How to banish fridge odors: Simple and effective tips
The refrigerator is an essential piece of equipment in most kitchens. Unfortunately, it can sometimes emit an unpleasant smell. Fortunately, with a few simple tricks, you can eliminate the issue.
11:19 AM EST, December 18, 2024
During the holiday season, when we prepare many dishes, including fish, our refrigerator can become a source of unpleasant odors. How can we get rid of them? It's worthwhile to use tried-and-true methods that help maintain a neutral fragrance inside the appliance. A reliable baking product will be useful, but that's not the only option.
Why does a bad smell appear in the refrigerator?
An unpleasant odor in the refrigerator can result from various factors. It most commonly occurs due to the (often unconscious) storage of spoiled or expired food. Even a small amount of spoiling food can contaminate the entire space.
Another reason is leftover food that hasn't been properly sealed before being placed in the refrigerator. An open container with salad or an uncovered piece of onion can emit strong aromas that mix with fresh products.
Moisture is another contributor to bad smells. Excessive humidity inside the refrigerator promotes the growth of mold and bacteria, leading to the buildup of unpleasant odors. If the door seals are damaged, the problem can worsen.
A clean refrigerator is key
The first step is to thoroughly clean the inside of the refrigerator. Remove all products and clean the shelves and walls with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Pay special attention to corners where food remnants can accumulate over time and cause rot and mold.
The next step is to use natural odor absorbers. You can use baking soda or baking powder, as these substances effectively absorb unpleasant aromas.
Homemade odor absorber
Baking soda is one of the most effective ways to remove unpleasant odors from the refrigerator. Its absorptive properties make it excellent at neutralizing bad smells.
To use this simple trick, just pour 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda into an open container and place it in the refrigerator. (You can replace the soda with baking powder.) The homemade odor absorber will not only remove the bad smell but will also help protect against excessive moisture inside the fridge. After a few hours, you'll notice the difference.
An equally effective method is placing several pieces of lemon or lime in the refrigerator. Simply place a cut fruit or just its peel on a refrigerator shelf. The intense aroma of citrus will ensure that when you open the doors, you'll only smell freshness, and the unpleasant odor will almost immediately disappear.
