Simple tricks to keep your fridge fresh and odour-free
An unpleasant smell from the refrigerator can effectively take away your appetite. However, there are many simple and effective ways to resolve this issue. Here are a few proven methods to help eliminate unpleasant odours.
15 October 2024 13:16
Why is it worth keeping your refrigerator clean?
The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in our homes. It is where we store food items that need to stay fresh. Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to unpleasant odours that seep into the stored food. Rot, mould, or leftover food remnants are the main culprits of refrigerator problems.
Where does the unpleasant smell come from?
Wondering where exactly the unpleasant smell in your refrigerator originates? It's simple - some food items, especially those stored without proper protection, emit strong aromas. Cheese, smoked fish, onions, garlic, cooked cauliflower, or sauerkraut are just a few examples.
An unpleasant smell can also result from forgotten or expired products. Therefore, regular inspections of the refrigerator's contents are crucial to avoid such situations.
Effective ways to get rid of the smell
A simple and proven way to eliminate unpleasant refrigerator odour is the newspaper method. Roll an old newspaper into a ball, moisten it with water, and place it in the refrigerator. The paper effectively absorbs unpleasant aromas, and you'll notice the difference in just a few hours.
Another effective method is to use vinegar. To disinfect the refrigerator, boil water, pour it into a bowl, and add a cup of distilled vinegar. After the solution cools, spray it on the shelves, doors, and drawers. Vinegar not only absorbs odours but also kills bacteria.
Other home methods to neutralise odours include coffee, activated charcoal, and baking soda. Coffee beans or ground coffee placed in a bowl act as a natural odour absorber. Activated charcoal can be placed in a small container on one of the refrigerator shelves. It is an extremely effective way to neutralise unpleasant aromas. Baking soda is another natural remedy—simply pour a bit into a small dish and place it on one of the shelves.
Not only is it important to remove odours currently present, but preventing their occurrence is equally essential. Storing food in appropriate containers is crucial. Tightly sealed containers maintain the freshness of products and prevent the spread of odours in the refrigerator.
Regular inspections of the refrigerator's contents help avoid situations where spoiling food begins to generate unpleasant aromas. Therefore, setting aside a specific day each week to check the refrigerator's contents and remove expired products thoroughly is advisable. Additionally, daily care such as wiping spills or regularly washing shelves will certainly help keep it clean.
Why is refrigerator maintenance important?
Caring for the refrigerator is not just a matter of aesthetics, hygiene, and savings. Regular refrigerator cleaning directly impacts efficiency and energy consumption, especially at the back. Dust and dirt accumulating on the condenser can lead to increased electricity consumption and premature wear and tear of the equipment.
It is worth remembering to clean the condenser regularly to keep the refrigerator in good condition. To remove dust and dirt thoroughly, use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment. Unplugging the refrigerator before cleaning it is important to avoid any electricity-related hazards.
