November 15 is Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day, a solemn occasion when all citizens should pause and reflect on just exactly how they let their refrigerators get so dirty in the first place, put on their rubber gloves, and get busy. The origins of Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day are a bit murky, though it may be a “holiday” launched by the Whirlpool appliance company. In any case, it’s a good excuse to take on that dreaded task of thoroughly cleaning out your refrigerator. And that means the drawers, shelves and the “way back,” including those mysterious objects wrapped in cellophane or housed in plastic storage containers. Here are some tips for how to “celebrate” Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day:
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Don your elbow-length, industrial-strength rubber gloves and pull the garbage can nearby, and start dumping.
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Once you’ve tossed the nasty and expired stuff, take out all the food that is still good, and store it in a cooler.
Read Related: How to Clean Your Home in 20 Minutes
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Remove shelves and drawers and clean them in the kitchen sink.
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Clean the interior of the fridge with a pan of hot soapy water and a sponge or cleaning rag.
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If you wish, sanitize the interior with non-toxic white vinegar. Add an open box of baking soda to absorb odors.
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Replace all food items.
We strongly suggest you undertake this project while sipping a nice glass of wine. Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day is a holiday, after all! And besides, once you finish the fridge, you’ve got to clean the freezer. On the plus side, think of all the space you’re making to store Thanksgiving groceries and leftovers!
