Clear the Clutter Challenge Day 27: Fridge & Freezer Clean Out!

We are getting closer and closer to the end of our 30 Day Challenge!  Challenge Day 27 is all about that dreaded refrigerator and freezer.  You all know what I’m talking about.  We not only have to clean it out, we might even have to defrost it.  Yay.

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What is it about cleaning the fridge out that makes me want to run for the hills?  I really don’t know if it’s the possibility of what might be growing in  there or the guilt over what we might have wasted.   At any rate, it needs to be done and so it shall be!

To Do:

• Whether it’s the fridge or the freezer, work on a section at a time.
• Remove the contents of that shelf (section).
• Check expiration dates.  Expired things go in the trash.  Things that haven’t expired, but have been open  for a long time need to be checked–they probably need to go in the trash as well.  Anything that looks or smells suspicious also goes.
• Clean the shelf, drawer, or other storage area with hot water and whatever cleaning solution you prefer.  (Vinegar and water work well, but you will probably need to rinse.)
• Replace the food/beverages that are still good to go.   Make sure the shelves and drawers are dry before you do this.
• Organize as you go.  No point in just throwing it all back in!
• Make a point to start using stuff up.  No more food waste.

Organizational Tips:

• Use labeled baskets to hold produce, meat, condiments, snacks, or various items in the freezer.
• Don’t store milk in the door because temperatures vary.
• Cover the shelves with plastic placemats or cling wrap to cut down on mess.
• Use plastic magazine holders to hold bags of food.
• Use a turntable or Lazy Susan so that food doesn’t get lost and forgotten!
• Store as much food upright in the freezer as possible–so much easier to see what you have to work with.
• Use a container of activated carbon or baking soda to cut down on fridge odor.
• Label, label, label.  If you have jars and jars of food without exact expiration dates, start writing down the date it was opened.
• Keep a small box or basket in the fridge specifically for things that are getting ready to go bad and need to be used.
• Invest in a bacon saver.  I really, really, really want one of these.

As always, there are all kinds of ideas on the internet (see  also  Pinterest!) for cleaning and organizing the refrigerator and/or freezer.  It’s much  better to take the time to clean it all out than to risk food poisoning!   And it does no one any good to have a fridge full of food, if you let it go bad.  Use  it up and clean it out!!

If you need more ideas for decluttering the house, join the 30 Day Clear the Clutter Challenge.  You can do it at your own pace…just make sure it gets done!