You’ve changed your desk calendar, set your new intentions, and begun to declutter your spaces. One of the best parts of a fresh start is tossing what no longer serves you—or in this case, what you can no longer serve. If your fridge is still holding onto last year’s questionable leftovers and expired condiments, it’s time for a cleanse. Here are 10 things lurking in your fridge that deserve a one-way ticket to the trash.
1. Baking Soda
Does baking soda go bad? Sort of. Once opened, it loses its oomph after about six months. Sure, you can still use it to deodorize your sneakers or clean your sink, but if you’re relying on it to make fluffy pancakes or soda bread, grab a fresh box.
2. Baking Powder
Same deal here—baking powder has an even shorter shelf life after opening (just three months, according to the USDA). If your biscuits are coming out flatter than your New Year’s resolutions, it might be time to upgrade your leavener.
3. Condiments
This one’s tricky because some sauces and dressings seem immortal. But let’s be real: That ketchup bottle from your college days? The mustard with a mysterious crust? The hot sauce you swear you just bought two months ago (but was actually two years ago)? Check those expiration dates. If they’re past their prime, it’s time to say goodbye.
4. Jam or Jelly
Sugar and acidity give jams and jellies a decent shelf life, but they’re not invincible. Once opened, they should be tossed after six months in the fridge. And if you’ve been double-dipping with a peanut butter knife, bacteria could be throwing a party in there.
5. Open Broth Cartons
That half-used carton of chicken or veggie broth? It’s probably not looking (or smelling) too fresh. Instead of letting it slowly turn into a science experiment, pour leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze them for easy, portioned broth cubes.
6. Soft Cheeses
Cream cheese, Brie, goat cheese—these delicate dairy products don’t last long. Once opened, they’re good for about one to two weeks max. If you’re staring at a half-eaten log of goat cheese from your holiday charcuterie board, it’s time to let it go.
7. Eggnog (and Other Seasonal Drinks)
The holidays are over, and so is your eggnog’s shelf life. Even the ultra-pasteurized, non-alcoholic stuff should be tossed after 14 days. The same goes for any festive juices or mixers still hanging around.
8. Salad Greens
If your spinach is more slime than salad, it’s officially done. Those forgotten greens at the back of your fridge? Toss ’em. To make your next batch last longer, store them with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
9. Mystery Containers
We’ve all been there—opening a Tupperware to find something unrecognizable (and possibly sentient). If you don’t remember when you put it in there or what it even was, it’s trash. And if the container’s too gross to clean? Maybe it’s time for a fresh set.
10. Holiday Leftovers
Still holding onto Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham? Leftovers should be eaten within a week (five days is even better for safety). If they’ve been in there longer, it’s time to bid them farewell. Next time, freeze extras in portion-sized containers for easy future meals.
Cleaning out your fridge isn’t just about making space—it’s about keeping your food fresh and safe. So grab a trash bag, channel your inner Marie Kondo, and give your fridge the reset it deserves. Your future self (and your stomach) will thank you.
