To remove bad smell from fridge, clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water. Foul odor coming from the fridge can be unpleasant and unhygienic.
There are a few common reasons why your fridge may be stinking, such as expired or spoiled food, mold or mildew growth, or a dirty fridge interior. Whatever the cause, the good news is that there are effective ways to eliminate the odor.
Chemical-based odor removers can be harsh and leave behind unpleasant residue, but there is a safe, natural, and inexpensive solution that works wonders: baking soda. Combined with water, baking soda can effectively absorb and neutralize the bad smell. Additionally, regularly cleaning the fridge and checking for expired or spoiled food can also prevent odor buildup.
Credit: www.electrolux.com.my
Why Does The Fridge Smell Bad?
Highlight Possible Reasons Why Fridge Smell Occurs
A fridge is an essential appliance in every household that keeps our food fresh and safe. However, sometimes the fridge can develop a foul smell that just won’t go away. This can be a nuisance, especially when the odor spreads to other items and affects their taste and smell.
The smell is often an indication that something has gone bad in your fridge. The following are the possible reasons why fridge smell occurs:
- Leftovers: Found in almost every fridge, leftovers that have been forgotten for too long are one of the most common culprits of bad fridge odor.
- Expired food: Expired food is not only bad for your health, but it can also cause your fridge to smell.
- Spoiled fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables that have gone bad in your fridge can produce a strong and unpleasant odor.
- Spilled liquids: Liquids such as milk, juice, and soda can spill inside your fridge, leading to an unpleasant smell.
Mention The Common Culprits Of Bad Fridge Odours
The unpleasant odor emanating from your fridge could be from various sources. Identifying the culprit is essential to eliminate the smell and keep your food fresh. The most common culprits of bad fridge odors include:
- Leftovers that have been forgotten for too long
- Expired food that has gone bad and is beginning to rot
- Fruits and vegetables that have not been stored correctly and have started to spoil
- Spilled liquids that have soaked into the shelves and drawers
- Mold and mildew that have developed on moist surfaces inside your fridge
How These Causes Can Lead To A Buildup Of Bacteria And Germs In The Fridge
Having bad odor in your fridge can lead to a buildup of bacteria and germs that can cause foodborne illnesses. When food starts to spoil, it releases gases that mix with the air inside the fridge to create a bad odor.
These gases also provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs to thrive, causing your fridge to become a potential health hazard. The spores of the mold and mildew that grow on moist surfaces in your fridge can also spread bacteria and germs.
Therefore, it’s crucial to clean your fridge thoroughly and regularly, dispose of any expired or spoiled food, and ensure your fridge is running at the correct temperature to prevent bad smells and bacterial growth.
Simple Tips For Preventing Bad Fridge Smell
The unpleasant smell coming from your fridge can quickly become an annoyance, but with proper prevention, it’s possible to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh and clean all year round. Below are simple tips for preventing bad fridge smell.
How To Store Food In The Fridge For Maximum Effect
The way you store your food in the fridge can be a major factor in promoting freshness and preventing odours. Here are some best practices to store food in the fridge:
- Keep raw meat and seafood in sealed containers on the bottom shelf, so any potential cross-contamination doesn’t affect other foods.
- Keep ripe fruits and vegetables separated from other foods as they can emit ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process in other produce.
- Condiments, leftovers, and dairy products should be stored in the designated areas of the fridge: Condiments on the door, leftovers in airtight containers, and dairy products on the top shelf.
Tips On How To Reduce Food Waste And Prevent Clutter In The Fridge
Preventing unwanted odours from building up in your fridge can be as simple as keeping your fridge organized and clean. Here are a few tips to reduce food waste and prevent clutter:
- Keep a running list of items stocked in the fridge and mark the expiration date of opened food items to keep track of what needs to be consumed first.
- Clean the fridge regularly to prevent mold and bacteria build-up. Dispose of expired food and wipe down interior surfaces with soap and water.
- Avoid overcrowding the fridge. Leaving enough space between food items and keeping the air circulating can help maintain cool temperatures and prevent odours.
How To Maintain The Fridge – Regular Cleaning And Wiping Down Surfaces
Cleaning and wiping down surfaces in the fridge is essential to prevent bacteria and bad smell. Here’s how to maintain your fridge:
- Coils and vents should be vacuumed and wiped down regularly. Dirty coils can cause the fridge to work harder, becoming less effective at keeping food fresh.
- Use a mixture of one part water and one part vinegar to clean the fridge’s interior surfaces, leaving it smelling fresh.
- Wipe up any spills and remove expired food items as soon as discovery.
Natural Remedies Like Baking Soda And Activated Charcoal
Natural remedies are an effective and low-cost way to keep your fridge smelling fresh. Baking soda and activated charcoal are two proven remedies that can absorb bad odours. Here are some things to consider:
- Baking soda can be used by placing a few tablespoons in an open container in the fridge. Replace the baking soda every 30-60 days to maintain effectiveness.
