If You Have These Items In Your Fridge, It’s Time To Toss Them
Most of us have good intentions when it comes to keeping our fridge organized, but it's easy for things to get forgotten behind the milk or tucked in a drawer. Expired, spoiled, or neglected foods can take up space and even affect fresher items.
Here are common things that might be hiding in your fridge, and why it’s time to let them go.
Old beverages
Juices, opened wine, and even sodas can go flat or sour over time.
If something tastes off or has been open for weeks (or worse—you can't even remember when it was opened), you might as well pour it out.
Old deli meat
Sliced meats only stay safe for a few days after opening. If they feel slimy or have a sour odor, don't take chances.
Eating expired deli meat can make you sick. When in doubt, toss it and buy smaller portions next time.
Half-used cans of food
Once opened, canned food should be transferred to a sealed container. Leaving it in the can make the food more susceptible to contamination, and can leave with this a metallic taste.
If you find an old open can tucked away, it's probably safest to throw it out.
Expired condiments
Condiments can last a long time, but not forever. Ketchup, mustard, and salad dressings lose flavor and texture after months of sitting open.
If the lid is crusty or it smells off, it's time to toss it.
Moldy cheese
Some cheeses are meant to have mold, but most aren't. If you spot fuzzy patches or a sour smell, throw it away.
It's important to note that cutting off the bad part doesn’t always make it safe. Cheese that’s past its prime can ruin the flavor of anything it touches.
Wilted greens
Spinach, lettuce, and herbs spoil fast, especially if stored wet. Slimy leaves or an unpleasant smell are signs they're no longer good.
Cleaning out wilted greens keeps your fridge fresh and frees up space for new produce you’ll actually use.
Forgotten leftovers
That container in the back corner probably isn't a mystery worth solving. Most leftovers last only three to four days.
If you can’t remember when you made it, it’s safer to throw it out.
Open jars with residue
Jars of pasta sauce, salsa, or pickles that have been open too long can grow mold around the lid or inside.
Even if it looks fine, once it smells strange or separates, it's done. These small items can cause the fridge to stink, so it's best to part with them before that happens.
Spoiled fruit
A single moldy strawberry or mushy orange can affect everything nearby. Soft spots and sour smells mean it's time to toss the batch.
It's helpful to make a routine out of checking your fruit once a week and removing anything that's begun to spoil.
Keep your fridge fresh and your food safe
Cleaning out your fridge doesn't have to be overwhelming. A quick check for expired, spoiled, or forgotten items can make a big difference.
Tossing what’s gone bad helps your fridge stay fresh and your food safe. A clean, organized fridge saves money, reduces waste, and makes every meal easier to prepare.