Why Clean Out Your Fridge Matters — Even in a Foodservice Setting

Food Safety & Quality
Expired, forgotten, or poorly stored food can lead to spoilage or cross-contamination. Regular clean-outs help reduce food-safety risks, keeping your inventory fresh and your team safe.

1. Efficiency & Inventory Control
   When you can clearly see what’s inside your fridge, you reduce food waste, avoid over-ordering, and improve inventory turnover. This aligns with IFG’s mission of helping foodservice operations run more smoothly and cost-effectively.

2. Energy Savings
   A cluttered fridge forces the cooling system to work harder. Clearing out unnecessary items helps maintain airflow and efficiency — saving energy in the long run.

3. Operational Flow
   In kitchens that IFG supports — be it full-service restaurants, school cafeterias, or catering operations — even small improvements in organization can help streamline workflows. Cleaner, more organized storage means faster access and fewer mistakes during prep or service.

How to Clean Out Your Refrigerator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a checklist to turn National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day into a meaningful, actionable reset:

1. Empty It Completely
   Take everything out: condiments, leftovers, bins, drawers, shelves. This gives you full visibility and lets you reassess what stays, what goes.

2. Sort Thoughtfully

• Discard anything expired or spoiled.

• Set aside items that are still good but not being used (maybe they’re better repurposed).

• Donate unopened, non-perishable items when possible.

3. Deep Clean

• Remove the shelves and drawers, wash them thoroughly with warm soapy water.

• Wipe down the interior surfaces, door seals, and corners.

• If your fridge has coils, vacuum them — this helps with energy efficiency and operational lifespan.

• Don’t forget the top, sides, and floor around the fridge.

4. Sanitize and Deodorize
   Use a mild disinfectant, or a baking-soda solution, which is food-safe and helps neutralize lingering odors.

5. Organize Thoughtfully

• Group items: dairy, prepared food, produce, sauces, etc.

• Use clear bins or labels to make things easily identifiable.

• Date leftovers or opened containers — this makes follow-up clean-outs easier.

6. Put Everything Back Strategically
   Place frequently used items at eye level. Keep “danger zone” foods (meats, dairy) in the coldest parts, and less perishable things in door bins.

7. Set Up a Maintenance Routine
   Rather than waiting for a full clean-out, encourage your team to do regular spot checks — discard or re-label old items weekly, maybe organize monthly. Deep clean every few months. Many experts suggest a full deep clean every 3–4 months.

How IFG Can Help You Maintain Better Cold-Storage Practices

At Innovative Foodservice Group, we believe in supporting our clients not just with the right equipment and supplies, but with practical advice and ongoing service. Here’s how we can help you leverage better fridge management:

• Design & Layout Consulting
  Our design team can help you optimize refrigeration space in your kitchen for better organization and efficiency.

• Equipment Selection
  We offer a wide range of refrigeration equipment — from walk-ins to reach-ins — tailored to the scale and flow of your operation.

• Smallwares & Organization Tools
  Use the right bins, shelves, and storage accessories to keep everything easily visible and accessible. IFG carries a full catalog of these items.

• Ongoing Service & Support
  Our “white glove” approach means we’re there when you need us — whether it’s routine maintenance, troubleshooting, or a full-scale renovation.

Make It More Than a One-Day Project

The real value comes when you build systems that sustain a clean, efficient fridge year-round. For foodservice operations, this means better food safety, less waste, and smarter ordering. And for your team, it means a workspace that’s easier to navigate and more productive.

At IFG, our goal is to help you Get Ahead of the Day — and that starts with the very foundation of your kitchen: organization, efficiency, and cleanliness.

Let us know if you’d like help designing a refrigeration space or sourcing the right smallwares to make maintenance easier. Happy cleaning! 🧊🧼