How to Organise Your Fridge for Maximum Freshness

An organised fridge can make your life easier! It's not just about looking tidy, but it can also help keep your food fresher for longer. There's a simple science to it, which can help you save time and money, as well as reduce household food wastage.

 Discover tips that will make all the difference, whether you have a spacious fridge or a small, compact one.

Empty All Your Food

Start with a clean slate, or in this case, a clean fridge. Empty all your items and double-check the expiry dates. You'll be surprised at how many items are past their expiry date if you haven't checked your fridge in a while.

Wipe your shelves down with a mild solution. A clean fridge means less chance of bad smells and bacteria. Maintaining a simple cleaning routine is something you can do every month.

Segment Your Fridge Into Zones

Did you know that putting your food in certain areas of your fridge can help it stay fresh?

Draws: Put your fruit and veg in the designated draws. They will stay fresh for longer, and any condensation is more easily contained.

Top Shelves: Use your top shelf for food that's ready to eat, such as leftovers and microwaveable food. Keeping them at the top also keeps them away from meat and fish.

Middle Shelves: In the middle, you can place any dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese. The temperature in this section is consistent, making it ideal for dairy produce.

Lower Shelves: The bottom shelves are perfect for storing raw meat and fish. It's the coldest section, so there's less chance of spoilage.

Door Shelves: This part of the fridge can be the most affected by temperature changes. Store jars with preservatives, such as jam, here. Also, juices or drinks can go here.

Tips for good food hygiene.

Keeping raw meat and ready-to-eat food on separate shelves helps stop cross-contamination. However, it's also smart to keep raw meat in sealed bags or containers.

Make The Most of The Space

Maximise the space in your fridge, whether you have a huge larder fridge or a compact under counter fridge:

●       Remove unnecessary packaging, which takes up space.

●       Use clear jars so you can see what's behind them.

●       Avoid overstuffing your fridge, so air can circulate and make it easier to get to food at the back.

●       Keep taller bottles in the door shelves.

General Good Practices

Make sure you're fridge is set to the right temperature to avoid bacteria growing. You can double-check with a fridge thermometer. If you notice an overgrowth of frost and ice on your fridge, defrost it. Frost build-up can take up space and ruin food, such as fresh herbs.

Start Maximising Your Fridge

A little organising can free up a lot of fridge space. With some simple planning, you can save money by avoiding food waste. Having an easy system can also help keep your food fresh for longer.

Even after all that organising, if you find yourself in need of a fridge upgrade, browse our collection here.