfect for the bottom shelves. Try to keep them near the back, where it’s the coldest. Keep dairy in its original packaging as well.
I know storing stuff in cute jars or containers is trending right now. Just note that if you do this, don’t put any leftovers back in other containers to avoid cross contamination and germs. Either use up the entire leftover or throw it away.
Any raw meat products (chicken, fish, etc.) should also be kept here. If you’re defrosting any of these items, put a plate underneath them. As I said before, you don’t want meat juice all over your fridge. Don’t repackage them either. Keep it original.
Some fridges may even come with a meat drawer. This will be located at the very bottom, underneath the crisper. If that’s the case, then definitely make use of that!
If you prefer colder drinks, you can stash them here as well.
The Door
If you have one of those fridges with double doors, I honestly envy you because they make me feel luxurious. Anyway, any items you place here will have to withstand constant temperature changes from the door constantly being opened and closed. That being said, do not store any kinds of dairy products or eggs here.
I know what you’re thinking…
I seriously don’t understand why it’s even there. Maybe so you waste more money buying expensive eggs? Just ignore it and remove the damn thing if you can.
The best items that you can store here include, but are not limited to, juice, condiments, water, pop, salad dressing, and anything that’s the least perishable is safe here.
The Crisper Drawer
Honestly, researching this was a breath of fresh air. I never really paid any attention and just threw whatever I wanted to in there. I didn’t know that if you use these drawers properly, it’ll actually make your stuff last longer. These are used to store your fruits and veggies. I also recommend you always double check what can and can’t go in the fridge. I recently found out that uncooked potatoes should never go in there.
For peak performance, don’t overfill or underfill the drawer.
Alright, so the drawers come with two different settings: low humidity and high humidity. If it doesn’t have a setting, it’s high by default.
High humidity is for items that will wilt, such as leafy greens, asparagus, herbs, etc. Low humidity is for foods that rot easily, such as apples, pears, avocados, etc.
I may do a future article where I break down the specifics, but for now let’s just focus on how to organize your fridge in general.
Don’t store your produce in plastic bags. Let them breathe in the delicious, refrigerator air. If you prefer a more aesthetically pleasing view, I recommend lining pretty bins with paper towels.
How to Organize Your Fridge: Clean Up Time!
I saved the boring section for last. If you want to skip this section, feel free. I totally understand.
Before you start, throw out anything that’s expired or leaking. Also, get rid of any leftovers that you’re definitely not going to eat (or you can poison your annoying neighbour. You didn’t hear it from me though.) This step will make the rest of your cleaning journey so much smoother.
I personally prefer cleaning from top to bottom. That way, if there’s any “fallout” or crumbs of any sort, it’ll all get cleaned up at the bottom. You can also store any food in a freezer bag if you’re worried about it getting warm.
If there are any intense stains in your fridge, you can play the super fun game of “guess the mystery stain.” After that, soak the stained area with a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water. Scrub your stress away, my dear friends.
Next, clean all condiments/bottles/containers with a wet rag to prevent future stains from happening.
If there isn’t a lot of stuff in your fridge, congrats! Your job will be much easier. Just take out all the items, wipe down the interior with the 50/50 water and vinegar mixture. Remove the shelves, and wash them down with soapy water. Stick all your shit back in there, give the exterior a quick wipe, and admire your hard work. Now, go grab yourself a drink! You deserve it.
If there’s a lot in your fridge, don’t worry, I got you! Just wipe down the interior and clean one area or shelf at a time. It won’t feel as overwhelming to do the whole thing.
I hope this article has given you a newfound appreciation for the fridge in your household. Learning how to organize your fridge properly will help keep your food and beverages at their optimal freshness.
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