#Apartment Hacks: When In Doubt, Throw It OUT!

This summer along with your closet clean out, decluttering bedrooms and storage spaces, add cleaning out your refrigerator and freezer to your to do-list. Way deep inside your freezer can look like an ice-crusted igloo; scary yes but cleaning this out at least twice a year means more space and a tidier looking kitchen.

Prevent Food-borne Illness.  As soon as you leave the grocery store with your items, you have to start thinking about ways you will store the. Checking the labels will be your first step as food with closer expiration dated should be closer to the front of your fridge in order to be used faster.
Make sure your refrigerator is set at 40 degrees or less and your freezer should be 0 degrees or less. To properly check; put a thermometer inside each compartment.

Food Storage Do's & Don'ts.  Food kept too long or at improper temperatures can become contaminated with bacteria, which can cause illness. Here are tips on how to properly store food in refrigerators or freezers:

• Wrap any food item tightly with at least two layers of freezer wrap before you put it in the freezer to store it.
• Allow eggs to be stored inside the cartons; not inside the refrigerator door.
• For fresh produce, do not wash it until you are ready to use it. Store them inside perforated plastic bags and make sure they're used within a few days.
• For enough air circulation, do not overfill compartments in your fridge or freezer. This will maintain the proper temperatures.
• Leftovers should be stored in covered containers within two hours of cooking. You should eat leftovers within a 3-5 day period. 
• Always remember to check use- by or sell-by dates on food packages. These dates do not apply once the package is already opened.
• Put raw meat on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, in a plastic sealed bag by itself. This will prevent any cross contamination onto other foods. 

Remember: it is also important to keep a regular schedule for refrigerator clean outs. Wiping down spills immediately when they happen to prevent permanent stains. Using a once a week schedule to clean the interior walls, shelves, with cleaning solution will help keep your refrigerator spotless!



Apartment Resident #LifeHacks was created in 2018 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.