Think the fridge keeps food fresh? These mistakes are why your ingredients taste worse and go bad faster
We often think that putting food in the fridge is enough to keep it fresh and healthy. However, a poorly organized fridge can quickly turn into a nest of germs and a waste machine.
Between forgotten leftovers, expired yoghurts at the bottom of the bin or vegetables that wilt in two days, the fridge deserves a little more attention than a simple "put it down and close the door".
Keeping your fridge tidy isn't just a question of order: it's a healthy, economical and anti-waste gesture. Here are the simple rules you need to know to make the cold a real ally.
Not all fridge floors are created equal
The fridge is not cold in the same way everywhere. According to Santé publique France, the ideal temperature is between 32°F/0°C and 39°F/4°C, but each level has its own speciality:
- The coldest part (top or bottom, depending on the model): this is the zone for raw meats, fresh fish and pre-cooked home-cooked meals.
- The middle: perfect for dairy products (yoghurts, fresh cheeses, milk, cream).
- Top: reserved for cooked foods, leftovers and deli meats.
- Vegetable bins: as the name suggests, for fresh fruit and vegetables, well wrapped to limit humidity.
- The door: the warmest zone, ideal for eggs, condiments, sauces and drinks.
Tip: invest in a small fridge thermometer to check that the temperature remains constant, especially in summer.
Packaging is protection
Air circulates in the fridge. Without protection, food contaminates each other and odors mix.
A few simple reflexes:
- Cover dishes with cling film or an airtight box.
- Always separate raw meat and fish to avoid cross-contamination.
- Wipe off damp vegetables before storing, otherwise they'll rot faster.
- And above all, never leave opened food uncovered: it's the best way to attract bacteria and bad smells.
The "first in, first out" rule
You buy yoghurts, put them away, and then... you forget the ones that were already there. Result: they end up expired.
The solution? Adopt the FIFO (First In, First Out) rule.
➡️ Place the oldest products in front, and those you've just bought behind them.
It's a simple but effective way of reducing waste and avoiding unpleasant surprises.
Mistakes to avoid
Even with the best intentions, certain habits are best avoided:
Clean regularly
A clean fridge is a healthy fridge.
Every month, give it a thorough cleaning:
- Empty it completely,
- Wash the walls and shelves with soapy water or white vinegar,
- Dry thoroughly before putting food back in.
This eliminates bacteria and unpleasant odors, and extends the shelf life of your products.
Bonus tip: place a bowl of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odours.
The verdict: a well-organized fridge means less waste and more freshness.
Keeping your fridge tidy means prolonging the life of your food, avoiding contamination, reducing waste and saving money.
And bonus: a tidy fridge is also more pleasant every day!
So let's get started! A cloth, a bit of logic, and your fridge will become your best ally for freshness! :)
Adèle Peyches
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