Why You Should Be Using Bin Liners In Your Fridge
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Are you guilty of the fresh greens shuffle, aka, buying that massive tub of baby spinach with the intention of making a salad every day, only to watch it wilt and replace it with another bin that will go untouched yet again? It's okay, and we've all been there. Luckily, there's a solution that keeps your greens fresh longer and protects your fridge from any nasty drips if they do go bad.
Bin liners are a simple solution to a common problem. Despite popular belief, bacteria can still survive in cold conditions, so it's essential to routinely clean and disinfect your fridge to prevent mold or bacterial health issues, via WebMD. Liners make that process easier by creating a removable barrier between your fridge and its contents. Instead of awkwardly washing your drawers in the sink, you can remove and clean the liner, then hit the bin with a quick wipe down.
How do they work?
Most fridge liners are made of plastic and pre-cut to the size of a standard fridge drawer or shelf. This makes them resistant to liquids and easy to clean once they come out of the fridge. Simply place them in your drawers or shelves and peel them up when they need a wash. In a pinch, you can also use plastic wrap, cling film, or wax paper to achieve the same effect. However, it may be a bit less aesthetically pleasing than the colorful or patterned reusable liners available on the market — looking at you, Tiktok restocking video enthusiasts.
If you'd rather not contribute to the 380 million tons of plastic produced yearly, via Plastic Oceans, consider using tea towels instead. They're not resistant to liquids, but you can still easily replace and wash them to avoid direct contact between produce and your drawers and easily clean up spills and debris.
The benefits of liners
The main draw of fridge bin liners is keeping everything easy to clean, but if you choose the right material, they can also keep your produce fresh for longer. Storing lettuce and other leafy greens wrapped in a dish towel can help absorb excess water and keep leaves crisp, via The American Heart Association. Using a towel as a drawer liner can have the same benefits. It's a two-for-one deal — prevent that nasty spinach sludge while protecting your fridge if it still develops.
Fridge liners may seem like a no-brainer, but it's an easy product to simplify your cleaning routine that many people don't think to invest in. Gone are the days of covering your entire kitchen in soapy water after trying to wash out a drawer in the sink. The future is here, and it's as simple as adding a protective barrier to the surfaces in your fridge.