I’ll admit it: cleaning out the fridge isn’t exactly at the top of my to-do list, and I think I am not alone in this. It’s way too easy to keep adding new groceries while the old stuff gets pushed to the back and forgotten. But recently, I took a good look inside mine and found some things that definitely needed to go. If your fridge is anything like mine was, there’s a good chance you’ve got a few questionable items hiding in there, too. Clearing them out made the whole space feel fresher and way less chaotic.
Expired Condiments
We all have those half-used bottles of ketchup, mustard, or salad dressing hiding in the back of the fridge. They’ve been sitting there so long, you probably can’t even remember when you last used them. Chances are, they’re well past their expiration date and not worth the risk. It’s time to check those labels and toss anything that’s questionable. If you really need it, just grab a fresh one next time you’re at the store.
Soggy Produce
I always have the best intentions when I buy fresh fruits and vegetables, but somehow, they still end up forgotten in the back of the fridge. It is frustrating to throw away food I was actually excited to use. Nothing makes a fridge feel messier than wilted lettuce or a soft, leaky tomato. Lately, I have been trying different ways to store my produce, and it has helped a lot. With just a few small changes, everything stays fresher and lasts longer.
Leftovers You Aren't Sure Of
I used to convince myself I would reheat that container of leftovers eventually, even when I had no idea what was actually inside. It would just sit there, untouched, slowly becoming less appetizing by the day. If you have something like that in your fridge right now, it is probably time to let it go. After a few days, leftovers are no longer worth the risk. Clearing them out makes your fridge feel cleaner and frees up space for food you will actually eat.
Random Containers
Random containers of leftovers or sauces with faded labels leave you wondering what's inside and if it's still safe to consume. To be safe, toss them and take a better approach to storing them.
Expired Dairy Products
Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products past their expiration dates are at risk of molding and causing foodborne illness. Don't risk leaving them hanging out in the fridge past their shelf life.
Unused Pickles
Those jars of pickles or olives you bought for a recipe ages ago and never used again take up valuable space in your fridge, and it's time to take them out. Not only that, but the risk of them sitting around your fridge rotting and smelling is not worth it.
Old Takeout Containers
I always tell myself I will wash and reuse those takeout containers, but somehow, they just sit in the fridge, taking up space. Eventually, I forget what was even in them or how long they had been there. They start to pile up, making the whole fridge feel messy and disorganized. Lately I have been trying to clear them out more often, which makes such a difference. A quick clean-up keeps everything more visible and way easier to manage.
Unused Sauces And Marinades
Bottles of specialty sauces, marinades, and condiments that sounded intriguing at the store have since gathered dust in the fridge because you're unsure what to do with them. If they've expired, toss them. If not, try to use them in a meal before they go bad.
Stale Bread And Baked Goods
Bread, buns, bagels, or pastries often go stale because they're forgotten or left open, making them unappetizing and better suited for the trash. They can be saved to an extent, but if they are inedible, it's time to toss them and save space.
Almost-Empty Bottles And Jars
These are the nearly empty bottles of juice, soda, sauces, marinades, dips, and dressings that take up space but are almost empty and do not contain enough actually to use. They create clutter and make it hard for you to see what you have, and it's time to ditch and replace them.
Expired Eggs
Eggs in the fridge for too long past their freshness date pose a risk of spoilage and contamination. Eggs have a decent shelf life, but once they go wrong, turn color, and start to crack/smell, it's time to get rid of them and get fresh ones.
Old Freezer Burnt Food
Sometimes, we think, "This isn't so bad; I think I can eat it," and then we consume a meal that tastes like frostbite. It's best to toss the items you know have succumbed to freezer burn and save yourself the space, effort, and disappointment.
Anything with Mold
This is a no-brainer. If you see mold on your food, throw it away. Don't try to scrape it off, don't keep it in the fridge for any longer, just put it right into the trash. No one should ever eat molded foods.
Sprouting Onions
Once your onions start to sprout and grow long, green stems, they need to be thrown away. While sprouting onions are generally safe to eat, they will have a strong, pungent taste that is just not good. You're better off buying a fresh onion than trying to salvage one that has a sprout.
This post was originally published on Spatula Desserts.
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