1
Wash up.
Wash your hands well with soap and warm water before and after handling leftovers.
2
Don’t let them linger.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of the time they were prepared. Remember to get restaurant doggie bags in the fridge within 2 hours of preparation, too.
3
Keep cool.
Cool food in the refrigerator instead of on the counter. Use a refrigerator thermometer to make sure your fridge stays between 35 and 40 degrees F. It is fine to put hot food in the fridge.
4
Divide and conquer.
Divide large amounts of leftovers between several clean, shallow storage containers.
5
Seal tightly.
Make sure storage container lids seal tightly, or cover them with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
6
Give them room.
Place storage containers at least 2 inches apart in the refrigerator - this allows cold air to circulate.
7
Use it or toss it.
Use leftovers containing meat within three days, other foods within five days.