The refrigerator... sigh.

The refrigerator is such a vital piece of equipment for our every day lives. We take it for granted. It is so important to keep it clean. You can spread germs and food will spoil rapidly if we ignore it.

Just like most things, it just takes mind over matter. Get a short chair or stool and grab a trash can. Check the dates on condiments and the leftovers. Pull everything out of the fridge. Set it on the table and then grab a drawer out of the bottom and fill with soapy water. Scrub it with a scrubber or cloth and wipe clean and dry. Extra moisture can lead to faster food spoilage.

My rule of thumb is, if it doesn't get eaten in 24 hours (like leftovers) it gets tossed. We have a compost, so nothing ever really  goes to waste.

If something spills and dries and becomes difficult to clean, I really like using baking soda and vinegar. It really works to break up the molecules. The baking soda is abrasive enough to get the job done yet won't scratch glass or anything.

Life is messy. I need to move the fridge and clean out underneath. I did it around Passover, but it needs to be done again. Ugh. The fridge we're using is very small for four people so it isn't heavy to move. Remember to dust your coils too while you're at it.

And just like dealing with junk mail when you grab a piece of mail you ask why are you keeping this? Ask yourself, why are you putting this in the fridge?. Will anyone actually eat it? Ask your family before you put it away, will you eat this tomorrow? If you don't have any takers, to the compost it goes. If you continually have too much food, cut back your portions or invite more people at your table. And perhaps you can put it in your freezer and use it in something else. Like extra steak could be great in a soup. Now this is turning into a cooking post. You get my drift though. If you buy a dressing and no one likes it, look at using it as a marinade with meat. Don't let it sit unused for six months.

What are your fridge hints?