When it comes to dealing with stubborn fridge odors, even the most meticulous cleaning job can sometimes fall short. Don’t worry, though, because maid services have got you covered! We understand that pinpointing the source of the odor can be a challenging task. The good news is that you might already have the solution hiding in your pantry. Get ready to discover six incredible natural fixes that will banish those unpleasant fridge smells once and for all. Say goodbye to the lingering odors and hello to a fresh and inviting refrigerator. Let’s dive into the secrets of a naturally fresh fridge!
What are the causes of a smelly fridge?
Refrigerators store a lot of food, so spoiled leftovers are the most common source of bad smells. It could happen because of a power outage, accidental spills, or maybe someone forgot last month’s meal there. With enough time, those food odors permeate the walls and make the stench stick around, even after throwing away the root.
Another suspect is the drip tray. Often overlooked, it builds up gunk without regular maintenance, eventually releasing a pungent odor. Usually, after a good scrub, the smell fades.
How to remove stubborn smells from your fridge
Have you taken care of all the apparent smell sources, but your fridge still stinks? Try these quick tips for hard-to-deal odors!
Baking soda
Baking soda is a perfect and cheap solution to attack the smells. Since baking soda is a base, it neutralizes acid molecules which cause funky smells. Spread a thin layer on a shallow plate and put it in the fridge to get rid of odors.
Vinegar
Another handy item to remove smells is white vinegar. It works similarly to baking soda, reacting with foul smell molecules. Put an adequate quantity of vinegar in a bowl inside your fridge and let it work.
Coffee grounds
If you love coffee, this is the perfect method for you. Spread a layer of freshly-ground coffee beans on a baking sheet and let it rest overnight to absorb odors. Besides, the foul smell will be replaced with a pleasant coffee aroma.
Cloves and citrus
Cut a lemon or orange in half and stick some cloves in it to imbue your fridge with a fresh smell. Let the citrus inside your fridge for days until it dries.
Alternatively, you can cut citrus slices and place them on a plate in the fridge. Let them dry while they aromatize the interior.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a less conventional method but an effective one. You will need to peel a potato and cut it in half before putting it in your refrigerator. Every two or three days, replace the potato with a new one until the smell disappears.
Vanilla extract
You can use this scent for a more elegant solution. Grab a cotton ball and dampen it with vanilla extract drops. The number of drops will depend on how much smell you want them to release.
Tips to prevent fouls smells
Once odor-free, you’ll want to avoid dealing with bad smells again. Here are a couple of recommendations:
- Use airtight containers. Airtight containers prevent odors from escaping to the rest of the fridge and reduce the chances of spilling. In addition, glass ones are a better choice because smell particles don’t stick as with plastic containers.
- Keep your food organized. Knowing which food you’re going to eat first helps avoid spoiling food. Also, check your fridge to localize cool and warm spots. You’ll learn how to place the food accordingly and keep it fresh longer.
Keep your fridge clean to prevent odors!
The best way to prevent a smelly fridge is to keep it clean. But what if you don’t have the time to clean your appliances properly? That’s where CalMaids comes in!
We have been delivering top-quality cleaning services in San Jose since 2010. We can tackle all your cleaning chores, including fridge cleaning.