How to prevent and get rid of unwanted fridge smells
There's nothing quite as off-putting as opening your fridge and getting hit with a waft of unpleasant smell. Unwanted refrigerator smells can be a common issue in many households, but Appliances Online is here to help you tackle this problem head-on.
This blog post will guide you through practical and easy-to-follow steps to ensure your fridge remains fresh and free from bad smells.
Regular cleaning is key
- The first step to maintaining a clean, odour-free fridge is regular cleaning inside of your fridge. Fridge smells don't necessarily come from one specific food, but from accumulated spills and drips from things like milk, juice, pickles and condiments. On a day-to-day basis, wipe down any spills or sticky residues when you see them with a cloth and soapy water.
For a deeper clean, consider unplugging your fridge for a thorough cleaning session. Remove all items from your fridge and wipe down the surfaces with a mild detergent or a mixture of water and white vinegar. Remove the drip pan, if accessible, and clean it with a mixture of warm water and a capful of bleach.
Crisper clean-up
- Don't neglect the fruit and veggie crisper compartments, common breeding grounds for fridge odours. Give them a thorough cleaning with a mixture of warm water and a dash of dish soap. This prevents the buildup of unpleasant smells by getting rid of the grime that can accumulate from the moisture released by vegetables.
Maintain your water filter
- If your fridge has a water filter, regular maintenance is crucial. Replace the water filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure that the water dispensed is free from any unpleasant tastes or smells.
Keep food covered
- Uncovered food is a major cause of smelly fridges! Cover your food properly or store it in airtight containers to prevent smells from spreading. When you're in a hurry, cling wrapping that cut onion or finding the right container to put the rest of that tinned beetroot in can seem like too much effort, but it can save you the unpleasantness of opening the door to a stinky fridge later on.
Regularly check expiry dates
- Expired food is a common cause of unpleasant fridge smells. Make it a habit to regularly check the expiration dates of your food items and dispose of any out-of-date or spoiled food.
Use a fridge deodorizer
- There are many fridge deodorizers available on the market that can help maintain a fresh-smelling fridge. These products work by neutralizing odours and are a convenient solution for keeping your fridge smelling fresh. Alternatively, use one of the natural deodorizer options below.
Use baking soda
- Baking soda is a well-known deodorizer that can effectively absorb unpleasant smells. Simply place an open box of baking soda in your fridge and replace it every month for a consistently fresher-smelling fridge.
Harness the power of coffee
- Coffee grounds and beans are fantastic at absorbing unwanted fridge odours. You may want to consider placing a bowl of unused coffee grounds or coffee beans in your fridge and replacing them every two weeks.
This ‘caffeine air filter’ hack will not only absorb odours but also infuse a subtle coffee aroma. To minimise the risk of this aroma transferring to food, however, you should keep the bowl of coffee beans away from highly absorbent or delicate foods like cheese, dairy, eggs and fresh seafood.
Embrace essential oils
- Essential oils aren't just for aromatherapy; they can also be an essential tool in your battle against fridge smells. Soak cotton balls in your favourite essential oil, whether that’s lemon, orange, eucalyptus or tea tree, and place them strategically in the fridge. Not only will you deodorize, but you'll also enjoy a burst of delightful fragrance every time you open the door.
Activated charcoal magic
- Activated charcoal is a powerhouse when it comes to absorbing odours and impurities. Placing a small container filled with activated charcoal in your fridge can neutralise even the toughest smells.
Citrus zest for a zingy fridge
- Lemon juice isn't just for seafood and salad dressings, it can also be a powerful weapon in the war on whiffs! Mix lemon juice with water and use it to wipe down surfaces inside your fridge. The natural acidity helps break down grime and leaves a citrusy freshness behind.
Keeping your fridge free from horrible smells needn’t be a huge effort. By following these simple steps you can easily eliminate unwanted odours and keep your fridge smelling fresh.
If your fridge has bigger problems than these cleaning tips will remedy, and it's time to replace it, Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery to 95% of Australia's population can get your fresh new model to you by the day after you order it, if it's in stock. Plus, we offer paid Same Day Delivery in metro areas of NSW, QLD and VIC for those times when you just can’t wait - you just need to order before 12pm Mon-Fri. We'll also take your old fridge away for recycling, for free.
For more guidance on selecting the ideal type or size of fridge or freezer, check out our Fridge Buying Guide call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500, or message us via the chat icon at the bottom right of your screen.