 Breadcrumbs

  



 [Life](/life)

 /  22 April 2020  

#  How To Organise Your Fridge  


You’re at home, and cleaning is top of the agenda. But when it comes to your fridge, organisation should be a top priority, too. After all, it won’t help anyone if your food hygiene doesn’t pass muster. Here, we break down shelf by shelf exactly what should live where, how to store it and for how long…  


[ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618)

 

 



 

 

 

 

### ON THE TOP &amp; MIDDLE SHELF

The top and middle shelves are where you should store ready-to-eat foods such as cheese, yoghurt, cooked meats and leftovers. If you’re not sure what qualifies, think of them as foods which don’t need to be cooked before being eaten, such as deli meats or other ready-packaged items – even pre-prepared fruit. However, these should still be covered or kept in sealed containers to prevent cross-contamination with other items, and away from raw foods so harmful bacteria doesn’t transfer. Just remember not to store leftovers before they’ve properly cooled down, so as not to inadvertently raise the temperature of your fridge. Leave extra portions for a maximum of two hours before covering properly, sealing and storing.

### AT THE BOTTOM 

This is the coldest part of the fridge, and where you should put raw meat, fish and poultry – all in sealed containers so they don't touch each other or drip onto other foods. You should also use the same space to defrost any meat or fish from the freezer, rather than doing it at room temperature. While this rule applies for the rest of the appliance, try not to crowd this shelf too much. Unlike the freezer, cold air needs to circulate and if it can’t, you risk causing an inconsistent temperature. In fact, leaving a little wiggle room between items could even help keep your energy bill down as temperatures will remain stable.

### IN THE DRAWERS

Fresh foods, such as salads and herbs, should always be kept away from the back of the fridge – the temperature there is far colder and these delicate foods could freeze and go off. With that in mind, it makes sense to keep fruit, vegetables and salad (all of which should be washed prior to storage) in the specially designed salad drawers at the bottom of the fridge. Try to keep them wrapped in paper or plastic with air holes to keep them protected from any cross-contamination. For salads and herbs, try wrapping them in a damp paper towel before storing so they don’t dry out. Finally, be aware that certain fruit and veg are known ‘gas releasers’ (these include avocados, bananas, nectarines, and tomatoes) and can make some veggies spoil prematurely if they’re kept in too-close quarters.

### INSIDE THE DOOR

This is the warmest area of the fridge and the most susceptible to temperature fluctuations given how often the door opens and closes. As such, it’s best to store foods that have natural preservatives here, such as condiments, jams and juices. If you’re tight on space on the top and middle shelves, butter and soft cheeses will keep well enough if stored at the top part of the inside door, which is usually sealed with a replaceable flap to contain specific odours. If you do choose to store eggs in the fridge, try to place them on the top or middle shelves rather than inside the door to avoid cross-contamination or spills. Finally, it’s a myth that this is the best place to store milk – even plant-based versions. Given how susceptible milk or cream is to spoiling, it’s best kept on a top or middle shelf where possible.

***Inspired? Here are five top tips to keep your fridge clean and hygienic…***​

 

 

 

01

 

 

### Clean the fridge regularly.

This is especially important for the fridge handle, shelves and storage compartments. Wash all surfaces thoroughly with warm, soapy water, before rinsing them clean. Dry surfaces with a clean towel or kitchen roll.

 

 

 

02

 

 

### Store your leftovers safely.

This should be done within two hours of cooking, and you should try to eat them within three days after that. Keep leftovers in sealed containers to prevent spills or cross-contamination and mark up storage dates on the lids so you remember how old they are.

 

 

 

03

 

 

### Check for ‘use-by’ dates.

At least once a week, go through the fridge and check for foods which have passed the ‘use by’ date, and throw them out. Just remember that a use by date isn’t the same as ‘best before’, which indicates the food might still be safe to consume, just not at its most optimum taste or texture.

 

 

 

 

04

 

 

### Keep the fridge at 5°C or below.

The numbers on the fridge thermostat dial don’t necessarily show the temperature reading, so you could try using a thermometer to check the temperature. Place a mercury-free fridge thermometer on the bottom shelf above the salad drawer, and check the temperature once a week, ideally first thing in the morning. Also, be sure to keep the fridge door closed as tightly as possible, as the temperature will rise if it is left open.

