I was in the middle of making lunch the other day, when I found a piece of fruit that was a bit past it’s prime.
Ok, it had mold growing on it! So naturally, I threw it out.
Then I got to thinking — it was probably time I cleaned out the produce drawers in our fridge. And because I can’t just think about something without doing it … I pulled out the drawers.
I was totally grossed out when I found this. {Don’t judge. My house really is clean…I promise!}
One thing lead to another, and pretty soon…
I took everything out, even the shelves!
And wouldn’t you know, a woman selling cleaning supplies knocked on my door when my kitchen looked like this!
I tried to block the mess. I told her I was very clean and really didn’t need any more cleaning products {yeah right}!!
OK, back to my fridge.
Once I got rid of the woman at my door, I washed off the shelves and the interior of the fridge with this plant-based, food-safe cleaner. I’m actually pretty good at throwing out expired food so we didn’t have much of that; besides the fruit.
Then I got to work on my drawers.
Quick Tip: I always line the bottom of my drawers with paper towel. Then if something spills {or fruit goes bad} all I have to do is lift up the paper towel and wipe it out. No srubbing!
I do the same thing in my meat and cheese drawer.
After about 30 minutes — and one broken shelf — our fridge was squeaky clean again!
Then I went grocery shopping in our pantry and re-stocked the fridge (it looks so empty…I love it!)
Who knew we needed so many condiments!
Do you know what’s in your fridge?
What are your tips for keeping your fridge clean?
Alicia J. says
Do you have any pointers on how to defrost and clean an upright freezer? I have one that came to us when we bought our house. It’s sitting in a shed that’s falling apart but the freezer is perfectly fine, still running, even though it’s probably 20 years old. I want to move it out of the shed before the shed collapses, but I have no idea how to defrost it. Should I just leave it sit out in the back yard for a few days before moving it to my back porch? And, what can I use to clean up the mildew on the outside of the freezer?
Melissa says
Aw man, I’ve tried the paper towel trick and it didn’t work at our house. The problem is that most of the spills are caused by my kiddos, and they don’t let me know about the spill, so by the time I discover it, it has dried on and when I remove the paper towel (or wax paper or foil – I’ve tried it several ways!) it tears and leaves little bits of paper behind that I have to scrub off of the shelf. Even worse than just the icky food goop! Maybe next I will try flexible cutting mats from the dollar store cut to size. We’ve used these for placemats with success so far – very easy to rinse off in the sink! 🙂
Jennifer says
I use paper towel in the bottom of my freezer too. I like the little container idea for the cheese. I’ll have to use that for the little packs of things I get from restaurants that I don’t use right away. Right now they’re in a paper bag. Thanks for all the great little tips! It helps to have a bit at a time and then implement the ones I think I can use right now. Appreciate it!!
Brandi says
I need to do this so bad! I’m sure mine looks as bad (or worse) than your before pictures. I think I’ll tackle it tomorrow morning, before I go grocery shopping. Thanks for the inspiration!
Blessings!
Brandi
LaVonne says
I don’t know why but I really hate cleaning my fridge out. Yours now looks beautiful. I know if I just keep it up by simply wiping it out 2x per week, it would be easy. Right?
Just visiting from Making Your Home Sing. Enjoy your week!
Christina says
Too funny about the sales lady’s timing! How did you manage to break the shelf?
Andrea says
I broke the bottom shelf while I was trying to wash it. I was pressing too hard I guess!
Cindy says
I hate cleaning out the fridge, but seeing how sparkly clean yours is, motivates me to clean mine out. Thanks!
Hope you have a blessed week.
Hugs!
Momma Mindy says
You almost make me feel like cleaning my fridge. 🙂
I labeled my shelves on the door because in a large family, if someone couldn’t find something, they would automatically take a new one from the pantry. I would end up with three bottles of the same dressing, just one would be with the drinks, one on the door and one throw in the veggie drawer.
I have one shelf for leftovers, one for drinks, one for dairy. It helps me take quick stock of groceries, too.
My favorite time to clean is just before the big grocery trip since the fridge is empty and I want to come home and be able to put the food away in a clean fridge.
DarcyLee says
I love it when my refrigerator is clean! I love the idea of the little organizer containers that I usually use in my junk drawer that you are using for your cheese. I will be using that.
Andrea says
Yeah, I’m a fan of using organizing containers where ever I can!
Monette says
I dread cleaning the fridge! I like the paper towel tip and the little containers!
momstheword says
Really? That’s awesome! I’ll have to pop over this Thursday (I think you said THIS Thursday). Sometimes it helps to be all in it together, you know? It’s more fun that way and is more motivating, I think. Thursdays are usually busy days but maybe this one will be better.
momstheword says
This is so funny that someone would come to the door just as you were cleaning. BTW, I always “love” growing science experiments in my fridge, haha.
I’ve had people drop by when I am painting or cleaning out a closet and I am always convinced that they wait until things are a mess before coming over, lol!
Thanks for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday!
Andrea says
I know, totally ironic. At least it wasn’t someone who needed to come inside (or my Grandma who would have been appalled!)
Heather says
Alas, I have been procrastinating on this very task for many weeks now. I suppose I can wrap it into a grand “fall cleaning” now!
Andrea says
Fall Cleaning is great too! I’m a fan of “whenever I can fit it in cleaning”!!! Good Luck!
Christine (iDreamofClean) says
How ironic that someone tried to sell you cleaning products during this project! lol! Your fridge looks great! The tip about using a paper towel in the bottom of the draw is a great one!! How do they get so messy?
Andrea says
Thanks Christine, The paper towel trick has saved me lots of “grossness” over the years…you just never know what will end up growing in your fridge!!