What would it smell like if you opened your refrigerator and took a good sniff? If it smells fantastic, you’re all set. If your refrigerator smells weird but contains no bad food, it’s time for a thorough cleaning.
Odors can be a sign of spoilage or spoilage that can attract bacteria, which can affect your food. So, what causes the refrigerator to smell?
Reasons why my fridge is smelling
In short, a smelly fridge can be caused by several factors: from rotten food, and strong-smelling foods like durian and jackfruit to the smell of different foods mixed. Additionally, if you don’t do proper and frequent cleaning of your fridge, the odor will get worse over time.
1. Refrigerator odors come from either bacteria or mold, often caused by food spoilage or moisture accumulation. The interior of the refrigerator is mainly made of plastic, and plastic absorbs odors. If the refrigerator is not cleaned regularly, this is probably the reason why it smells.
2. When it comes to cleaning the refrigerator many people forget the drip pan. The pan sits at the bottom of the fridge, holding moisture from the condensate line which can cause mold and unpleasant odors in the long run. Due to this, you get a foul smell from the fridge even if there is no rotten food in it.
3. Some refrigerators have an air filter that purifies the circulated air and a water filter for the water dispenser or ice maker. It is necessary to clean both of these once every six months.
How to get rid of refrigerator smell
Getting rid of the smell in your refrigerator is not a difficult task. It is possible to eliminate many unpleasant odors with a few simple steps and natural deodorizers. This guide will provide a step-by-step process to help resolve refrigerator odors.
Lemon
The combination of lemon, baking soda, and salt is a quick solution to a smelly fridge as it rapidly removes unpleasant odors while adding a fresh scent to your refrigerator.
Here’s a simple guide to getting rid of fridge odors with lemon, baking soda and salt:
- Cut a lemon into 2-3 cm thick pieces
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt on the lemon slices
- Place the lemon on a shallow, open plate
- Store the plate in your refrigerator for a maximum of six days. It usually takes a few hours for your fridge to smell fresh.
Tips
- Orange is a great alternative to lemon.
- Lemon can also be used to clean a smelly microwave oven.
Used tea bag
Did you know that tea bags can be placed in your refrigerator for a better smell? How to remove fridge odor with tea:
- Fill some used tea bags into an open container or small bowl and keep them inside your refrigerator.
- The tea leaves will absorb bad odors and leave your fridge smelling fresh.
- Make sure to change the tea bags every 3-4 days for best odor control.
Baking soda
Baking soda has been known for years as an effective natural fridge odor absorber. Place the baking soda inside an open container and let it deodorize your fridge for 24 hours.
With a few drops of essential oils, you have something that not only helps get rid of bad odors but also keeps your fridge smelling good.
Ground coffee
If you want, you can also use coffee beans, the most popular fridge odor absorber. Not only is it effective in removing fridge odors in general, but coffee grounds are also a useful ingredient for getting rid of the smell of rotten meat.
How to get rid of the smell of rotten food in the refrigerator with ground coffee, follow this simple instruction:
- Spread the freshly ground coffee evenly on a plate and place it in your refrigerator for 24 hours.
- After being kept in the refrigerator for 1 day, it can be recycled to make fertilizer for your home plants. Simply blend it into the soil, and you’re good to go.
If possible, clean your fridge thoroughly to completely remove odors and germs that have accumulated due to rotten meat.
Oatmeal
Not only being used as a natural refrigerator odor remover, oats also come in handy for general household cleaning as they can effectively absorb odors, oils, and liquids. All you need to do is place some raw oats in an open container and leave it inside your fridge.
Vanilla extract
Wet a cotton ball or two with a few drops of vanilla extract. Place the soaked cotton ball in a shallow container and put the whole thing in the back of your refrigerator.
Potatoes
Potato works perfectly as an odor absorber like porridge. Peel a potato, cut it into small pieces, and keep it in your refrigerator. Swap out regularly for optimal odor control results.
Vinegar
Add a little vinegar to a small paper towel and place in a small bowl or open container. Leave it in your fridge for at least 24 hours to get the desired effects. Be sure to change the towel every few days or whenever it becomes dry.
Charcoal
The charcoal you can use to deodorize your refrigerator is the same type of charcoal you use for barbecue parties. Place an open container containing two cups of charcoal cubes in the back of the refrigerator.
Be sure to tell your children about these deodorants, Otherwise, they may confuse them with chocolate treats and they can take it.
Extra tips to avoid bad smell from fridge
If you want your fridge to never smell, then you should try these solutions:
Audit refrigerator regularly
It’s best to do a deep clean every three to four months. Throw away expired spices, wilted greens, or food beyond repair, and wipe out containers with loose food debris.
Clean all surfaces and take out all of the Ultimate Test 900’s adjustable shelves and compartments easily with Flex Store. After washing them thoroughly with soapy water, slide them back inside and adapt the space to your needs.
First in, First out
To maintain a clean refrigerator, keep older or easily perishable items at the front and within reach, while storing items that may last longer. This way, it will be easier to finish before the food is gone.
Slow spoilage
Generally, fruits and vegetables should be stored in a humid environment to keep them fresh, crisp, and tasty for a long time. But too much moisture can cause them to rot, and too little can cause them to wither.
The Ultimate Taste 900’s Taste Lock Auto Crisper controls moisture levels with a membrane that automatically releases excess moisture to reduce condensation and prevent early spoilage.
Track temperature
As a general rule, keep the temperature below 4°C to slow the growth of bacteria. However, the best refrigerator temperature to maintain food freshness and flavor can vary, such as meat at -2°C or some fruits at 7°C.
To store them in the most ideal setting, use the Test Seal Flex compartment of the Ultimate Test 900. It has five presets ranging from -23°C to 7°C, so it can easily adapt to any temperature you require.
FAQ
Que: How to remove a bad smell from the refrigerator?
Ans: To deal with odors, it is important to deep clean your fridge. First, unplug and empty your fridge. Then, fill a spray bottle with warm water and vinegar or baking soda. Use this food-safe solution to clean the inside of your fridge. Finally, follow these 4 tips to keep your fridge smelling good for longer.
Que: How do I get rid of a bad smell in my fridge fast?
Ans: After deep cleaning your fridge, keep a box of baking soda on a shelf to help keep things fresh. This natural deodorant will help absorb and eliminate odors, and the same applies to your freezer.
Que: Does baking soda remove odor from the fridge?
Ans: And when your refrigerator starts to smell like all those things (or worse), you can simply open a box of baking soda, stick it in the door, and wait for it to take away the odor. This is a housekeeping hack that has stood the test of time because it works.
Que: How do I keep my fridge smelling fresh naturally?
Ans: If you use baking soda in the refrigerator, it can eliminate mild to moderate odors from the refrigerator, which may include the smell of milk or cheese. It can also combat strong odors such as the smell of rotten fish. Hack- Place baking soda in an open container and let it absorb the odor for at least 24 hours and there you have a stink-free refrigerator.
Que: Why does my fridge smell so bad?
Ans: The odor is often caused by fungus or bacteria. Apart from being invisible to sight, these microbes live only in areas where there is a lot of moisture. So now you understand why we often find these in the refrigerator.
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