How to eliminate unpleasant odors in refrigerator without using chemicals
How to eliminate unpleasant odors from the refrigerator without chemicals (photo: RBC-Ukraine)
Sometimes, an unpleasant odor starts coming from the refrigerator, which is cleaned less frequently compared to other surfaces in the home. However, it's not necessary to use chemical products to eliminate it - there are simple and natural methods available.
Sort the refrigerator
First and foremost, it's important to identify the source of the unpleasant odor in the refrigerator. Usually, this happens due to spoiled food or spilled liquids.
So, go through the food, discard anything expired or spoiled, and then wipe down the shelves with a damp cloth.
Wipe with vinegar
To eliminate very stubborn odors, wipe the interior of the refrigerator with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. This natural deodorizer will help get rid of persistent smells.
Place a box of baking soda
Baking soda is an excellent deodorizer, but over time it loses its effectiveness at absorbing odors, and there's a good chance you're not replacing it often enough.
Since baking soda absorbs odor molecules from the air, make sure it’s in a ventilated container and that you replace it at least once a month.
Use coffee grounds
Used coffee grounds can help absorb odors. Simply place them in a bowl and leave them in the refrigerator for a few days.
Place newspapers
Crumple up sheets of newspaper into balls and place them on a paper plate. You can also add a drop of culinary vanilla to each paper ball.
Put a plate with a ball on each shelf in the refrigerator and freezer for a few weeks. The carbon in the newspaper ink will help absorb unpleasant odors.
Freeze charcoal
Similar to baking soda, activated charcoal can absorb odors. Place a few pieces in a container and leave it in the refrigerator.
How to remove odor from the refrigerator (Illustrative photo: Freepik)
To eliminate particularly strong odors, you can place several small packets in each compartment.
Place oats
This product can also help absorb odors from the refrigerator. Place raw oats in an uncovered container inside the fridge to naturally deodorize the appliance.
Wipe with lemon juice
Use a towel soaked in lemon juice to wipe down the shelves after cleaning the refrigerator. For maximum odor absorption, you can leave lemon slices in a bowl inside the fridge for several hours or up to a week.
Sprinkle refrigerator shelves with zest
Place orange, lemon, or lime peels in the refrigerator to add a fresh scent. You can also use the zest, sprinkling it over the surfaces.
Add vanilla
Vanilla has a pleasant aroma that can mask unpleasant smells in the refrigerator. Apply a few drops of vanilla extract to a cotton pad and leave it in the fridge for a nice scent.
Sources used for this article: Whirlpool, Real Simple, Martha Stewart.