 

 

 

05

 

 

### Don’t keep produce on top of the fridge.

If you’ve been using the top of your fridge to stack wine bottles or loaves of bread, don’t. To regulate colder temperatures inside the appliance, the condenser coil pumps warm air out, causing heat to rise around the cabinet. The result? It gets warm up at the top, which will make bread mould faster and delicate wines spoil. Instead, try to limit storage to pots and pans and the odd cookbook.

 

 

 

00

 

 

For more information, visit the Food Standards Agency website [here](https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/chilling).

 

 

 

***Shop our edit below for products to help organise your fridge...***

 

 

 

 ![Avocado Storage Pod from Joie](https://media.sheerluxe.com/rrIt8xKW0mPKF6x7rMzGLG-KBkY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F1joie-avocado-storage-podjohn-lewisps4.jpg?itok=s79tAoTc)

 

 

 

[#### Avocado Storage Pod](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1203&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&ued=https%3A//www.johnlewis.com/joie-avocado-storage-pod-clear-green/p3607458%3F)

##### Joie, 



£4

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Kitchen Fridge Organisers 4 Pack from Newthinking](https://media.sheerluxe.com/9vXtrWg5ci9u0Puv-oAzWzC88fo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F1newthinking-kitchen-fridge-organisersamazonps1699.jpg?itok=k2YM4b3P)

 

 

 

[#### Kitchen Fridge Organisers 4 Pack](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Newthinking-Organisers-Adjustable-Organiser-Vegetables/dp/B07TYTJPN3?ref_=s9_apbd_orecs_hd_bw_b1TPCIB&pf_rd_r=NTAX4QH77KD35VF685KK&pf_rd_p=dea9cce9-f020-5d80-af47-70d18adfc253&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-10&pf_rd_t=BROWSE&pf_rd_i=)

##### Newthinking, 



£16.99

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Cook & Heat Rectangular Roasting Dish from Pyrex](https://media.sheerluxe.com/V0sRl_oD1QNHFDzn8heofdP6Fj4=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F3pyrex-cook-heat-rectangular-roasting-dishjohn-lewisps10.jpg?itok=slzzC1s0)

 

 

 

[#### Cook &amp; Heat Rectangular Roasting Dish](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1203&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&ued=https%3A//www.johnlewis.com/pyrex-cook-heat-rectangular-roasting-dish-1-1l/p3777282)

##### Pyrex, 



£10

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Nest Lock Airtight Storage Containers from Joseph Joseph](https://media.sheerluxe.com/VDkluHyG1VJp4JRTKzwfFXdWRSw=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F4joseph-joseph-nest-lock-airtight-storage-containers-set-3-assortedjohn-lewisps20.jpg?itok=b-NHOHuG)

 

 

 

[#### Nest Lock Airtight Storage Containers](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1203&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&ued=https%3A//www.johnlewis.com/joseph-joseph-nest-lock-airtight-storage-containers-set-of-3-assorted/p3659291)

##### Joseph Joseph, 



£20

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Refrigerator Pad from Newthinking](https://media.sheerluxe.com/F-5lOJV8yxtTwqlveAbiOO3vP9g=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F5refrigerator-padsps799amazon.jpg?itok=_-p4Ws_7)

 

 

 

[#### Refrigerator Pad](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Refrigerator-Antibacterial-Antifouling-Absorption-Multifunctional/dp/B07D56T194/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=refrigerator%20pad&qid=1587483985&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFTMFFXQkpFSERINE0mZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9)

##### Newthinking, 



£7.99

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Onion Pod from Joie](https://media.sheerluxe.com/MtPlFULXaY8pUeHTDfcZyWrx568=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F6joie-onion-podjohn-lewisps4.jpg?itok=DGgBNqIj)

 

 

 

[#### Onion Pod](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1203&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&ued=https%3A//www.johnlewis.com/joie-onion-storage-pod-clear-brown/p3607494)

