Good evening: We’ve gathered our best tips for tidying up a freezer. Plus …
How to organize a freezer |
 |
| iStock/Qwart |
Freezing food is one of the easiest ways to minimize food waste, save money, and reduce your environmental impact. It also allows you to extend summer’s bounty of basil and berries well into the depths of winter.
But don’t just throw stuff in there haphazardly. When it’s overstuffed or chaotic, you might invite freezer burn or forget what’s inside. Here’s some advice for the right way to pack it:
- Before you freeze food, think about how you plan to defrost it, and then divide it accordingly: Start by lining a baking sheet, arranging portions in a single layer, and freezing them on the tray. Once that food is frozen, transfer it to a bag or container. No more massive and unwieldy hunks of produce to break apart.
- Use stackable containers: They can save space and make it easier to find things. Our favorites are leak- and shatter-proof. And, in our tests, they kept their contents freezer burn-free.
- Airtight storage options stave off freezer burn: For bagged foods, consider upgrading from rubber bands to these reusable clips, which slide over open bags to form an airtight seal.
|
More freezer organizing tips→
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›
Plus: How to make bananas last longer |
 |
| Maki Yazawa/NYT Wirecutter |
Your bananas don’t have to be destined for a future of brown goopiness and banana bread. To keep them golden for as long as possible: Hang ’em.
Plus, our favorite good-looking banana hooks→
What’s new from our cleaning experts |
Today’s great deal: A centerpiece-worthy fruit bowl |
 |
| Amazon |
This polished-looking bowl has two layers. On the bottom, the vented ceramic base helps maximize the shelf life of root vegetables. The cork top holds fresh fruit — or you can use it as a catchall for kitchen clutter.
We found one on sale right now→
One last thing: How to clean produce |
 |
| Mace Dent Johnson/NYT Wirecutter |
With a good wash, you can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and remove contaminants from your produce. All you need is a clean basin, running water, and fresh kitchen cloths or paper towels.
Squeaky-clean fruits and vegetables→
|
|
 | Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here for Clean Everything. A weekly nudge to keep everything in your home squeaky clean from Wirecutter's experts. Get it in your inbox |
|
|
Happy cleaning.
You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.
