If you don’t already use pantry storage containers to store and organize your food stuffs, you’re missing out! Doing so can keep pests at bay, and make regular home cleaning that much easier.
Here’s a brief overview of how to get the most out of your own pantry storage containers, whether they’re made of glass, ceramic, plastic, or something else. Whatever type you choose, know what you think you will want to store. That way you can pick the different sizes you will need.
Items Required to Organize Pantry Storage Containers
- Shelf space
- Home Cleaning Solution
- Dry micro fiber cloths for dusting
- Glass Containers
- Metal Containers
- Ceramic Containers
- Vacuum
- Trash Bags
Clean Off Shelf Space
Before you start organizing your pantry storage containers, it’s important to first clear off ample shelf space for proper storage.
Once you have some room cleared, go ahead and wipe down the shelving with a dry, micro fiber cloth. This should get up the majority of dust, bacteria, and pollen, but if anything is left behind, go ahead and spray home cleaning solution (one-part vinegar to one-part water is fine) on any sticky spots. Then if you want, you can use a shelf liner of your choice. This can make future wiping of the shelf easier depending on what you shelf is made of. The other choice is to toss and replace. Just pull the liner out and toss it. Then replace it.
Get Rid of Plastic
Now that you have an area to work with, it’s time to look at the pantry storage containers you are already utilizing.
If plastic or Tupperware are part of the mix, it’s time to say goodbye. Many plastics are filled with BPAs, which can lead to a variety of health problems. To keep your family and food safe, we highly recommend investing in glass or ceramic storage.
If you have to stick with plastic, start by washing each and every container with warm water and liquid dish detergent, then line each plastic bottle or jar with wax paper. This provides an extra layer or protection, and ensures your food isn’t coming directly in contact with any BPAs.
Advantages of Glass
Now let’s take a few moments to look at the advantages of glass pantry storage containers. First, they are transparent, which means easy access. Even if your pantry is stocked with food, if things are stored in glass, you’ll never have a problem finding them.
In addition, foods, sauces, and spices that are stored in glass actually taste better. The chemical make-up of glass is known for blocking odors, too. Gotta love that!
Finally, glass isn’t a porous material like most plastics are. Germs, bacteria, and even odors can seep into plastics and ruin containers. With glass on your side, you won’t have that problem.
Advantages of Ceramic
Like glass, ceramic is not porous. That means you can rest easy storing everything from soups, or pot roast, to rice, beans, or dried lentils in these types of pantry storage containers. Ceramic is also refrigerator and heat friendly, which makes it a force to be reckoned with in the world of food storage.
Stacking Things Up
One of the most common problems that pantry storage containers present is the amount of shelf space they take up.
To take advantage of a cramped space, invest in storage containers that will stack on top of one another. If this isn’t an option, see if you can find containers that nest inside of each other. There are plenty of options available, you just have to be willing to do a little bit of research.
Remember: every pantry is different, and so is every home. These basic suggestions will hopefully get your creative juices flowing, and will make home cleaning all the easier in the future.