##### Joie, 



£4

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Food Storage Bowl from Mepal Cirqula ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Zbv0qioaN5y0Ow8r34rTj7ljGM4=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F7mepal-cirqula-food-storage-bowljohn-lewis-ps9.jpg?itok=CmHKyXfD)

 

 

 

[#### Food Storage Bowl](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1203&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&ued=https%3A//www.johnlewis.com/mepal-cirqula-food-storage-bowl-1-25l/nordic-green/p4851278)

##### Mepal Cirqula, 



£12

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps from Eddingtons](https://media.sheerluxe.com/1V67iJYgHhxoLk21S4Or6CBM-l4=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F8reusable-beeswax-food-wrapsselfridgesps22.jpg?itok=wyQ6zZxx)

 

 

 

[#### Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3539&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&ued=https%3A//www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/eddingtons-reusable-beeswax-food-wraps-set-of-three_R00113206/)

##### Eddingtons, 



£22

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Silicone Reusable Sandwich Bag from Stasher](https://media.sheerluxe.com/N3HDg6wMKnsbFS-JpDDMBgTJjhI=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F9stasher-reusable-sandwich-bagselfridgesps13.jpg?itok=f47kYB2L)

 

 

 

[#### Silicone Reusable Sandwich Bag](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3539&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&ued=https%3A//www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/stasher-silicone-reusable-sandwich-bag_315-3006436-900/%3Fcm_mmc%3DPLA-_-Google-_-HOMETECH-_-STASHER%26POR%3DY%26utm_source%3Dg)

##### Stasher, 



£13

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![All Purpose Bag from The Organic Company](https://media.sheerluxe.com/tVXvMGAbUwp5Mzt9uf_Sc6IG4Qo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F10the-organic-company-cotton-food-bagselfridgesps7.jpg?itok=dXnk02x-)

 

 

 

[#### All Purpose Bag](https://beechandbirch.co.uk/collections/kitchen/products/copy-of-food-bag-large)

##### The Organic Company, 



£6.50

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Reusable Mesh Produce Bags from Nunen](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Mv9wY7NefyPnfMYyiSRVODuRrDk=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F11reusable-mesh-produce-bagsamazonps599.jpg?itok=iZZYrdoR)

 

 

 

[#### Reusable Mesh Produce Bags](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reusable-See-Through-Lightweight-Vegetable-Supermarket/dp/B07THBVJNX/ref=sr_1_56?dchild=1&keywords=reusable%20produce%20bags&qid=1587484327&sr=8-56)

##### Nunen, 



£5.99

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 ![Single Tier Storage Turntable from The Home Edit](https://media.sheerluxe.com/1gJXB-kt1I8691wNKyjgRSS6Mtk=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F04%2F12the-home-edit-idesign-single-tier-storage-turntablejohn-lewisps12.jpg?itok=DMpOxVSq)

 

 

 

[#### Single Tier Storage Turntable](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1203&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&ued=https%3A//www.johnlewis.com/the-home-edit-idesign-single-tier-storage-turntable/p4797184)

##### The Home Edit, 



£12

 

[ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/22618 "Add product to my favourites")

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

  

## *more from*

### Life



 [View All Life](/life) 

  ![Your December Horoscope](https://media.sheerluxe.com/DItNYr8xLEkFwB0HLUn6llPyftY=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fsl-011025-site-assets-horoscopes-hero-thumb.jpg?itok=SbqV-ogK)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  01 December 2025  

 [##  Your December Horoscope  


 

 ](/life/your-december-horoscope-4) 

 

 

 

  ![An M&S Flower Launch You Need To Know About](https://media.sheerluxe.com/0x2UNKOqVeLaNnbsnYB4FGLopc4=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F12%2Fsl-site-assets-011225-thumb-com-ms-flowers.jpg?itok=0PDXFh1u)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  01 December 2025  

 [##  An M&amp;S Flower Launch You Need To Know About  


 

 ](/life/an-ms-flower-launch-you-need-to-know-about) 

 

 

 

  ![A Day In The Life Of A BAFTA-Award Winning Writer-Actress ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/0ErUTwRTgfqEFcN4Xjkals2nUz0=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-site-assets-191125-thumb-hero-interview-nicole-lecky.jpg?itok=f4DBwY6c)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  19 November 2025  

