There isn’t nearly anything more icky than opening your fridge to be greeted with a strong, weird odour. And that is something we all deal with, at some point in our lives, but the good news is it is easily resolved. Sweeping the fridge and getting rid of those stains is not just hygienic, but is also about keeping food fresh. You’ll learn about what I did, how it’s done right, and also how you can avoid the odour in this fridge clean guide, personal opinions, professional recommendations, and so on.
1. Find Out What the Smell Comes From.
Cleaning is important if you want to get rid of the smell but, first, it is necessary to know where the odour is coming from. Most of the time when there is an unpleasant smell in the refrigerator, there is one or another cause.
Common Culprits:
Dishes That Got Spilled: Any spilled food or forgotten food in the back of the refrigerator starts to mold and spoil.
Food that’s out of Date: Produce that is older than a year or has some smells.
Water That Has Stale: Water will sit in the fridge from leaks, ice, or overly prepared food.
Drain Clogs: Most refrigerators have a drain in the bottom that collects ice melting, and a clogged drain is a smelly stagnant water.
Layla Armstrong, as the author of this article and a home management expert, says : get everything out of the fridge and double-check date on everything including condiments. I had one time an empty bottle of ketchup in the back of my fridge that had turned into a gross mess!
2. Empty the Fridge Completely
Once you know what it is coming from or don’t know where it is, the first thing you need to do is empty the fridge. Remove everything from the cabinets, drawers, any movable components. This is how you make sure you can scrub all the corners and impossible-to-reach spots where the food pieces may have got stuck.
When you are picking things out, check your food. Recycle whatever’s expired or not. When you’re cleaning out your fridge, I suggest grouping by category — fruits, vegetables, dairy, etc., that way you can get it right back when you clean.
3. Clean the Interior
All the contents are removed from the fridge so clean the insides. There are some simple supplies you’ll need for this:
Baking Soda
White Vinegar
Dish Soap
Warm Water
Microfiber Cloths or Sponges
Here’s a step-by-step cleaning process:
a. Wipe Down Shelves and Surfaces
Splash clean everything inside the refrigerator using warm water with a little dish soap. Watch the corners and seams, where crumbs and spills lurk. You can use a sponge or microfiber cloth but I would use something a little soft and leaves no lint behind.
b. Tackle Stubborn Spots
For stains or food remnants that won’t come off, mix some baking soda and water. Rub it on stain and let it set for 10–15 minutes. This works wonders on grease stains and other hard to get at areas. Once sat on, scour with a sponge or cloth.
c. Remove Odors by Applying Vinegar:- Use the Vinegar to clean the odors.
White vinegar is fantastic at removing odours. It’s a fantastic disinfectant and deodoriser. When the fridge has been cleaned with soap and water, put equal parts white vinegar and water in it and spray it in the refrigerator to clean again. This will not only be used to get rid of smells but will give you a new clean scent.
For a long time, I found vinegar to be one of the best deodorants. : If you can’t tolerate the vinegar scent, leave the fridge out for a few hours with the door open.
You can also read these articles on our website:
- Cleaning shower tiles with vinegar and baking soda
- Top tips for cleaning and maintaining wooden furniture at home
4. Wash Fridge Drip Tray and Drain The Fridge’s Drain Tray.
A drip tray or drain is an area that often gets overlooked during fridge cleanings. This is underneath the refrigerator and soaks up ice or condensation that has been condensed. It can also build up water and food scraps, breeding bacteria and bad smells, if it’s not washed often.
To clean the drip tray:
Unplug the refrigerator, in case there’s any electrical malfunctions.
Locate the drip tray (check your fridge’s instruction manual if you’re not sure where it is).
Remove the tray, rinse out water and blot it with warm soapy water.
: If there’s a drainage hole in your fridge that can get clogged, remove it with a pipe cleaner or tiny brush.
5. Deodorize with Natural Remedies
With your fridge clean, let’s go over the smell itself. I personally don’t like to deodorise with air fresheners or chemical sprays because they’re dangerous and can be dangerous over time. Here are a few options:
a. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an old-school fridge deodorant because it soaks up smells, not disguises them. Keep an open box of baking soda in the back of your fridge and it will stop the smells for up to three months. For me, personally, this approach is a very good one, and super easy to keep up.
b. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal works well as well to capture odours. Activated charcoal comes in sachets, and keeping one in the fridge keeps it smelling nice for weeks.
c. Coffee Grounds
You will love this if you are a coffee lover. Set a bowl of clean unground coffee beans in your refrigerator to trap in smells. This works particularly well for powerful, sour odours such as garlic or fish.
6. Prevent Future Smells
So your fridge is in pristine condition now what? Keep your fridge smelling good does take some continuous work, but with some good habits you can stave off any future smells.
a. Regularly Check Expiry Dates
The most common refrigerator smells come from left-over food or food that’s been spoiled. Every week I check my fridge, mark items for use by date, throw away anything that is long past its prime. This doesn’t only keep the fridge fresh but your food is safe to consume as well.
b. Clean Spills Immediately
If something gets spilled in your fridge, get it cleaned right away. I once spilled a small cup of yogurt, and it was days before it had disappeared. And you don’t need to deal with the smell afterwards if you don’t quickly wipe it up.
c. Store Food Properly
Food stored in sealable bags is a way to stop spills and odours. If you have a blazing odour like onions or fish, put them in an airtight container so the smell doesn’t escape.
7. Keep the Fridge Organized
The tidy fridge is not only better for you but also prevents smells from emerging. Store fresh food front where you can see it and older items back there to draw in use. Also, try fridge bins to organize things and keep it from getting all messy.
FAQ :
- How do I get rid of a bad smell in my fridge?
To eliminate bad odors, start by removing expired or spoiled food. Clean the interior with a mixture of warm water and baking soda. Place an open box of baking soda or a bowl of activated charcoal inside to absorb lingering smells. Ensure proper ventilation and check the fridge’s temperature settings. - What is the best odor remover for a refrigerator?
Baking soda is one of the most effective and natural odor removers for a fridge. Alternatively, activated charcoal or coffee grounds can also neutralize strong smells. Commercial odor absorbers designed for refrigerators are another reliable option. - What is the best thing to clean the inside of a fridge with?
A solution of warm water and mild dish soap works well for general cleaning. For tougher stains or odors, use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can leave behind strong smells or residues. - Can you spray vinegar in the fridge?
Yes, you can spray a diluted vinegar solution (equal parts water and vinegar) in the fridge. It’s a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Wipe down surfaces thoroughly after spraying to prevent any lingering vinegar smell.
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