Spring clean your fridge

When was the last time you cleaned out your fridge? As the birds get chirping, the flowers bloom and the sun shines higher, it’s time to give your fridge a spring clean.

This spring ritual is more than just making your house look tidy. Old food or improper food storage can create bacteria that cause illness.

So, how can you get started? First, clear everything out of the fridge and freezer. To give your fridge a thorough clean, you need to use an antimicrobial agent. We recommend using natural cleaning agents such as baking soda and white vinegar. As a final touch, wipe a little vanilla throughout. Do the same with your freezer.

After the big clean, evaluate your food. Check the use-by labels and general appearance of all food. Mould, strange colours, or unusual textures are obvious red flags for potentially dangerous bacteria. If anything looks or smells odd, don’t risk tasting it. Use the rule ‘When in doubt, throw it out’!

Now it’s time to reorganise the fridge and freezer. Here are some storage tips to help you stay healthy:

• Keep your eggs stored in cartons – they stay fresher for longer.
• Store leftovers in tightly sealed containers and use within 3-5 days.
• Before freezing, wrap food in two layers of freezer safe wrap.
• Don’t wash your fruit and vegetables until you are ready to use them.
• Store vegetables and fruit separately in biodegradable plastic or freshly washed re-usable storage bags or airtight containers.
• If you have to store raw meat or fish, keep it wrapped at the bottom of the fridge or sealed in an airtight container.