Everything in its place: learn how to organize the fridge

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If organizing the refrigerator for you is synonymous with cleaning shelves and arranging food at random, it might be time to rethink your storage method. For each region of the refrigerator, there is a type of food best suited to be stored, ensuring that it is fit for consumption.

According to the speaker and professional organizer of the Organize Your Life portal, Irene Cristina Loureiro, the correct disposal of products in the refrigerator is essential because it is our health that is at stake. “Food must be properly packaged to ensure its preservation, ” he adds. Thus, meals will be safe from bacteria and ingredients with strange odors.

To avoid unpleasant surprises when opening the refrigerator, the first step is to always keep it clean. You can eliminate dirt every fortnight with the help of a solution of water and baking soda, for example by putting one tablespoon of the substance for each liter of water.

After cleaning it, it's time to put the food back in for refrigeration. Eliminate anything that is left over or has already expired. Then check to see if leftover food is properly stored, preferably in tightly capped plastic or glass jars. Aluminum pans should not be used to store leftovers, as when cooled they favor the metal migrating to food, contributing to poisoning.

With the leftover food, start organizing it in the refrigerator taking into account the temperature they need. Remember that the upper parts of the device are cooler than the others. Take the time to adjust the thermostat to the medium standard, so as not to overload it unnecessarily and increase power consumption. “A common mistake is to change the thermostat often. The temperature of five degrees, which is usually the low or medium standard of the appliance, is enough to preserve almost all foods. As the temperature rises, fruits and vegetables may get burned, ”warns Irene.

The consultant also points out that the products must be positioned so that the cold air can circulate without piling excessively. Another tip is to facilitate the access of groceries sought by children, to avoid accidents.

Check below where should each type of food in the refrigerator and avoid damage:

Source: ThinkstockFreezer

Ideally, you should start organizing food from top to bottom, going from the coldest to the hottest regions of the appliance. Thus, the freezer will be the first part to organize.

Products that were purchased frozen will stay there. In the case of meat, they must be separated by type (chicken, red meat and fish). Seafood generally needs to be stored separately and for a short time to prevent any odor from spreading.

Frozen meals in boxes, such as lasagna and breaded, should be under everything. The leftover food will be in tightly closed jars and divided into appropriate portions, avoiding future waste.

The freezer can also be an interesting alternative for storing leftover bread, for example, as you simply defrost the slices and place them in the toaster so they can be used smoothly. In this case, keep the package tightly closed to avoid contamination.

Top shelf

The upper shelf is closest to the freezer and therefore has the lowest temperature. Thus, the professional organizer recommends that dairy products be stored there. So it is worth putting milk, yogurt, margarine and other cold cuts. Meat that will be eaten on the same day can also stay here.

This area can also house foods that are not used every day and can easily spoil, such as some ready-made dishes and pates, which should also stay here.

Remember that all groceries need to be tightly closed so that odors do not mix and no bacteria can gain space. Milk, for example, should not be stored for long as it absorbs the smell of other foods, as Irene points out. Also, never store the yogurt open with the spoon you used.

Intermediate Shelves

Those who usually keep leftovers or keep desserts refrigerated can place these foods on the intermediate shelves. For leftover food, the tip is to store them in lidded containers that take up less space in the fridge and still keep the portions well-kept.

“Leftover food should be capped after steam disappears if it is still hot. Leave the leftovers in front of the shelf to be used quickly, ”advises the organizer.

The intermediate shelves are also suitable for storing desserts that need to be chilled and other goodies, without forgetting to cover them well.

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Bottom shelf

The last shelf of the refrigerator is that less receives the cooled air. Thus, it is ideal to put the defrosting packages, as well as bread, candy, canned and eggs, which should not be placed in the door, as explained by the professional organizer. “The cooling in this region is much smaller. Ideally, put them on a tray or tray or in a specific container, ”she advises. Ideally even wash them before storing to remove any risk of contamination with bacteria. In the case of cans, the tip is to dump the contents in specific pots, as they may undergo oxidation.

You can also store the fruits on the bottom shelf as long as they are ripe so that they are fit for longer consumption. The non-milk sweets and those in syrup can also be here, but the latter must also be in jars, because, as we mentioned earlier, the cans oxidize.

Refrigerator door

To choose the items that will stay in the refrigerator door, you must keep in mind that the opening and closing of the appliance leaves the place with an unstable temperature. Thus, it is not worth placing easily spoiled foods here, such as milk and eggs, as much as the manufacturers may mislead by placing pans with space for the latter at the door. Fast foods should stay in the region.

According to professional organizer Irene, it is important not to overload the refrigerator door. “We can put sauces, vinegar, sodas, jelly jars, juices and water, ” she explains. The speaker also points out that nothing should come into direct contact with the surface of the refrigerator, so it is very important to cover the packaging, using plastic film or pet crystal box. In the case of water, the tip is to prefer closed and glass containers.

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Bottom drawer

The bottom drawer is the coldest region of the refrigerator and still protects food from direct cold waves. So, in this part, should be the vegetables, as indicated by the professional organizer.

To store leaves, wash them thoroughly in running water and discard any compromised leaves. Then store in new, tightly closed plastic bags so that the low temperature does not burn the food.

The same goes for spices. “They tend to be dark because of the cold, so they should be stored in paper towels, ” Irene explains.

So, with the right care, your food will be well stored and you will have no unpleasant surprises when opening the fridge.