How often you should really clean out your fridge

Today is National Clean Out Your Fridge Day, but one professional organiser said an annual refresh isn't quite up to scratch.

Declutterer Anita Birges said Australians should be giving the fridge a decent clean far more frequently than once a year, instead getting into the task "once a week".

"Every time you do a shop, you should be double-checking," Birges told Today Extra.

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"Then it doesn't have to be a whole big national clean out your fridge once a year gig.

"You can keep the maintenance up throughout the year."

To maintain a tidy fridge, Birges advised taking advantage of the dishwasher, if you have one.

"A lot of the pieces from the refrigerator can be washed in your dishwasher so you actually don't have to be scrubbing them down," she said.

Next, Birges suggested clearing bench space and bringing every food item out to check expiry dates.

Chuck out those things in there you aren't going to eat.

"I like to use a vinegar-water solution, something non-toxic to give the surfaces inside a good clean," she said.

"On the outside for the high-touch areas, I like to grab something like Pine O Cleen, a disinfectant, and give it a nice scrub-down."

When it comes to your next shop and putting the items you know you will eat back in the fridge, Birges said using containers and storage items can help get you organised.

"When it comes to organising, you want to see everything," she said.

"If you see it you'll eat it."

For tips on better organising your fridge click here

See what else Anita Birges had to say in the video above

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