 [##  A Day In The Life Of A BAFTA-Award Winning Writer-Actress  


 

 ](/life/nicole-lecky) 

 

 

 

  ![Your November Horoscope](https://media.sheerluxe.com/uy2n-HAGa_bUbJRGeiDpHaRV9h4=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fhorocopes-hero-thumb.jpg?itok=sweR5Gin)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  03 November 2025  

 [##  Your November Horoscope  


 

 ](/life/your-november-horoscope-3) 

 

 

 

  ![How Adopting A Pet Can Change 2 Lives](https://media.sheerluxe.com/PAwYrWsfW8Pu6uAXfZwsg-EmIlI=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fpetare-portrait-hero-hr.jpg?itok=07Jvj0sj)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  22 October 2025  

 [##  How Adopting A Pet Can Change 2 Lives  


 

 ](/life/how-adopting-a-pet-can-change-2-lives) 

 

 

 

  ![Go Behind The Scenes At Our Sukkot Lunch](https://media.sheerluxe.com/M0hy53QXhuiSDVlmKgbdfpnPdak=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fsl-151025-sukkot-lunch-thumb.jpg?itok=AopiPR8H)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  15 October 2025  

 [##  Go Behind The Scenes At Our Sukkot Lunch  


 

 ](/life/go-behind-the-scenes-at-our-sukkot-lunch) 

 

 

 

  ![Your December Horoscope](https://media.sheerluxe.com/DItNYr8xLEkFwB0HLUn6llPyftY=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F10%2Fsl-011025-site-assets-horoscopes-hero-thumb.jpg?itok=SbqV-ogK)

  

 

 



 

[Life](/life)

/

  01 October 2025  

 [##  Your October Horoscope  


 

 ](/life/your-october-horoscope-5) 

 

 

 

  ![8 Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Older Relatives & Friends](https://media.sheerluxe.com/0kmT517DBBlNYu5KGXGye8gtLnQ=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F09%2Fsl-gold-150925-site-assets-gifting-thumb.jpg?itok=kRLMY4kZ)

  

 

 



 

 [Life](/gold/life)/

  15 September 2025  

 [##  8 Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Older Relatives &amp; Friends  


 

 ](/life/8-thoughtful-gift-ideas-for-older-relatives-friends) 

 

 

 

  ![The Name To Know For Sophisticated & Compassionate Care In Later Life ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ExxwhSEbX-WY5sHl3sEbpuGnPhY=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F09%2Fsl-gold-150925-site-assets-kyn-comm-thumb.jpg?itok=zfYPm91c)

  

 

 



 

 [Life](/gold/life)/

  15 September 2025  

 [##  The Name To Know For Sophisticated &amp; Compassionate Care In Later Life  


 

 ](/life/the-name-to-know-for-sophisticated-compassionate-care-in-later-life) 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 



  

 Share This Story

 [Facebook

 ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?display=popup&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com&u=https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Flife%2Fhow-organise-your-fridge&t=How+To+Organise+Your+Fridge) [ Pinterest

 ](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Flife%2Fhow-organise-your-fridge&description=How+To+Organise+Your+Fridge&media=) [ E-mail

 ](<mailto:?subject=How To Organise Your Fridge&body=Hi%0A%0AI&#039;ve just read this article https://sheerluxe.com/life/how-organise-your-fridge and thought you might like it, too.%0A%0ASheerLuxe is your in-the-know friend keeping you up to date with everything new in fashion, beauty, culture, lifestyle %26 home.%0A%0AYou can sign up for the FREE daily newsletter here. https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsignup%3Fseed%3Dsharing%26utm_source%3DWebsite%26utm_medium%3DSL%26utm_campaign%3DEmail%26utm_id%3DSharing>) 

 

 

INSPIRATION CREDITS: [Instagram.com/remodelista](https://www.instagram.com/remodelista/?hl=en)  
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at <info@sheerluxe.com>.

 

 

 

  ##  Fashion. Beauty. Culture. Life. Home 

###  Delivered to your inbox, daily 

 [Subscribe](/signup)