Picture this: you opened your fridge for a delectable piece of chocolate cake just to get hit by the refrigerator stench. Don't worry, we have all been there. Often neglected, refrigerators don't get the same attention, cleaning-wise, as other appliances. And if you don't pay attention to it, your fridge is bound to develop a smell and odour in due time. Not many people know this, but the plastic interiors of your fridge can absorb odours if irregular cleaning continues. The drip pan of your fridge can accumulate condensed moisture, which could lead to molds and odours. If you are someone who is struggling to remove odour from the fridge, then fret not! We have combined a list of 4 tips to remove odour from the fridge.
Also Read: 5 Hacks To Keep Your Fridge Clean and Organised
Cleaning your fridge thoroughly is important to keep it fresh and smell-free!
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Here Are 4 Tips To Remove Odor From Fridge
1. Clean Thoroughly
When was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator? Often neglected, the refrigerator is prone to housing bad odour if the food overstays or there is an electricity issue. If your refrigerator keeps turning off due to a power outage, then also there's a possibility that the food has gone bad. Check for expired or spoiled food in your refrigerator and discard it.
2. Don't Forget About The Freezer
The refrigerator's freezer is also prone to developing a bad smell if not cleaned regularly. Remove the shelves and racks of the fridge and wash them with warm water and mild detergent. Make sure to dry them before placing them back in the fridge and freezer.
3. Check All The Food
Develop a habit of first come, first go. The food that you had stored a week back should be thrown out before adding new items to the fridge. Make sure to check old fruits and veggies as they tend to rot even in the fridge drawers and shelves. Store pungent foods like garlic and onion in airtight containers so they don't smell in the refrigerator.
Keep tabs on what you have stored in your fridge.
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4. Set A Cleaning Schedule
Lastly, no amount of techniques would help if you don't clean your refrigerator regularly. Set a cleaning schedule for your fridge and make sure to deep clean it. Don't leave the freezer out of your deep cleaning. Rather than waiting for the smell to develop, clean out your fridge every month to prevent odours. Set it to the right temperature and keep a check on any random dirt or spills.
Also Read: Stop Now: 10 Foods You Should Never Store in the Fridge
Foods That Can Help You Get Rid Of the Refrigerator Odor
1. Natural Deodorants
Natural deodorizers like citrus peels can remove fridge odours. Peels from oranges, lemons, grapefruit, etc. can help remove fridge odours and neutralize unpleasant smells. Next time, instead of throwing the peels away, wash and keep them in your fridge.
2. Baking Soda
If you clean your refrigerator regularly but the smell persists, use baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb and neutralize odours in the fridge. All you have to do is take a bowl full of baking soda and place it on one of the shelves of your refrigerator. Let it sit for a couple of hours.
Uncooked oatmeal can absorb odours from your fridge.
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3. Oatmeal
Another way to remove fridge odour is by using oatmeal. Just like baking soda, oatmeal is a natural odour absorber and can come in handy for house cleaning. Not just odours but oatmeal can also absorb liquids and oils. All you need is a bowl full of uncooked oats to be placed on fridge shelves. Make sure to use an aluminium bowl for the same.
4. Coffee Beans
Have you ever been given coffee beans at a perfume shop to help neutralize the overload of smells? Freshly ground coffee beans can absorb bad smells and odours, not just from your fridge but also from the shoe rack, bedroom, or under the kitchen sink. To remove odour from the fridge, put some freshly ground coffee beans on a baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator overnight. It will absorb all the unpleasant odours overnight.