Why Cleaning Out Your Fridge Matters — From a B&J Food Equipment Perspective

At B&J Food Equipment, we believe that a clean, well-organized refrigeration space isn’t just about hygiene — it’s a core pillar of an efficient, safe, and cost-effective foodservice operation. As part of the Innovative Foodservice Group and with decades of experience supporting restaurateurs, caterers, and other foodservice providers, we know exactly how powerful a well-managed cold-storage system can be. Here’s our take on why today matters — and how you can turn this clean-out into a long-term advantage.

1. Food Safety & Quality
   Leaving outdated or improperly stored items in your fridge can lead to spoilage, off flavors, or even cross-contamination. A regular clean-out helps eliminate food-safety hazards, keeping your inventory safe and your kitchen compliant.

2. Minimizing Waste and Controlling Cost
   When ingredients are clearly visible and properly organized, your team is more likely to use up older items first — helping you cut down on spoilage and reduce food cost. That’s good for your bottom line.

3. Streamlined Operations
   In a busy kitchen, every second counts. A clean, well-labeled fridge simplifies prep work, speeds up service, and helps your staff locate what they need without rummaging through clutter.

4. Energy Efficiency & Longevity of Equipment
   Overfilled refrigeration units restrict airflow, making compressors work harder. By optimizing space and keeping things tidy, you not only save on energy, but also extend the life of your equipment.

5. Professional Image & Standards
   At B&J, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality equipment, custom design, and full-service solutions. A clean, well-organized fridge mirrors the professional care you put into your kitchen — and signals to your staff and customers that you take standards seriously.

How to Conduct a Foodservice‑Grade Clean-Out: A Step‑by‑Step Checklist

Here’s a practical guide your kitchen team can follow to make the most of National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day — and build habits that last.

1. Schedule & Empty

• Choose a time when the fridge usage is lowest (e.g., between prep shifts).

• Remove all containers, rail pans, bins, and drawers.

2. Sort Smartly

• Inspect every item: discard anything expired, spoiled, or unsafe.

• Identify items that are still usable but not being used — maybe they can be repurposed or moved.

• Use the FIFO (First In, First Out) method: older products go to the front.

3. Deep Clean

• Remove shelving and drawers, clean them thoroughly with a food-safe detergent.

• Wipe the interior walls, door seals, and corners.

• Clean door handles, gaskets, and any hard-to-reach spots.

4. Sanitize

• Apply a food-safe sanitizer or a mild solution (baking soda + water works well).

• Let surfaces air-dry or dry with clean, lint-free towels.

5. Organize & Zone

• Create dedicated zones (e.g., raw proteins, sauces, dairy, prepared food).

• Use labeled bins or clear containers to make identification easy.

• Reinstall shelves and rail pans in a way that promotes airflow.

6. Restock Thoughtfully

• Keep high-use ingredients in eye-level zones for quick access.

• Store temperature-sensitive items in the coldest areas of the fridge.

• Use date labels on all food items to improve visibility and traceability.

7. Set a Maintenance Routine

• Plan weekly spot checks: toss old items, re-label, reorganize.

• Schedule a deep clean monthly or quarterly, depending on how fast your kitchen runs.

• Train your staff on the importance of clean-outs, and make it part of their regular workflow.

How B&J Food Equipment Can Help You Build an Efficient, Clean Cold Storage System

At B&J, we’re more than just a supplier — we’re a partner in making your kitchen safer, more efficient, and more reliable. Here’s how we support you:

• Refrigeration Equipment
  We offer a wide selection of refrigeration units — reach-ins, walk-ins, prep tables, and more — to match the scale and needs of your operation.

• Design & Layout Services
  As part of the Innovative Foodservice Group, we leverage their design team to help plan your kitchen, optimize cold-storage zones, and improve workflow.

• Custom Fabrication
  Need custom stainless shelving, work tables, or specialized storage racks? Our fabrication service can help build the right solution for your space.

• Installation & Support
  We handle delivery, installation, staging, and more — so your clean-out efforts can be supported by the right gear and the right team.

• Comprehensive Supplies
  From smallwares to sanitation tools, we provide everything you need to keep your fridge — and your entire kitchen — in great shape.

Turning Today’s Clean-Out Into a Habit

The real gains come when you turn it into a regular part of your operations. Use today to:

• Rally your team around food safety and efficiency goals

• Audit your tools and storage systems — what’s working, what needs an upgrade

• Talk to your B&J rep about whether your current refrigeration setup is optimized — or if it's time to re-design or re-equip

Ready to streamline your cold-storage and make future clean‑outs smarter and more efficient? Talk to the experts at B&J Food Equipment:

·       📞 Call us at 314‑428‑1247 (St. Louis) or 913-621-6165 (Kansas City) and let our design & equipment team help you explore custom solutions for your kitchen

Visit one of our showrooms in Kansas City or St. Louis