National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day

Wondering what the sticky substance is that is dripping down the back of the refrigerator? Is it some renegade jam? Or was ketchup spilled months ago and never wiped off? Though this mystery may never be solved, now is the perfect time to start fresh because it is time to celebrate National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day! 

Refrigerators can be one of those kitchen appliances that are taken for granted. They keep food cool and prevent it from spoiling. They are usually only noticed when they fail to work or if a foul smell starts emanating from the interior every time we open the door. Food that was bought weeks ago can be lurking in the back, uneaten.

So, don those rubber gloves, fill that bucket with warm water and get cleaning. It probably won’t take very long. In fact, a couple of hours will probably do it. The fridge doesn’t even have to be turned off to do a good job – and everyone in the household will surely benefit!

History of National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day

Since the refrigerator was invented in the early 1900s, the task of cleaning it out has often been a dreaded one. But, this day brings solidarity to the job and makes it easier for the world to participate all together.

It is rumored that National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day was started by the Whirlpool Corporation, an American company that has been making refrigerators since 1955. The actual day, however, only got its start a couple of decades ago back in 1999. The reason for the timing of the event seems to be that it’s a good time to do this task just prior to celebrating the winter holidays.

No matter how it began, National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day is a great reminder that, to function effectively, kitchen appliances should be cleaned out once in a while.

Looking for other motivating days that celebrate tidying up? Consider taking part in National Clean Out Your Computer Day in February, Clean Your Floors Day in August, or Clean Your Aquarium Day in June. 

How to Celebrate National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day

Sure, it’s not necessarily the most fun of days, but it helps to know that everyone else is doing it too! For motivation, take before and after photos to act as a reminder of how great it is to celebrate National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. And consider some of these ideas for celebrating: 

Tips for Cleaning Out Your Refrigerator

Some people have different ideas of how it is best to go about cleaning out the refrigerator. Check out some of these pro tips that can help make the job quicker and easier:

• First, empty all of the food from the inside of the fridge shelves and door. Throw away anything past the expiration date.
• If the shelves and drawers come out, remove them for cleaning purposes. Then, wipe down everything with a warm soapy cloth, wipe with clean water to rinse off the soap, and then dry with a clean cloth.
• Some people prefer to sanitize their refrigerator by using a solution of water with white vinegar or baking soda.
• Wipe down all bottles of sauces and other items before placing them back in the clean refrigerator.

Host a Leftovers Party

Those who don’t want to waste food can grab family members, friends or the neighbor’s kids and invite them over to eat the items that are left in the fridge in celebration of National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. This can be a particularly useful practice for those who have a freezer that also needs cleaning out. Spoon out the bottom of those ice cream containers, cook up some pizza rolls and finish off the rest of those mixed vegetables. This can be a veritable smorgasbord of fun and delight while accomplishing the task of emptying out and starting fresh!