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Does your refrigerator get out of hand from time to time or is that putting things mildly? In reality, are you tired of seeing what looks like the aftermath of a tornado every time that you open the refrigerator door? Do you feel embarrassed because of the sour smell that lingers in the air even after you have closed the door? Don't fret! We have all been there at some time or another! This article offers suggestions on how to clean out the refrigerator and also get it organized. The following are some items that you will need: a refrigerator that is need of a little TLC, spray cleaning products, sponge or cleaning cloth, box of baking soda, and reusable plastic containers.

Step #1: Once you make the decision to go ahead and clean out the refrigerator take everything out and place items on the kitchen table. The table should be free from any other clutter. Sort the items into groups. Old food and empty containers go in one area, good food in another. Condiments and beverages can go in their own areas. Your refrigerator should be completely empty.

Step #2: Be thorough when you clean out the refrigerator. Again, the refrigerator should be completely empty by this point. Use an eco-friendly spray cleaner to wipe down all racks and shelves. Carefully scrape off dried food that may have spilled. Remove fruit and vegetable drawers in order to wash them at the sink. Thoroughly wipe down the areas where the drawers go before replacing them. Be thorough. Place an open box of baking soda way in the back on one of the shelves. This will help to keep the refrigerator smelling fresh and clean.

Step #3: When you clean out the refrigerator you may notice that some of the jars or cartons have gotten quite sticky. Nobody wants to squeeze ketchup or mustard out of a bottle that has crusty food dried up all around the outside of the top! It's gross! Rinse the jars, dry them, and make sure all caps are replaced correctly. Organize the things that will be returned to the refrigerator into groups. (Example: condiments, dairy, bread, fruit, vegetables)

Step #4: Look in the empty refrigerator and decide on a plan. Where will everything go? It helps to have a designated area for each group of items. Label specific areas if that will make it easier to remember where to put things. If labeling the refrigerator sounds like too much of a pain then just set up rules and stick to them! Encourage any family members to help in the effort to keep the refrigerator organized. You do not want to have to clean out the refrigerator every other day because of a breakdown in teamwork! Children have to be taught how to put things back in place in the refrigerator.

Step #5: Once you have mapped out where everything will be going in the refrigerator, return all food items to their proper places. This is the fun part. This is when you will get to enjoy the fruit of your labor. Placing things back into a clean refrigerator is a definite spirit booster. Even if nothing else is in order in your house, your refrigerator is clean and you feel good! It is helpful to designate part of a shelf just for leftovers. Keep those pots and pans out of the refrigerator and get an inexpensive set of reusable plastic containers instead. They are great space savers.

Step #6: Repeat these steps with your freezer. When you are all done, you should have a beautifully organized place for all of your food. Try to clean out the refrigerator and freezer at least once a month.

Learn more about this author, A. Saafir.
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