- Activated charcoal is a powerful and natural odour-absorber. It can be placed in an open container or hung in a mesh bag in the fridge. Make sure to replace the activated charcoal every few months.
With these tips, you can easily prevent bad smells coming from your fridge and maintain a fresh environment. Keep in mind the recommended practices and natural remedies, and you’ll always be one step ahead in the battle against fridge odours.
How To Banish Fridge Smell Fast: Trusty, Effective Methods
Tips On How To Identify The Source Of The Bad Smell: Checking Expiration Dates, Discarding Expired Food, Or Removing Moldy Items
If you’re wondering how to tackle that unpleasant smell coming from your fridge, it’s essential first to identify the source. Here are some tips that can help you identify the root of the problem:
- Check the expiration dates of all food items. Expired products can emit a terrible odor, so it’s essential to discard them immediately.
- Discard any foods that show signs of mold or other spoilage.
- Look for any spilled food or drinks that may have gone unnoticed and clean them up.
By checking expiration dates, discarding expired food, and removing moldy items, you can eliminate the cause of the foul odor.
How To Deep Clean The Fridge Properly
Once you have identified the cause of the bad smell, the next step is to deep clean your fridge. Here’s how:
- First, unplug your refrigerator to avoid any accidents or injuries.
- Remove all food items from your fridge and place them in a cooler with ice to keep them fresh.
- Use a sponge to clean the shelves and drawers with a mixture of warm water and baking soda.
- For tough stains, use a solution of water and white vinegar.
- After cleaning, dry all surfaces with a clean towel.
- Don’t forget to wipe the exterior of your fridge as well with some soapy water to remove any dirt or fingerprints.
Highlight Some Of The Best Cleaning Methods To Use That Are Safe And Effective
Now that you’ve learned how to identify the source of the bad smell and how to deep clean your fridge properly, here are some of the best cleaning methods to use that are safe and effective:
- Baking soda: Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb any unpleasant odors.
- Activated charcoal: Like baking soda, activated charcoal can absorb bad smells. Place some in a bowl and keep it in your fridge.
- Lemon juice: Mix some lemon juice with water and soak a sponge in it. Use this to wipe down the fridge surfaces. The citric acid in the lemon juice can help eliminate bad odor.
- Coffee grounds: Place some used coffee grounds in a bowl and keep it in your fridge. Coffee can absorb bad smells just like baking soda.
These are some of the safest and most effective cleaning methods that will help you banish bad fridge smells fast.
Extra Tips For Eliminating Fridge Smell
If you have tried the basic methods to get rid of the odor from your fridge but still notice the smell, here are some additional tips you can use to help you out.
- Use natural materials: Rather than using chemical cleaners, try using natural materials such as vinegar and essential oils. White vinegar is an excellent odor absorber, and the smell dissipates as it dries. On the other hand, essential oils, such as lemon, lavender, and tea tree oil, give off a pleasant aroma and are natural disinfectants that eliminate odors.
- Bicarbonate of soda: Baking soda helps to neutralize odor-causing acids in the fridge. Place some in a bowl and leave it in the fridge for several hours or overnight. This method should help absorb the unpleasant smells.
- Dispose of the stinky spills: The shelf liners in your fridge may get nasty spills or stains. Dispose of it if the smell remains despite using all the techniques above. Moreover, wipe down the interior of the fridge with a mixture of water and baking soda or white vinegar. Doing regular cleaning will ensure that your fridge remains fresh and pleasant.
By using these extra tips, you can neutralize even the most unpleasant of fridge smells, so give them a try if you’re still struggling.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How To Remove Bad Smell From Fridge
How Do You Get Rid Of Fridge Smell?
To get rid of fridge smell, remove any spoiled items, wash the interior with warm water and baking soda solution, and place odor-absorbing materials like activated charcoal or coffee grounds in the fridge.
What Absorbs Bad Smells In Fridge?
Activated charcoal, baking soda, coffee grounds, and white vinegar are great natural odor-absorbing materials that can help to eliminate bad smells in the fridge. Place a small amount of any of these in a bowl or container and leave it in the fridge for a few days.
How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge?
It is recommended to clean your fridge at least once every three months to prevent the buildup of bacteria and unpleasant odors. However, it may need to be cleaned more frequently if spills or spoiled food is present.
Conclusion
After following all the above-mentioned steps, you should be able to tackle the bad smell from your fridge. The key is to consistently keep your fridge clean and store food correctly. Regular decluttering and refreshing of the air will also help prevent unpleasant odors from forming.
Avoid using strong-smelling cleaning products and instead opt for more natural solutions to keep your food safe. Whether it’s activated charcoal, baking soda, or lemon juice, experiment to find what works best for you. Take care of your fridge, show it some love and it’ll keep your food fresh and odor-free.
By implementing these simple tips, not only will your fridge smell better, but you’ll also extend the lifespan of your fridge while maintaining a hygienic environment for your food.
