Jump Start January: Week 2: Day 5
We’ve made it to the 12th day of Jump Start January – how are you feeling? Today we have a healthy declutter to do: clean out and organise the fridge.
It’ll make it easier to use up leftovers, and avoid waste and possible food poisoning. By the way, don’t try to do the freezer at the same time, unless you have a lot of free time on your hands today.
Work quickly so that food is not sitting outside the fridge, getting warm – a kitchen timer will help you to keep up the pace.
Here’s the declutter:
- Get all the food out of the fridge.
- Remove shelves and salad boxes etc and wash with detergent and warm water.
- Wash out the inside of the fridge with antibacterial cleanser or a solution of bicarbonate of soda in warm water. Remember to clean the door seals too. Dry the inside of the fridge thoroughly and shut the door.
- Clean the outside of the fridge, paying attention to the door handle. Put anything stuck to the door (pictures, messages, coupons) aside.
- Dry the shelves and salad boxes, return to fridge.
- Sort out the food: BIN anything that’s gone past its use-by date, and get rid of things that you know you’re never going to use again.
- Wipe down remaining pots, jars and bottles if they’re sticky.
- Put the food back. Group similar items together.
- Add missing items to your shopping list if you need to replace anything.
You might also want to put a few things back on the fridge door, but don’t overload it with clutter.
I give the inside of the fridge a quick once-over each week before I put the groceries away, but I suspect there will be some jars and sauces left over from the festive season in there today. Still, at least it doesn’t need a deep clean! I’m going to make a list of things that need using up too, so we don’t waste food and money.
How’s your fridge looking? Has it evolved its own version of intelligent life? Check those use-by dates!
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