Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Keeping the refrigerator clean and organized

As a Real Estate Broker, I see refrigerators and their interiors every week. Most are in a state of disarray at best, and a smelly mess at worst. Even in the most upscale homes and neighborhoods, you’ll find refrigerators that leave a lot to be desired in the way of cleanliness and smell. I think we’re all so busy today that the refrigerator, along with the oven are the last thought in the kitchen. With a little work we can keep the fridge smelling clean and looking organized. 

If you haven’t done so, you’ll need to start out with a big clean up. I do this twice a year. Take out everything, shelves and any other removable parts. Wash all interior parts in hot water and dish soap. Set on towels to air dry. Wipe down the interior with the same dish water. Sprinkle baking soda on any tough spots, wet and wipe away in a minute or two. Replace all the parts. Wipe down any bottles, jars or containers with warm water and a cloth and put them back in the fridge.

Every month you can get away with a quick wipe down of the shelves as you fill up or empty the refrigerator. A damp paper towel is usually sufficient for this. I also check expiration dates every couple of weeks to weed out any old condiments and such. Check out what you have in your fridge and how often you use the items. A condiment that you haven’t used in a year, may just be taking up space. Using small bins in the refrigerator is the best organizing tool I can think of. Group like items together; such as single snack packs for the children. Group similar condiments together. Keep seldom used ones in the back.  Use your drawers too. I find using one of these drawers is sufficient for my produce; as I only buy what’s needed. Wrap your produce properly after prepping. Google the proper way to wash and store fresh veggies. Use other drawers for juices, seltzers and pop. Shallow bins can be stacked. Be careful to always keep any uncooked meats together and always on the lower levels of the fridge to prevent cross-contamination. Keep acrylic containers on hand to hold defrosting meat.

Of course, all this cleaning and organization really starts with your shopping habits. Create a list and review what you have in the refrigerator before you add to the list. Resist the temptation to over buy. It is not a bargain if you buy more than you can eat or store and half of the purchase winds up in the trash. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago