Deep Cleaning Your Fridge

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everybody, and welcome back to All Things Cleaning. I
appreciate you tuning in. I apologize ahead of time for
my hoarse voice. I am just getting over the flu,
and although I feel great, my voice is lagging behind.
So I apologize in advance. Just pretend I'm Demi Moore today.

(00:25):
I wish, but anyway, welcome back all Things cleaning. Last episode,
we talked about tackling the microwave and cooked on messes
in the microwave. Today we're going to talk about the
refrigerator and the chill zone. It's important. It's sometimes a
chaotic landscape of forgotten leftovers and questionable condiments. It requires

(00:51):
a little bit more of a strategic approach than simply
wiping down the shelves. Refrigerator rescue isn't just about aesthetics.
It's definitely about food safety and preventing waste and reclaiming
precious real estate in one of your kitchen's most crucial zones.

(01:11):
So first crucial empty the asss stage. Before you even
think about reaching for a cleaning cloth, you need to
completely empty your refrigerator, yes everything. This might feel overwhelming,
Akin to tackling Aerubic's cube blind photo, but trust me,

(01:33):
it's the most efficient method. The initial shock of seeing
everything piled on your counter will be quickly replaced by
the liberating feeling of a blank canvas ready to organize
now that it's empty. The fun part begins, the deep clean.
Forget quick wipes or talking a full scale assault on

(01:57):
any lingering grime. So number one, remove all the shells,
the drawers and the bins and wash them thoroughly with warm,
soapy water. A solution of baking soda and water is
a natural, effective and odor neutralizing cleaner. But don't shy

(02:17):
away from scrubbing those suburn spills hiding under the lettuce
crisper won't disappear by themselves. And god forbid you had
a cucumber go bad in your refrigerator. It's so gross.
They're gross, so they stink while the parts are soaking.
Tackle the inside of the refrigerator. Use the baking soda

(02:40):
solution to wipe down all surfaces, paying special attention to
corners and crevices where crumbs and spills tend to accumulate.
For tougher stains. Let the baking soda solutions sit on
for a few minutes before scrubbing, so let it sit
on and go back and scrub out maybe some of
the drawers or the trays. Once the refrigerator interior and

(03:06):
removable components are sparkling clean, it's time to carefully dry everything.
Leaving any moisture behind can encourage mold and mildew growth,
negating all your hard work. You may even consider letting
the components air dry completely to ensure you have a
thorough elimination of any lingering moisture. Pay particular attention to

(03:30):
rubber gaskets or seals. Food debris can build up here
and cause foul, yucky smells. Now comes the magic of organization,
the key to a refrigerator that's both efficient and esthetically pleasing.
Begin by discarding anything expired or questionable. Be honest with

(03:54):
yourself that jar of suspiciously green relish from last Christmas,
nie to go. Don't feel guilty about tossing things. Food
waste is a significant problem, and preventing it is a
critical part of refrigerator rescue. When in doubt, throw it out. Next,

(04:16):
consider a system for organizing the remaining food. One popular
approach is to group similar items together, dairy products in
one area vegetables in another, and so on. Place frequently
used items within easy reach, while less frequently used items

(04:36):
can be stored towards the back or or on higher shelves.
If you have children, involve them in this process, teaching
them to identify expiry dates and assist in organizing and cleaning.
This way, the next time you have to clean the fridge,
you can delegate responsibility and say on personal time. Think vertically.

(05:04):
Maximize shelf space by stacking items efficiently. Use clear containers
to store leftovers and to keep things organized. This allows
you to see at a glance what you have, reducing
the chances of accidentally buying duplicates. Clear containers also help

(05:25):
prevent spills and keep food fresh for longer. Label containers
clearly with the contents and date. This will reduce waste
and make your fridgidmore user friendly environment. Consider investing in
refrigerator organizers. I have the ones for the eggs and

(05:46):
I love it. I don't know what it is, but
when I come home with eggs and I put them
in the plastic plastic containers, the clear containers, there's something
that makes me feel accomplished. I'm not, but it makes
me feel that way. They're handy. These handy gadgets can
help you maximize space and keep things tidy. They are

(06:08):
designed for different fridge sizes and needs. From egg holders
and spice racks to adjustable shelf dividers and draw organizers,
there's a multitude of options to perfectly suit your fridge.
Don't forget the doors. Often overlooked, the refrigerator doors are

(06:30):
prime real estate for frequently used items like condiments and beverages. However,
be mindful of the temperature on the doors. It's generally
warmer than the rest of the refrigerator, so items sensitive
to heat should be stored elsewhere. Regular maintenance is key
to keeping your refrigerator clean and organized. Wipe up spills

(06:54):
immediately to prevent them from hardening and becoming difficult to remove.
Encourage there's your family to do the same. Check expiration
dates regularly and discard anything that's past its prime. Implement
a weekly or bi weekly cleaning schedule, dedicating just a
few minutes to wiping down surfaces and discarding any old items.

(07:19):
I do this when I come home with new groceries.
I should probably do it before I go out to
the store, but I typically do it before I put
new groceries in the refrigerator. I go through each shelf,
take out what I know is expired or not we're
not going to eat. I throw it away, and sometimes

(07:40):
I give the shelves like a quick wipe down. It
helps a lot. This proactive approach will prevent the refrigerator
from becoming a chaotic mess and ensure your clean up
efforts are less intensive. Consider using absorbent shelf liners, which
can easily be changed weekly or when necessary, simplifying the

(08:03):
cleaning process immensely. Remember, the goal isn't just a clean refrigerator.
It's a system that promotes efficiency, reduces food waste, and
brings a sense of calm to your kitchen. A well
organized refrigerator is a statement to your culinary command and

(08:23):
a source of ongoing satisfaction. Think of it as a
visual reward for your efforts, showing off the fruits ha ha,
no pun intended of your hard work every time you
open that door. Now, let's consider some specific scenarios and
problem solving tips to enhance your refrigerator rescue mission. Let's

(08:47):
say you have a reoccurring issue with a strong odor
emanating from your refrigerator. Maybe it's that cucumber. This is
often caused by lingering food remnants or spoiled items. In
addition to the regular cleaning, try placing an open box
of baking soda on a shelf to absorb odors. Activated

(09:09):
charcoal is another excellent odor absorber that can be conveniently
placed inside containers or hung on shelf on a shelf.
For persistent smells, try cleaning the refrigerator with a solution
of white vinegar and water, followed by a thorough rinsing
and drying. Remember, vinegar's strong smell will dissipate once the

(09:32):
refrigerator is dry. What about those stubborn sticky spills. Sometimes
a simple wipe down isn't enough. For sticky substances like
jam or syrup. Try using a paste of baking soda
and water. Let it sit for a few minutes to
loosen the sticky residue before scrubbing gently. For tougher stains,

(09:56):
a combination of baking soda and a little bit of
dishe soap can provide improved effectiveness. Finally, dealing with overflowing
produce is a common fridge organizational challenge. Insure your vegetables
and fruits aren't all crammed together, as this promotes quick spoilage,

(10:16):
consider separating them into dedicated drawers. If you have many
leafy greens, store them in airtight containers with paper towels
to absorb moisture and extend their shelf life. Fruits that
should be stored at room temperature can be kept outside
your refrigerator until needed, while ensuring that any temperature sensitive

(10:39):
produce is stored in the appropriate zone. Pre Cut fruits
and vegetables should be stored separately to avoid cross contamination
and to maintain freshness. Refrigerator rescue is in a one
time event. It's an ongoing process that requires can consistent

(11:00):
effort and attention. By implementing the strategies outlined above, you'll
transform your refrigerator from a chaotic mess into a well
organized and efficient space, reducing food waste and ultimately contributing
to a more harmonious and organized kitchen environment. So take

(11:21):
a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and conquer that refrigerator.
The reward is a clean, efficient, and esthetically pleasing chill
zone and the satisfaction of knowing you've teamed another culinary
chaos Monster. Now onto the next kitchen challenge. Next time,

(11:47):
we are going to talk about conquering the art of
dirty dishes. Thank you so much for tuning in. Y'all
have a great day.