A red-hot idea for organizing fridge

Dear Heloise: I have found a foolproof way to keep my refrigerator clean and organized. As a full-time teacher, after-school tutor and housewife/mom, it gets pretty hectic around here! Chores just seem to pile up. Some days I just don't have the energy to do any more than cook and clean up the dinner dishes. I found this method helpful in keeping the refrigerator organized and safe. Ultimately, I save money, too. Hope this helps someone else!

My refrigerator shelves and drawers are organized this way:

1. Leftovers on one shelf only. I check and use or toss anything more than 3 days old.

2. On one shelf goes anything with an expiration date — e.g., yogurt, etc.

3. Condiments on one shelf and organized in rows — e.g., pickles and relishes in one row, mustards in one row, etc.

4. Vegetables in one drawer.

5. Meat and cheese in one drawer (with meat on one side and cheese on the other). I freeze newly purchased lunchmeat and hot dogs to make sure that the older stuff gets eaten first. — Holly Sander, Houston

Dear Heloise: Is there one safe, effective and mild all-purpose cleaner that I can use to clean all around the house? It would make my life a lot easier, and cleaning more fun! — Gita Ram, Fairfax, Va.

Gita, help is on the way — and it is as close as your cupboard. Here are just a few items found around your home to forgo the cost of name-brand cleaners: vinegar, ammonia and baking soda.

Baking soda can be used on surfaces as a gentle scouring powder, or sprinkle it on your carpet and vacuum as a freshener.

Vinegar is great for removing hard-water buildup and for cleaning mirrors and fixtures. Use it diluted or straight from the bottle.