The fridge reset: How to clean, organize, and prevent waste

There’s no denying that the refrigerator is the heart of the kitchen, and it can quickly become a messy place with old condiments, leftover food and wilted vegetables. Cleaning and organizing your fridge is not about making it look nice; it is about reducing waste saving money and making it easy to prepare meals every day. By following a plan to clear out clean and organize your fridge, you can change it from a source of stress to a useful and efficient part of your kitchen.


Get Rid of Everything
Start by clearing a space on your counter and taking everything out of your fridge. Put things together so you can see what you have. Throw away anything that's old, moldy, or bad and make a mental note of what you are throwing away so you can remember what not to buy next time.

Clean Everything
With the shelves empty, take out the drawers and racks. Wash them in the sink with warm water and soap. Wipe down the inside of the fridge the seals and the shelves with a mixture of water and soap or vinegar. Do not use chemicals because they can leave a bad smell and residue on your food.

Plan your Fridge
Before putting food think about how the temperature works in your fridge. The door is the part so it is good for things like condiments, juice and butter. Put to-eat food, leftovers and dairy products on the top and middle shelves where you can see them. Put meat and seafood on the bottom shelves where it is coldest.

Use crisper drawers
The crisper drawers are special because they can control the humidity. Use them to keep your vegetables and fruits fresh. Put greens, herbs and vegetables that wilt easily in one drawer with the vents closed. Put fruits and vegetables that give off gas like apples and pears in the drawer with the vents open.


Eat first section
Choose a spot in your fridge where you can put food that needs to be eaten soon. Use a clear bin and label it "Eat First". Put opened packages, leftover food and old vegetables in this bin. This will help you remember to eat them before they go bad.


Shop and Restock, with a Plan
Before you go to the store take a picture of your organized fridge so you do not buy things you already have. When you put food in your fridge put it behind the old food so you eat the old food first. Use bins and labels to help you keep your fridge organized and easy to use.