A Guide to Spring Clean Your Refrigerator

And stock with fresh produce

Spring is here, and it's time to declutter, clean and refresh your home. Just like your garage, closets and drawers, your refrigerator needs a good clean-out too. A well-organized fridge not only frees up space but also helps you reduce food waste. Read on to learn how to spring clean your refrigerator and stock it up with fresh produce that's in season.

Take everything out: Start by emptying out your fridge's contents on the kitchen counter or the dining table. Check for any expired or spoiled items and dispose of them responsibly, recycling where possible. Give the fridge's shelves, drawers, and walls a good wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If you have removable and dishwasher safe shelves, run them through a cycle.

Organize by zones: This is key to knowing what you have on hand and using it. Once you have everything out of the fridge, assign zones for different food groups like dairy, meat, produce, and leftovers. Place items back accordingly. Label leftovers with the date and stick to a "first in, first out" rule. This way, you'll know what items to eat first before they go bad.

Check your fridge's temperature: To store fresh produce better, it's essential to keep your fridge's temperature below 40-degrees Fahrenheit. Use a fridge thermometer to check your fridge's temperature and adjust the thermostat accordingly. The doors of the fridge should also seal tightly to prevent air leaks and regulate the fridge temperature.

Shop for seasonal produce: Spring is an excellent time to shop for seasonal produce. Some popular items in season include asparagus, artichokes, strawberries, radishes, snap peas, and spinach. Not only are they fresh, but they're also packed with nutrition and are at the peak of flavor.

Prep your produce: Once you bring produce home, it's essential to prep it  for better storage and faster meal prep – because it’s more likely to be used if its ready to go. For example, store leafy greens in airtight containers or zip lock bags with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture. Cut and chop veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.

So, go ahead and give your fridge a good spring clean and enjoy the fresh taste of the season.

Published March 1, 2024