How to remove the "fridge smell"?
We are all familiar with such a situation. It doesn't matter whether we forget to throw away the lettuce before leaving home for a week or if we forget about the quart of sour milk that has been sitting in the refrigerator for a few days; scents are going to develop anyway.
The fact that most scents are brought on by mold or bacteria is the aspect of odours that most find to be the most disagreeable. Because these microorganisms are not visible and thrive in environments with high humidity, the refrigerator is a great location for them to establish a colony. Condensation and moisture from the environment, together with spilled or ruined food, all contribute to an unpleasant odour coming from the refrigerator.
So, what are some strategies for eliminating the smells that build up in the refrigerator? How do we stop them from occurring in the first place?
Materials you will need
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Vinegar
- Microfiber cloth or sponge for scouring
- Oatmeal or coffee beans
- Dish soap
- Essential oil (optional)
Steps to reduce unpleasant odour
- Remove everything from the refrigerator, and dispose of anything that is broken or has expired. Dish soap should be used to clean any jars or containers that are sticky or that have food residue on them. The next step is to remove any surfaces from the refrigerator, such as drawers, shelves, or racks, and soak them in hot soapy water while you clean the other portions of the refrigerator.
- A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is a natural odour absorber, and the bubbles also remove stains while deodorising and cleaning; to apply directly with a microfiber cloth or sponge while deodorising and cleaning, avoid using cleaning products and instead opt for simpler natural products such as a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
- Begin from the very top. Be careful to scrub the top, sides, and doors of the cabinet, as well as clean beneath the drawers. Rinse with warm water the outside of the refrigerator as well, since the surfaces there might be a conduit for the transmission of smells.
- Before you put the food back in the refrigerator, you need to wait for it to cool down again.
Prevent the "fridge smell"
After you have thoroughly cleaned your refrigerator, the next step is to take measures to stop smells from returning. You may put a big tray into the refrigerator with a thin coating of baking soda poured on it, and then leave it there overnight. Oatmeal and coffee beans, which are excellent natural odour absorbers, may be used as a replacement for baking soda in this recipe.
Extra Tip: If you want to leave a nice aroma in the refrigerator, use cotton balls that have been soaked in the essential oil of your choice.
How to keep your fridge cool
If you have any leftovers, store them in airtight containers and make sure they have a suitable location in the fridge. You should also evaluate the state of your food once a week and organise the storage in the refrigerator so that there is enough air circulation.
The refrigerator is one of the equipment in the house that puts in the most effort on a daily basis. Your food will not only taste better and be edible for a longer period of time if it is stored in a clean refrigerator, but it will also provide you peace of mind when it comes to the act of keeping it.