Summer means fresh produce, cold drinks, and more time spent opening and closing that fridge. So if your shelves are looking a little sticky, overstuffed, or just plain chaotic, it’s time for a reset. Here’s how to deep clean and organize your fridge so it’s summer-ready—and stays that way.
Pull everything out. Toss anything expired, moldy, or questionable. If it’s sticky or smells off—out it goes. This includes sauces you swore you’d use again, and that half-used bag of lettuce that turned into soup.
👉 Pro Tip: Have a cooler or laundry basket handy to hold cold items while you clean.
Use a mix of warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar or baking soda to wipe down every shelf, drawer, and wall. Don’t forget the door seals—they’re grime magnets.
Remove drawers/shelves if possible and soak in the sink
Use a toothbrush or small brush for crevices and gunk
Dry everything thoroughly before putting it back
Set up zones that make sense for your lifestyle:
Top Shelf: Leftovers, drinks, ready-to-eat items
Middle Shelves: Dairy, eggs, snacks
Lower Shelves: Raw meats (in a bin), meal prepped containers
Drawers: One for produce, one for fruits (and label them!)
Fridge Door: Condiments, butter, beverages
This cuts down on overbuying and makes food easier to find (aka less waste).
Use clear bins, turntables, and labeled baskets to corral small items.
A few favorites:
Egg containers with a lid (stackable!)
Lazy Susans for sauces/jars
Clear bins for snacks or deli meats
Fridge drawer liners to catch messes before they spread
Your fridge should be at or below 40°F (4°C). Warmer than that? Things spoil faster—and bacteria love summer.
Summer = more fruits and veggies. Keep them fresher longer by:
Washing berries with vinegar-water solution and drying completely
Using paper towels or produce-saving liners in drawers
Keeping ethylene-sensitive foods (like strawberries) away from bananas or apples
Need help staying on track? Grab the free printable checklist to walk you through every step and keep your fridge in check all summer long.
A clean, organized fridge saves you money, cuts down food waste, and honestly? Just feels good. You’ll cook more, snack smarter, and stop cringing every time you open the door.
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