A sparkling refrigerator

Now, there is no way to sugar coat this, yes, it's not the most pleasant look-at-me-in-my-white-pinny thing to do. But our refrigerators need cleaning! If you aren't going to keep that thing that's meant to keep your food fresh and bacteria free clean, you might as well do without *finger wagging* . So let's get this over with, it doesn't take long!

Step 1: Empty
Empty out the contents of your fridge, and yes, now is the time to check what is out of date and throw it in the bin. Take out all the drawers and shelves and stack them next to the sink ready for washing.

Step 2: Wash
Use a damp cloth and a sink/ bucket full of soapy water to wipe down the inside of your fridge. Dishwashing liquid is by far the best to use, you really do not want to use any nasty chemicals that you wouldn't normally use to wash your plates with. Rinse the cloth frequently as you about it.

Step 3: Rinse
Now rinse the fridge with a vinegar and water solution (1/2 cup of vinegar added to a sink of water should be fine) using a cloth or sponge. This will help get rid of any soapy deposits. Wipe dry with a clean absorbent cloth.

Step 4: Wash
Wash the shelves and drawers as you would any normal dishes in your sink, and dry them well.

Step 5: Put it back!
After replacing all the shelves... STOP before you stack the contents back into your fridge. Use a cloth to wipe the bottom of containers and packets before putting them back in your fridge, you don't want to undo all your good work!

Step 6: Have a cup of tea, you're done!

Have a look at this very neatly organised refrigerator. This fridge belongs to Aby from the Creative Organizing blog who's very kindly shared pictures of her fridge on her website (yes there's more). Look, she even has a little lazy susan for her jars, and see those labels! I hang my head in shame... I have fridge envy.



If you'd like to go down the route that Aby did and organise your fridge, here are some very cheery organisers to tidy up your fridge, including a label maker to do it the Aby way!
Enjoy!

Left to right

Row 1: A retro label buddy is from dymo; The classiest storage jars I have ever seen available from Outblush; Be quick, this is a rare find, a sunny vintage lazy susan to brighten up your day from vintage mode.

Row 2: What a sweet design, this is a classic pyrex from this ebayer; These handy stackables are from Lakeland; storing food 70s style, this sweet pair of Tupperware containers is from vintageprints.

Row 3: The prettiest labels for jars by kellydesigns4u; vintage inspired glass storage wares from the containerstore; a double lazy susan available from (might have to get one of these myself) mess therapy.