It’s time. No, really. You can’t put it off any longer. It has to be done.
I know it’s daunting. Who knows what lurks behind the carton of OJ? Or, what sits at the bottom of the crisper drawer? They say only the devil knows the horrors that can exist in the darkest corners where man fears to tread; but, has he ever grimaced at the stink of a neglected refrigerator? I think not. Who can hope to stand against the unknown perils of an unclean icebox? You can, hero.
It’s time to clean out the fridge!
November 15 is Clean Out the Refrigerator Day and it couldn’t come at a better time. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we are going to need the space for all of the tasty, tasty Turkey Day leftovers.
So, that fruitcake from last Christmas that seems to move around the fridge on its own – it has to go. All of the half-eaten yogurt, pudding and pet food containers must be discarded. All the Rubbermaid containers that once contained well-meaning but avoided leftovers must be emptied. The old carton of freezer-burned ice cream crushed under the frozen steaks and venison must be rescued and tossed.
People who study these things say that the dirtiest spots in the kitchen are the meat and veggie drawers in the fridge. Pull them out, empty them, break out the cleaners, slap on the gloves and get scrubbin’. The sooner you begin, the sooner it ends. When you’ve finished the task, your fridge will look like a work of art – a clean, sterilized, bright and roomy work of art.
Take pride. You did it, champ! You saved the world.
Quick Fridge-Cleaning Tips
- Tolerate not one bit of fuzziness. The fridge is not a home for “fur babies.”
- Know the difference between “sell by,” “best by” and “use by” dates.
- Be ready to perform the “sniff” test, but use caution when executing.
- To be properly cleaned, the fridge must be emptied. No shortcuts!
- If you know deep down in your heart that you will NOT eat a leftover or finish that juice, chuck it.
- Don’t forget to vacuum UNDER and behind the fridge. (It’s a whole other world down there.)
Good luck and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
