A clean kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a key player in keeping your food fresh longer and minimizing food waste. With a few simple cleaning hacks, you can transform your kitchen into a tidy, organized oasis that preserves your groceries and helps reduce food waste.
Declutter, group and label
Start your pantry cleaning journey by decluttering. Remove everything from your pantry shelves and carefully inspect each item for signs of spoilage or expiration.
Transfer opened packages of flour, sugar, rice and nuts from their original packaging into airtight containers to protect them from moisture, pests and staleness. Clear containers are ideal as they allow you to see the contents at a glance and monitor their freshness. Be sure to label each container with the item and expiration date for easy reference.
Consider using a rotating system to ensure older items are used before newer ones to minimize waste.
Optimize vertical space
Install adjustable shelves or use stackable bins to take advantage of vertical space and maximize storage capacity. Consider a door organizer or hanging baskets to store smaller items such as spices, condiments and snacks. By utilizing vertical space, you can keep your pantry organized and easily accessible, reducing the likelihood of items getting lost or forgotten.
Deep cleaning your fridge
Empty out the contents of your fridge and remove all shelves, drawers and door bins. Wash them with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry. Wipe down the interior surfaces of your fridge with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to remove stains, spills and odours. Once everything is sparkling clean, reassemble your fridge.
Freshening agents
Say goodbye to funky fridge odours by placing an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves. Baking soda acts as a natural odour absorber, neutralizing unpleasant smells and keeping your fridge smelling fresh.
Alternatively, place a small bowl of activated charcoal or coffee grounds in your fridge. You can also use citrus peels or a cotton ball soaked in vanilla extract to add a pleasant fragrance to your fridge. Replace these freshening agents every few weeks to maintain their effectiveness.
Organize your fridge wisely
Keep perishable items, such as meats and dairy products, on the lower shelves where temperatures are coldest. Store fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawer, using separate compartments for each to prevent them from ripening too quickly.
Consider investing in reusable storage containers to keep leftovers and prepped ingredients organized and visible, reducing the likelihood of them getting forgotten and going to waste.
It’s time to roll up your sleeves, grab your cleaning supplies and give your kitchen the TLC it deserves! Your taste buds and the planet will thank you.
