These simple steps will ensure yours is cleaner, cooler and germ-free – it’ll save you money, too
WORDS: ALI HORSFALL. PHOTOS: GETTY. *WRAP.ORG.UK IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
Is your fridge full of labelled storage boxes and sparkling surfaces, or do you have to rifle through days-old leftovers, sticky jars and soggy fruit and veg to find what you need? A disorganised fridge may harbour dodgy, out-of-date foods and it also distracts from a healthy diet.
‘A spruce-up of your shelves can help you keep track of use-by labels so you’re not eating anything beyond when it’s safe,’ says nutritionist Jenna Hope. ‘It’s also easier to plan meals and make better food choices when you keep everything in order.’
Plus, if you’re losing products in the mess and accidentally leaving them to go mouldy, it’s wasting money. Ready for a spot of spring-cleaning? These tips will help make your fridge a safer, smarter food storage space.
YOUR CLEANING SCHEDULE
✣ WEEKLY Wipe down shelves and discard out-of-date food. The number one rule: if you’re unsure, don’t eat it.
✣ EVERY THREE TO SIX MONTHS Bin any long-lasting but out-of-date items, wipe down sticky jars and condiments, take out the shelves, wash and leave to dry, then use a cotton bud to clean hard-to-reach areas. Spray the interior with a solution of two-parts vinegar, one-part water, then wipe down with a cloth. Allow to dry fully before putting your food back inside.
Door
‘Natural preservatives, such as jams, condiments and pickles, can be stored in the fridge’s door shelves,’ says Jenna. But, despite many of us doing so, it’s best to avoid keeping milk or eggs here. The door is the warmest part of the fridge and has a fluctuating temperature due to it opening and closing often, which can cause milk and eggs to go off much more quickly. Milk naturally contains bacteria that will eventually spoil, even when it’s been pasteurised, so the more safely it’s stored, the less risk for your stomach.
Middle shelves
Eye level might be the easiest place to put anything and everything, but this spot is best saved for your dairy items, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs and plant-based products. Don’t be tempted to fill up the area with drinks cans and bottles, as over-stacking the middle shelves can prevent air flow and affect the overall temperature.
Drawers
This is the place to store your fresh produce, such as fruit, veg and herbs, as here they’re safe from contamination and smells. Need more room? Take out potatoes and onions. ‘Thes
