A refrigerator is an essential appliance in every household, used to store food and drinks and keep them fresh for an extended period. However, a fridge can develop unpleasant smells due to various reasons.

These smells can be caused by expired or spoilt food, spills, or the accumulation of bacteria. An unpleasant smell can also spread and affect the taste and quality of other foods in the fridge.

In this article, we will provide some effective tips and tricks to get rid of unpleasant fridge smells.

1. Clean Your Fridge Regularly

The first and foremost step to prevent unpleasant fridge smells is to maintain cleanliness. Make a habit of cleaning your fridge at least once a week. First, remove all the food items and clean the shelves and drawers using soapy water.

You can use mild dishwashing soap and warm water to clean the interiors of your fridge. Ensure that you clean the crevices and corners properly by using a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Once you are done, wipe the fridge dry and put back the food items.

2. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and an excellent solution to getting rid of unpleasant fridge odors. Put an open box of baking soda in your fridge, and it will absorb the foul smells, leaving your fridge smelling fresh.

You can also make a paste of baking soda with water and use it to clean your fridge interiors.

3. Use Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is another natural adsorbent that can help in getting rid of unpleasant fridge smells.

You can either put a few chunks of activated charcoal in a small bowl and keep it inside your fridge or place a small cotton bag filled with activated charcoal. It will absorb the moisture and odors from your fridge, and you can reuse it by keeping it in sunlight for a few hours to dry out.

4. Use Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and a good solution for cleaning the fridge and getting rid of unpleasant odors. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the fridge interiors.

Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth. Vinegar will neutralize and eliminate any lingering smells from your fridge.

5. Use Lemon or Orange Peels

You can use lemon or orange peels to get rid of unpleasant fridge smells. Simply, place a few peels in a bowl and keep it inside your fridge. The citrus scent will neutralize the bad odors and leave your fridge smelling fresh.

You can also use lemon or orange juice mixed with water to clean the fridge interiors.

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6. Keep Your Fridge Organized

An organized fridge not only makes it easy to find food items but also prevents unpleasant odors. Make sure to dispose of any expired or spoilt food, spills, or leftovers regularly.

Store the food items properly in airtight containers and avoid overstuffing your fridge. A cluttered fridge can restrict the airflow, causing an accumulation of odors and bacteria.

7. Use Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are another excellent solution for getting rid of unpleasant fridge smells. Place some coffee grounds in a bowl and keep it inside the fridge. The coffee grounds will absorb the bad odors, leaving your fridge smelling fresh.

You can also use coffee grounds mixed with warm water to clean the fridge interiors.

8. Store Activated Charcoal in the Fridge

You can keep small packets of activated charcoal inside your fridge to prevent any unpleasant odors. Activated charcoal will absorb any moisture and odor that may accumulate in your fridge, leaving it smelling fresh.

You can also reuse the packets by keeping it in sunlight for a few hours to dry out.

9. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural and safe alternatives to get rid of unpleasant fridge odors. You can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus to a bowl of water and keep it inside your fridge.

The essential oils will not only neutralize bad smells but also make your fridge smell good. You can also use a cotton ball soaked in essential oils to clean the fridge interiors.

10. Avoid Overburdening the Fridge with Food

Overburdening the fridge with food can cause an imbalance in the temperature, leading to the growth of bacteria and unpleasant odors. Make sure to place the food items in a way that allows proper air circulation and avoid overstuffing the fridge.

A well-organized fridge with enough space will prevent any unpleasant smells and keep your food fresh.

Conclusion

An unpleasant smell in your fridge can be a source of discomfort and can affect the quality and taste of your food items.

However, with some simple tips and tricks like regular cleaning, use of natural deodorizers, organizing the fridge, and avoiding overburdening, you can prevent any unpleasant odors and keep your fridge smelling fresh.