If you’ve ever opened your fridge only to be greeted by a whiff of something suspicious, you’re not alone. Keeping your fridge clean doesn’t have to be a major event.
In fact, with a simple 10-minute routine — and a bit of help from a modern Smeg fridge that makes organisation easier — you can stay on top of it without the hassle.
The key is consistency. A quick, regular clean-out not only helps your kitchen smell fresher, but also saves money by reducing food waste.
Step 1: Clear Out the Obvious (2 Minutes)
Grab a compost bin or rubbish bag and do a fast sweep.
Toss anything that’s clearly past its prime — wilted greens, that half-eaten takeaway container from three nights ago, last week's expired yoghurt.
Don’t overthink it. If you wouldn’t eat it today, it goes.
This fast triage alone can make your fridge look and feel much fresher.
Step 2: Wipe the Easy Spots (3 Minutes)
You don’t need to dismantle the fridge for this.
Focus on the areas where spills tend to happen:
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Shelves with sticky rings from drink bottles.
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Drawer fronts with stray vegetable bits.
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Door compartments with leaked condiments.
Use a damp cloth or a quick spritz of all-purpose cleaner and give them a fast wipe.
Your future self will thank you.
Step 3: Reorganise What’s Left (3 Minutes)
Now that you can actually see what's in there, take a moment to group similar items together:
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Dairy with dairy.
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Fruit and veg in their proper compartments.
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Jars and sauces neatly lined up.
If you’re using a fridge with adjustable shelving and smart compartments — like the layout in many Smeg models — you’ll find this step is even faster and more intuitive.
Step 4: Quick Freshen-Up (2 Minutes)
If you have a spare minute or two, toss an open box of baking soda or a small fridge deodoriser inside.
It’s a simple step that absorbs lingering odours and keeps everything smelling crisp without overpowering your food.
| Some Tips | Make a note of anything that needs using up soon and plan your next meal around it. |
Why Little Clean-Outs Matter More Than Big Deep Cleans?
Deep-cleaning your fridge once or twice a year is still important — but it’s these small, regular habits that make the biggest difference day-to-day.
When you clean as you go, you:
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Prevent nasty smells from developing.
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Spot issues like spills or leaks early.
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Save time because nothing builds up to an overwhelming mess.
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Reduce food waste by staying aware of what you have.
It’s like tidying as you cook — a few minutes here and there saves hours later.
A Fridge That Helps You Stay Organised
A lot of frustration around fridge mess comes from awkward layouts and poor visibility.
Modern designs solve this by offering:
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Adjustable shelving for flexible storage.
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Humidity-controlled drawers for longer-lasting produce.
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Easy-to-clean surfaces that resist sticky build-up.
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Efficient lighting so you can actually see what’s lurking at the back.
Choosing an appliance that supports your routines — instead of fighting against them — makes maintenance almost effortless.
Fresh Fridge, Fresh Mind
There’s something satisfying about opening your fridge and feeling calm instead of overwhelmed.
Keeping it clean doesn’t have to be a full-day project.
By sticking to a simple 10-minute weekly routine, you’ll make your kitchen feel fresher, your food last longer, and your life just a little bit easier — one small habit at a time.
