Project of the Day #11: Clean and Organize the Refrigerator
We’re stepping it up today! Cleaning out your refrigerator might take you a little more time, but it’s probably about time you do it after two weeks of constant use. This is another one of those projects that is very visually satisfying every time you open your fridge. Here are the steps we recommend:
Step 1: Take Everything Out
You know the drill by now: take everything out of the fridge. Check for items that are expired or spoiled and toss those.
Step 2: Clean the Refrigerator
Wipe down the entire inside of the refrigerator with a microfiber cloth or paper towels and an all purpose cleaner. If there are pieces like drawers that can be removed, do that and clean them with warm water and dish soap in the sink.
Step 3: Label
Before you put everything back, make sure you label items that need it. Label leftovers in containers with the name of the item and the date it was made. This will help you know what to use up first when reaching for your next meal. Here are some items we recommend for easy labeling in the refrigerator:
These write on glass or acrylic containers and wipe or wash off beautifully:
The Original Wine Glass Markers – (Set of 5 Wine Markers)
For plastic or Tupperware-type containers, we recommend these:
L LIKED Blank White 1 x 2 Inch Disolvable Labels
We also like to use a Sharpie or marker to write on the outside of a condiment, box of broth, or jar of sauce.
Step 4: Put Items Back and Organize
Put all of your items back. As always, sort like with like.We like to use a few bins in the refrigerator for keeping things sorted by category. Here are a few items we like:
Sorbus Fridge Bins Stackable Containers
Produce Saver Refrigerator Organizer Bins
mDesign Plastic Free-Standing Water Bottle and Wine Organizer
For jars and bottles that are too numerous to fit into the compartments in the door of the refrigerator, we like to use a lazy susan to ensure that those items don’t get lost. Here is a nice one that is easy to keep clean:
OXO Good Grips Lazy Susan Turntable, 16-Inch, White
And now you’re done! You’ll be so happy you did this – every time you open your fridge, you’ll marvel at the great work you’ve done! As always, please snap a pic and tag us on social media or send to us!
Project of the Day #3: Clean Kitchen Counters
This may seem simple and small, but we’re trying to keep things pretty bite sized this week. If you’re anything like Nicole and me, you’re pretty overwhelmed and trying to tackle a big organizing project seems like too much. We’ll try to move to some bigger things next week, but we’re focused on small wins for the next few days.
Today, we’re going to thoroughly clean our kitchen counters. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Remove Everything from the Counters
Take everything off so that your counters are completely clear.
Step 2: Wipe Down Appliances and Items Stored on the Counters
Use a microfiber cloth or sponge and thoroughly wipe down every appliance. These things get dusty and sticky.
If you’re looking for a good microfiber cloth, I like E-Cloths. E-Cloths require no cleaning agents at all – you just need water. So no toxic chemicals or anything. Just water! Here are a few that I like:
E-Cloth Microfiber Home Cleaning Starter Pack
E-Cloth Kitchen Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
E-Cloth Stainless Steel Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Pack
Step 3: Wipe Down Your Counters
Now that they’re cleared off, give your counters a really good clean using a microfiber cloth or a sponge.
Bonus Step: Consider What Really Needs to Go Back on Your Counter
You would be amazed at how nice your kitchen looks when your counters are clear. Many of us store so many things on the counter: toasters, blenders, coffee makers, slow cookers, etc. Consider what you might be able to shift off of your counters and store elsewhere. It can make a big visual impact on your kitchen and leave it looking less cluttered and more stress free. And it will be easier to keep your counters clean without so many items covering it and collecting dust and kitchen grime.
Step 4: Put Everything Back!
It’s pretty simple! Just put all of your freshly cleaned items back. Now stand back and admire your work!
Please let us know how this project went for you. Thanks for following along!