Here's How a Busy Food Pro Keeps Their Fridge Clean and Organized

Keep Produce Fresh

Tossing your groceries in the fridge straight out of the shopping bag may feel efficient, but it may more likely lead to quicker spoilage and a lot more mess. A few minutes of prep will help keep your fridge tidy and maybe save you a few dollars on your next grocery bill.

“When you’re spending money on foods, you want to make sure they stay as fresh as long as possible,” McCord says. “Place berries in paper towel-lined stackable glass containers to prevent moisture and help keep them fresh for up to two weeks.” McCord also has an apple bin in her fridge to keep apples fresher longer and organized to a specific area. 

Plan a Clean-Out Routine

Personally, I have a 15-minute personal calendar appointment every Wednesday morning to clean out the fridge, which means pulling out the produce drawer, any random leftovers or open containers, and using or tossing what’s on the brink of expiration. Similarly, McCord schedules her 15-minute clean-out for Sundays. “Taking stock of your fridge will help remind you about what you’ve got on hand for the week to come,” she says.

Label Containers

Whether it’s takeout, meal prep, or leftover lasagna, labeling containers with the date the food goes in the fridge can help with quicker clean-outs. “Place foods towards the front of the fridge that have an expiration coming up, and more fresh foods towards the back,” McCord suggests.

Most leftovers expire after four days, making it an easy call what to compost or toss according to labels. Keep a permanent marker and some tape in your kitchen for a easy labeling.

Do a Daily Scan

Prevent stocking up on multiples (that will expire!) by thoughtfully scanning your fridge each day. “Everyday I make sure we have enough of the foods we use most often like milk, eggs, cheese, and certain fruits and vegetables,” McCord says. “I keep a list on my phone of our family’s favorite foods and every time I go to the grocery I make sure we’re stocked.”

Get Creative With Storage

While fridgescaping may be a bit excessive, some organization tools can help you access everything in a fuller fridge. “Using lazy Susans, stackable glass containers, bins for fruits and vegetables, and labeled divider containers for tofu, chicken, and meats can be a great way to find foods fast and save space,” McCord says. A lazy Susan stocked with your most-used condiments—mustards, jams, bouillon paste—is perfect with top shelf and keep you from frequently shuffling bottles.

Defrost Proteins on a Plate

Before you put that sealed package of ground beef or tray of chicken in the fridge to thaw overnight, make sure it’s on a plate or in a bowl that can collect any liquids that may seep out. This will help prevent cross-contamination in the fridge and any potential mess. 

Wipe Down the Fridge Once a Month

Spills and scents happen, so planning a monthly intensive fridge clean-out is a great way to make sure your chili oil doesn’t seep into a shelf, and you don’t end up with a years-old jar of pickles lingering in the back. “Once a month, I remove any remaining items and use a sponge to clean the entire surface of the fridge and rearrange foods, making space for new ones,” McCord says.