Cleanliness is Next to the Ketchup

With all of the hustle and bustle that a busy household has, there is one major appliance that can go completely unnoticed… your refrigerator. Spring cleaning isn’t just for dusting and vacuuming! Your refrigerator needs a complete cleanout at least every other month to stay in tip-top condition. Here are a few clean out tips that will keep your refrigerator sparkling like new.

First, pull each item out of your refrigerator and throw away any items that look like it might be a science experiment gone haywire. This is actually something that you should do on a weekly basis, if you have time. Check all the expiration dates on the condiments that you don’t use frequently. A good rule of thumb is if in doubt, throw it out!

Second, use a plastic basket for your most used items (lunch items or snacks) so that they are grouped together and can be transported to and from the refrigerator with ease.

Next, while all of your items are removed from the refrigerator, wipe down all of the shelves and drawers with disposable, easy to use, pre-moistened towels like Chlorox disinfecting wipes or something similar. This will make the job go by quicker and you can get back to your normal routine faster.

Be sure to store your larger jars and bottles at the back of the refrigerator and your smaller ones in front. This will keep all the items visible to you each time you open the refrigerator door. Once an item is hidden out of view, there is a higher probability that it will not get used and will spoil.

Lastly, keep an open box of baking soda near the back, preferably with a date marked on it so that you will remember when you opened it. This will absorb odors and keep your refrigerator smelling fresh for up to six months.