How to refresh your fridge for summer
It's easier than you think to clean and organize the most-used appliance.
It's time for a refrigerator refresh!
From home and kitchen organization experts to food bloggers, there are many smart solutions to spruce up the high-traffic appliance and with summer in full swing, it's time to get your fridge in tip-top shape.
Brandi Crawford, a cookbook author and food blogger, shared her helpful tips with "Good Morning America" about how to organize items and keep the fridge fresh.
Clean out, create space, evaluate and zone
The first step is to take everything out of the fridge.
"While taking out each item check expiration dates, throw out expired foods or foods no longer needed and categorize like items," home organization expert, Kristin of Kreate My Space, told "GMA."
Next, clean all the surfaces and prepare to reorganize.
"Remove all shelves, drawers, organizing bins and give everything a good wash, including the inside of the refrigerator," the Bay Area-based organizer added.
"Refreshing your fridge will save you so much money in the long run," Crawford said.
Utilize drawers and bins properly
While every appliance is made different, Crawford suggested to take advantage of crisper drawers to keep produce at its peak.
To help compartmentalize sections and shelves, choose a designated spot for each item category. For example, keeping condiments on the fridge door shelves creates an area with categories where nothing will fall into a crevice because everything has a home. Categorizing the food will help you remember what goes in which space.
Using clear organizing bins and drawers can also help save space and make it easier to slide items out versus fighting to topple over jars, containers and cans. Measure the interior shelves from back to front, as well as the width, and find an organization system that best fits the space.
Know what's in your fridge to keep it fresh
Once shelves, drawers, and bins have been put in place, Kristin suggested: "double check airflow vents to ensure the freshness of your fruits and vegetables."
Similarly, Crawford said, "keep your greens at eye level so when you open up that fridge you can see that you have those on hand and incorporate them to your meals."
She also shared a tip to "layer in paper towels with greens to help soak up extra moisture and keep them nice and fresh."
"Make a shopping list and take inventory before going to the grocery store. It will help cut down on food waste and it's much better for the environment," Crawford said.
Choose versatile fresh foods for different meals
Some of Crawford's must-haves this time of year include mixed greens, spinach, strawberries, blueberries, mushrooms, zucchini and avocado.
From smoothies and salads to stir-fry, Crawford keeps an array of ingredients that she knows will "get really good use."
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