Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
The refrigerator is one of those places where people don’t expect to find germs.
Many believe a refrigerator’s cold temperatures kill all germs. However, the cold only slows them down. Bacteria and mould can still grow.
An uncleaned fridge can become a breeding ground for hidden microbes and unpleasant odours.
To keep your fridge clean and safe, remember these simple steps:
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Wipe the inside every few days. Occasionally, do a deep clean to stop bacteria from growing.
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Store raw meat and fish sealed on the bottom shelf. Keep cooked or ready-to-eat food higher up so raw juices do not drip onto them.
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Throw away old food to stop moisture, smells and germs from spreading to fresh items.
Expiry date hunt
Materials
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damp cloth or sponge
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pen and paper
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fridge magnet
Instructions
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Take all the condiment containers and jars out of your fridge one shelf at a time. Line them up on a table or counter.
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Check for their “Best before”, “Best by” or “Expiry” dates. Throw away any expired food.
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Divide the piece of paper into two columns: “Edible” and “Expired”.
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List the safe items and their expiry dates under “Edible”. Write the out-of-date items under “Expired” to use as a future shopping list.
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Wipe the shelves with a damp cloth or sponge before putting the safe food back. Remember to put cooked or ready-to-eat items on the higher shelves. Always store raw meat and fish sealed on the bottom shelf.
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Stick the list on the fridge with a magnet. Update it weekly so you can keep track of your food.
DIY fridge freshener
Materials
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small glass jar
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baking soda
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lemon, orange or grapefruit essential oil
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small piece of clean cloth
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rubber band
Instructions
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Fill half of the jar with baking soda.
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Add four to six drops of essential oil and stir it well.
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Cover the jar with the piece of cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
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Place the jar in your fridge or freezer to absorb bad odours. Replace the mixture every three months or whenever the fridge smells bad.
