You know what November 15th is?
No, it’s not spicy guacamole day or national pickle day. (Those are actually today, by the way.)
But if you have leftover pickles and guac (who has leftover guac?) that have been in your fridge for way too long, you need to get prepared for
National Clean Out Your Fridge Day!
Yes, it’s a thing. And, yes, it is important.
As we prepare for family gatherings and festive feasts for the fast-approaching holiday season, one crucial yet often overlooked task is cleaning out the refrigerator. That’s where National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day comes into play. Celebrated annually on November 15th, this day serves as a timely reminder to declutter and sanitize our fridges, ensuring they’re ready for the influx of holiday ingredients and leftovers.
Cleaning your refrigerator is not just about tidiness; it’s a matter of health and safety. A study by Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International revealed that the meat and vegetable drawers tend to harbor the highest levels of bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, yeast, and mold. Over time, expired and forgotten food can lead to unpleasant odors and some serious health risks. With the holidays around the corner, now is an excellent time to tackle this chore, making room for fresh ingredients and leftovers.
Cleaning out your refrigerator may sound daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process smoother. Here’s how to get started:
- Empty each shelf.
- Completely wipe down the inside of the refrigerator.
- Wash drawers and underneath the drawers.
- Throw away all expired food.
- Throw away any moldy food.
- Get rid of anything that you do not use.
- Vacuum condenser coils.
- Vacuum out under the refrigerator.
- Restock shelves and drawers with good food.
- Enjoy your nice, clean, organized refrigerator.
Cleaning your refrigerator doesn’t just set you up for holiday success; it also benefits your overall kitchen hygiene. Regularly clearing out old food can help reduce waste, promote healthier eating habits, and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
.While cleaning out your fridge, take time to familiarize yourself with food labels and dates. The meanings behind “sell by,” “best by,” and “use by” can be confusing. “Sell by” indicates store stock management, “best by” refers to quality rather than safety, and “use by” suggests when food should ideally be consumed. This knowledge can help you minimize food waste and make informed choices about what to keep.
National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day is more than just another date on the calendar; it’s a chance to ensure our kitchens are safe, sanitary, and well-organized for the upcoming holiday season. By dedicating a little time to this essential task, we can enjoy our meals knowing we’ve created a healthy environment for our food. So grab your cleaning supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get to work on that refrigerator!
Sources:
https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/clean-germiest-kitchen-items
https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-poisoning/bacteria-and-viruses#salmonella
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/keep_your_kitchen_free_from_listeria
https://www.airius.co.uk/all-resources/the-problems-caused-by-mould-and-yeast-in-homes
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/molds-food-are-they-dangerous
https://issuu.com/kanwal.fatima/docs/the_health_risks_of_not_cleaning_your_refrigerator/s/25370731
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/sell-by-best-by-use-by-dates–5-things-to-know.h00-159622590.html#:~:text=You%20can%20still%20buy%20these,consumed%20before%20a%20given%20date.