Some of the appliances we use every day can get overlooked when it comes to cleaning and organization, including the refrigerator. If you have a stinky fridge (or you want to prevent it from becoming one), APHW is here to help.
But before you start trying to identify what food’s gone bad in the crisper or try to squeeze in another storage container, keep reading for our easy tips on how to keep your fridge fresh and organized all year round.
Cleaning your fridge
Most of us are living busy lives these days. So with only a few minutes each week, you can take these steps to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh and clean.
Condiment Clean
It’s not just the shelves and bins that need cleaning—your condiments need a good wipe down, too! A microfiber cloth, dish soap, and water should do the trick. Don’t forget to check the dates to see if anything needs to be tossed!
Shine the Shell
Your fridge’s exterior needs love too. Many stainless-steel refrigerators can be wiped down with glass cleaner, but check your user manual just to be sure. Also, sweep the dust bunnies underneath your fridge (duster mitts on a broom handle work well for this), and empty and wipe down the drain pan.
Super Soda
Baking soda can be an inexpensive miracle worker for keeping that clean smell going. Grab a box, open it slightly, and pop it in the back of your fridge. Just be sure to change it every 30 days, or when you start to notice it’s no longer working.
Organizing your fridge
Once you have a good system in place, it will be easier to know where new items can go, and what needs to be tossed. A clearer fridge can create a clearer mind.
Stay in the Clear
Invest in clear bins to make your food easy to sort and see, removing items from packages as needed to make it easier to survey all the items in your fridge at any time.
Meal Prep
Meal prepping isn’t just for fitness fanatics—it’s for anyone who wants to open their fridge and not feel overwhelmed. By finding out what you have and only buying what you need, you reduce the chance of overcrowding your refrigerator and taking up space with food items that have now gone bad.
Level Up
If you frequently find yourself without enough room for your taller groceries, consider moving an adjustable shelf up or down to fit them comfortably, which can reduce the risk of spillage and spoilage.
Checking your fridge settings
A sour-smelling fridge can be off-putting, but it can also be easily fixed with a couple small adjustments.
Turn that Dial
Make sure your dial is set low enough to chill everything inside it. To check, come back thirty minutes after setting it, and put your hand on one of the shelves and make sure it is cold enough. Ensure the fridge is closed completely, as that’s a good way to let heat escape.
Check the Temp
A more accurate way to make sure your fridge is working properly is by using a fridge thermometer to keep your food between 33- and 39-degrees Fahrenheit. If your fridge is warmer than 40 degrees, your food is in the “danger zone”, or the range in which foods like poultry and dairy are not safe to consume.
Make Room for Airflow
Even at the right temperature, your fridge will have to work harder when it’s fuller. Crank the dial down and make it colder to keep your food at a safe temperature. Want to know how to store all your food safely? Here's what the FDA recommends.
For more helpful tips, check out our easy steps for maintaining your fridge and icemaker, and call 866.462.9957 or visit APHW.COM today for more information on how to keep your major appliances running (so you don’t have to catch them).
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