Your fridge is one of the unsung heroes of your kitchen, working hard to keep your food fresh and safe. But if you don’t give it the attention it deserves, it can quickly become a jungle of questionable leftovers and forgotten condiments. Cleaning out your fridge doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With a little know-how about what to toss, what to save, and how to organize, you’ll have a fresh, tidy fridge in no time.

Here’s your ultimate guide to cleaning out your fridge, stress-free.

What to Throw Away

When cleaning your fridge, start by asking yourself one simple question about each item: “Would I feel comfortable eating this?” If the answer is no, it’s probably time to let it go. Here’s a breakdown of what absolutely needs to go:

Expired Foods

Start by checking the expiration dates on sauces, dairy products, meats, and more. But remember—expiration dates are not always the final word. Use your senses too. If something smells off or looks weird, don’t risk it. When in doubt, toss it out.

Moldy or Slimy Food

Mold on bread or visible fuzz on cheese is an obvious toss. That slimy spinach bag hiding in the produce drawer? It’s time to say goodbye. Mold can spread beyond just the visible spot, so don’t be tempted to trim and keep.

Leftovers Past Their Prime

Leftovers typically have a safe zone of 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If they’re older than that, they’ve likely passed their best days. A good rule of thumb is to label leftovers with the date you made them so you don’t have to guess.

Mystery Items

Found containers without labels or items you can’t identify? It’s not worth the gamble. If you can’t tell what something is, it doesn’t belong in your fridge.

Anything Stored Improperly

Meats that weren’t sealed, cheeses that are now rock hard, or foods that dried out because they weren’t covered properly are unlikely to be appetizing or safe. Consider it a lesson for next time and toss it out.

What You Can Keep

Once you’ve cleared out the questionable items, it’s time to evaluate what’s good to stay. Don’t throw out perfectly fine foods just because you’re on a tossing spree! Here’s what can remain:

Condiments with Long Shelf Lives

Most condiments like ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and hot sauce are designed to last. They contain preservatives or are naturally resistant to bacteria. Just check the label to confirm their expiration date and keep the lid tightly closed.

Unopened Dairy Products

Milk tends to spoil quickly once opened, but if you have unopened cartons of yogurt, milk, or cheese within the sell-by date, you’re good to keep them. Pro tip? Store milk on the shelves, not the door—it’ll stay colder.

Fresh Produce

Veggies and fruits in good condition, not wilting or bruised, are fine to keep. But if you notice they’re getting soft or on the verge of spoiling, make them a priority for the next meal.

Frozen Items You Plan to Use Soon

If you’ve thawed something for dinner and haven’t used it, check if it’s still safe. For raw meats, you can refreeze them only if they were thawed in the fridge and within a safe time frame.

Hard Cheeses

Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, and other hard cheeses often last longer than you think. If the end has dried out, you can safely cut off the outer inch and use the rest.

Pro Tips for an Organized Fridge

Once the decluttering is done, it’s time to make your fridge work smarter, not harder. Here are some tips for organizing and keeping it that way:

  • Use the Right Shelves for the Right Foods - Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to avoid leaks and keep dairy items on the middle shelves where temperatures are steadier. Fruits and veggies go in the crisper drawers for optimal freshness.
  • Keep Like Items Together - Group similar items together to make them easier to find. For example, keep your salad dressings in one spot, jams in another, and snacks all in the same area.
  • Label Leftovers - Use masking tape or sticky notes to write the date on your containers. This eliminates guessing games about when something went into the fridge.
  • Invest in Clear Bins - Use clear, stackable bins to keep sauces, snacks, or smaller items organized. It also makes it easier to see what you have at a glance.
  • Adjust Your Shelves - Many fridges have adjustable shelves—don’t be afraid to play around with them to create more space for taller items or just improve visibility.

Stick to a Cleaning Schedule

A little maintenance goes a long way. Set a regular cleaning schedule for your fridge and stick to it—every week or two is a good start. Each time you bring home groceries, take a few extra minutes to check for expired items or leftovers that need tossing. Wiping down shelves during this time can also help keep your fridge looking spotless.

A Fresh Start Awaits

Cleaning out your fridge doesn’t have to be a chore you dread. By following these tips, you can confidently get rid of what’s no good, save what’s still fresh, and organize so everything is easy to find. Plus, a clean, well-organized fridge will inspire better cooking, less food waste, and fewer impromptu “what is this?” moments.

Tips for Keeping Your Produce Fresh Longer

Nobody enjoys finding slimy lettuce or wilted carrots in the crisper drawer. The good news? With the right storage techniques, you can extend the life of your fruits and vegetables, keeping them fresh and flavorful for longer. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help your produce stay in peak condition.

1. Use the Crisper Drawer Wisely

Your fridge’s crisper drawer is designed to maintain optimal humidity levels for produce. Store leafy greens, broccoli, and other vegetables that prefer high humidity here. For fruits like apples, oranges, or pears, use the low-humidity setting.

2. Keep Fruits and Vegetables Separate

Certain fruits, like apples, bananas, and avocados, release ethylene gas, which can cause vegetables and other fruits to ripen—and spoil—more quickly. Store these ethylene-producing items separately to prevent premature spoilage.

3. Don’t Wash Until You’re Ready to Use

Moisture is the enemy of freshness. Washing produce before storage increases the chances of it developing mold or becoming slimy. Instead, rinse your fruits and veggies just before use.

4. Invest in Breathable Storage Bags

Plastic bags can trap moisture and create the perfect environment for spoiling. Instead, use mesh bags or breathable produce bags to allow proper airflow while still preventing produce from drying out.

5. Use Paper Towels to Absorb Moisture

Line storage containers or the crisper drawer with paper towels. They’ll help absorb excess moisture, keeping items like spinach, lettuce, and berries fresh and crisp longer. Replace the towels as needed if they become damp.

6. Store Herbs Like Flowers

For fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or mint, treat them like bouquets. Trim the stems and place them in a glass of water in the fridge. Cover them loosely with a plastic bag to retain moisture without trapping too much humidity. Change the water every couple of days to keep them perky.

7. Give Potatoes and Onions Room to Breathe

Potatoes, onions, and garlic don’t belong in the fridge. Store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area instead. Avoid keeping them in plastic bags, which can lead to trapped moisture and quicker spoilage.

8. Freeze Produce on the Verge of Spoiling

If you notice fruits or vegetables nearing the end of their freshness, freeze them! Berries, bananas, and chopped-up veggies can be frozen for future smoothies, cooking, or baking. This is a great way to minimize waste.

9. Avoid Overstuffing Your Fridge

Good airflow is key to keeping produce fresh. Overpacking the fridge can block vents and create uneven cooling, which may cause some items to spoil faster. Maintain some space around stored produce for better circulation.

10. Store Delicate Produce Separately

Soft fruits like berries are prone to bruising and spoilage. Store them in single layers or shallow containers lined with paper towels to keep them from getting squashed. Check them often and remove any that are going bad to prevent the rest from spoiling.

By following these tips, you’ll save money, reduce food waste, and enjoy your produce at its freshest. A little effort in proper storage goes a long way in keeping your groceries crisp, vibrant, and delicious for longer!

Remember, your fridge only works as hard as you make it. Give it the love it deserves and you’ll reap the rewards with fresher food, better meals, and peace of mind. Time to get cleaning!