Keeping your refrigerator organized and clean can become a bit of a task. From food spoiling to ensuring you store new perishables in your busy refrigerator, the organization of this appliance can become quite uncontrollable if you don’t have a set procedure. Let Equator suggest some simple tips to help keep your refrigerator organized and even improve the efficiency of your cold food storage. 

 

Considering Sanitation 

 

No matter how much we try to avoid it, at some point throughout the year, food will tend to go bad when stored in the refrigerator for too long. It can be tempting to place our favorite food items where we can reach them. However, our primary concern should be food safety and sanitary when storing our perishables. 

 

There is a science to refrigerated food storage that can get quite complex. Therefore, to keep it simple, let’s take a look at a general sanitary setup similar to the ones you see in a commercial kitchen where food hygiene is top priority. We have the capability to separate food storage in the refrigerator into the upper and lower shelves. The upper shelves are ideal for cooked foods that are safe to eat immediately, including leftovers, beverages, and cold cuts. The lower shelves are sufficient for raw foods like chicken, ground beef, and other meats. 

 

Ensuring that you keep cooked and raw foods separate is key. If cross-contamination takes place, it can lead to serious illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and more. This can occur if raw foods are placed on an upper shelf and drip onto cooked foods and other “upper shelf” perishables. 

 

Storing Food for Longevity 

 

Did you know that your refrigerator does not have a consistent internal temperature? Some zones are warmer and cooler than others. Understanding this is essential if you want to keep your food fresh for longer periods of time. Let’s take a quick browse around your refrigerator and explain the proper areas in which your food should be stored. 

 

  • Door: This area of your refrigerator is the warmest which is not a good spot to store raw meats and eggs. However, it is a great spot for butter, soft cheeses, and other condiments. 

  • Veggie Drawer: Of course, this is the area where most vegetables will be stored. Since it is slightly more humid in this area, it is recommended that you keep your produce in loose plastic bags. 

  • Crisper: This location is perfect for fruits and leafy veggies because of the dry air. 

  • Top Shelf: All leftovers, chilled drinks, and other related foods that don’t require cooking should be placed here. 

  • Middle Shelf: This area of the refrigerator has the most consistent temperature making it a great spot to store food items like eggs. 

  • Bottom Shelf: This spot in your refrigerator is the coldest in temperature. Therefore, store products like deli meat, dairy, and raw meat here. Keep these items in separate containers to avoid cross-contamination. 

 

Just by considering these few tips, you are on your way to storing your food with intention and more efficiency. Elevate this procedure by using tape and a sharpie to create food labels. Additionally, move older foods to the front and new items to the back. Finally, ensure that your refrigerator meets your standards. If you are looking to purchase a refrigerator, Equator has an extensive line of innovative, spacious, and even stylish selections, like our Retro Refrigerator-Freezer Set. Add that vintage touch to your kitchen while still enjoying advanced modern features! 

"Check out our Retro Refrigerator-Freezer Set today. This vintage but modern appliance comes in three stylish colors and is packed with premium features."