We went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and bought plastic bins and now store yogurt, condiments and other products in dedicated “bins.” It’s been an enormous improvement in fridge organization.
1. Unplug your refrigerator
This step can be done at your discretion, but it can help you conserve energy. Keeping the door open while you scrub will raise the interior temperature and make your fridge work harder to keep your food cold.
2. Remove everything inside the fridge to the countertop or the sink.
As you remove them, group them into categories (condiments, fruit, leftovers) so you can efficiently return them to the shelves, or to the trash bin.
3. Toss or recycle.
Get rid of anything that is old, expired, or simply not used. Make firm decisions: Do you really want to keep that Bloody Mary mix that’s been open for six months? Do you use that reconstituted lemon juice, or do you just keep a bottle “in case?” (If the latter, it’s better to quarter a fresh lemon and stick it in the freezer.)
Place the rejects in a heavy duty shopping bag so you can return later, dump the contents and recycle the containers.
If you have, say, a carton with just two eggs and don’t need the eggs for anything immediate, consume them posthaste and clear out space.
4. Remove the shelves and produce drawers.
Place them in the sink in warm, soapy water. While they’re soaking…
5. Clean the interior.
Use soapy water or a multipurpose spray cleaner and clean the entire inside, including the “floor” and “ceiling” of the compartment (you’d be surprised…).
Be prepared with Plan B for sticky spots or stains that don’t come clean easily. This includes lots of hot water, soap and the scrub brush. Some spots need multiple passes.
6. Wipe and polish.
Use paper towels or a clean dish towel to fully remove the soap or cleaner. Use a wet towel as necessary. Be sure to wipe down the the shelf seams and the rubber door gasket. You may need a Q-tip to get into the ridges.
7. Finish scrubbing the shelves and drawers in the sink.
Pat them dry and return them to their places. You’re now ready to put back the food.
8. Put back the food, focusing on organization.
Organize everything in a way that makes sense to you. If you don’t drink soda often, for example, stick it in the back. Place the condiments together, the spreads and jams together, etc.
But before putting anything back, use a wet paper towel to wipe down the containers. They can get quite sticky/greasy.
9. Repeat the above with the freezer.
Give yourself a break and take a day off in-between the top and the bottom. Congratulate yourself on a job well done.
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