It’s true that fridges can be a challenge. They’re deceptively simple until you’re staring at one, wondering why the vege drawer has become a compost starter kit, or whether the mystery container at the back is a science project or last week’s lasagne. We get it.
When you’ve grown up in a house where one person did everything—robbing you of the chance to learn basic fridge ettiquette—it makes sense that you’d need a handy guide. We’re totally here for you. So if you’ve never had to clean out a vege drawer, wipe down a glass shelf or dig out that odd looking thing stuck at the back of the fridge blocking the vent then let’s go we have something you need to hear to share:
The Three Zones of Your Fridge
Think of your fridge like a share house: everyone has their place.
- Top shelf – Eggs, dairy, drinks, ready-to-eat stuff. (Yes, eggs on the top shelf. According to the NSW Food Authority, this helps keep their temperature stable and that’s even more important in Queensland.)
- Middle shelf – Leftovers, opened jars, cooked meals you’ll get to “tomorrow” (and hopefully not next month). Leftovers are only safe for 2–3 days tops, says Food Standards Australia New Zealand. That means if you’re adding new ones, boot the old ones.
- Bottom shelf – Raw meat, fish, chicken. It’s the coldest spot, plus any drips stay contained instead of redecorating your Greek yoghurt tub.
- And of course, the vege drawer is for, well, veg. If it currently resembles a compost bin, today might be bin day.
Rules That Save Friendships (and Stomachs)
- Milk goes straight back in once you’re done. Warm milk is a crime against tea. And for the love of all things dairy, don’t drink from the carton unless you bought it.
- Leftovers live on borrowed time. Mark the date on the container if you’re prone to fridge amnesia. Keep a laundry pen in the frdiige for this it will save on food bills too as you wont have to throw out as many jars of sauce bases because you cant remember when they were opened!
- Not yours? Don’t touch it. This is the first rule of fridge club.
- Keep it clean. A quick wipe each week avoids that horror-movie moment of pulling out “lettuce soup.”
Chef’s Tip: Organise for Speed
Celebrity chef Maggie Beer swears by keeping fridges tidy and labelled so flavours stay true and nothing gets lost behind the pickles. Her advice? Treat your fridge like a pantry—know what’s in there and rotate it. A little order makes it easier to cook well and waste less (Maggie Beer Foundation).
Thinking Bigger: Time for a New Fridge?
Sometimes the real issue isn’t your storage skills—it’s the fridge itself. Too small, too old, or just chewing through electricity like it’s in a hotdog-eating contest. If you’re ready for an upgrade, check out our range of factory second fridge for sale Brisbane. You’ll save cash, cut down on waste, and still get a reliable fridge that actually helps your food last.
Final Word
Fridges aren’t just cold boxes—they’re the unsung heroes keeping our butter firm, our kombucha fizzy, and our leftovers safe. Use the space wisely, respect the house rules, and give the vege drawer a chance to shine.
And if you catch us writing blogs about fridge etiquette just to get your attention… guilty but we’re sure there’s at one person you know who needs to hear this right?! Share share share!