Unpleasant smell in the refrigerator. Home remedies to refresh the refrigerator

The unpleasant smell from the refrigerator, which spreads immediately after opening the door, can deter even the biggest glutton. Even worse, the problem can appear suddenly, even in a recently purchased and well-maintained appliance. Why does the refrigerator smell unpleasant and how can you effectively deal with the bad aroma? Discover proven home remedies that will help you freshen up your fridge, keep it clean and highly hygienic, and at the same time prevent the problem from recurring.

Why does the refrigerator smell?

Modern refrigerators are not only energy-saving appliances, but also actively take care of the freshness of the products stored in them. However, even in a top-quality refrigerator that you use according to the manufacturer’s instructions, unpleasant odors can arise.

No matter how state-of-the-art it is, you store all sorts of things in it, from vegetables to cold meats and cooked foods to different types of cheese, which start to smell, sometimes even before you open the package. If you store something in the refrigerator for too long, you also have to expect that forgotten products will spoil, become covered with mold, and thus start to emit a sharp, irritating smell.

Why does the refrigerator smell unpleasant? Highly aromatic or simply spoiled food is not the only cause. This effect is also responsible for this effect, which often occurs immediately after opening the refrigerator door:

• Leaky food packaging – spilled sauces, fermenting foods or open containers often give off an intense smell;
• Contamination in hard-to-reach places – food residues can accumulate in door seals, on shelves or in drawers;
• Drainage problems – there may be bacteria and mold in the polluted drain.

In order to minimize the risk of unpleasant odors, it is useful to know how often and how to clean the refrigerator. Regular cleaning of the appliance, which is repeated at least once a month, will prevent many problems.

Unpleasant smell in the refrigerator – home remedies

Before you reach for chemical preparations designed to remove unwanted odors from the inside of the appliance, try natural methods. They are effective and certainly safer for your health. You will avoid cleaning in a protective mask, so you will not inhale harmful fumes or simply pungent, irritating smells. You will also limit the contact of food with unwanted chemicals to a minimum and reduce the risk of skin allergies when cleaning deeper trays, shelves or refrigerator walls.

Here are some tried-and-true solutions that you can use on the alternator and every time your fridge will not only shine like new, but also smell nice when you open the door.

Baking soda
Baking soda is great for absorbing odors. Just sprinkle a small amount on a plate and place in the fridge. For a better result, you can wipe the inside of the refrigerator with a solution of water and baking soda (2 tablespoons of baking soda per liter of warm water).

Vinegar
Vinegar effectively neutralizes odors and has an antibacterial effect. Use it to wash shelves and seals. Just mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and wipe the surfaces with a cloth. In addition, it is a good idea to leave a small container of vinegar in the refrigerator to absorb odors for the next few days.

Lemon
Lemon is effective not only in masking questionable smells, but also has an antibacterial effect. After wiping down the refrigerator with water and lemon juice, you can leave half of the fruit inside as a natural odor absorber. In addition, the lemon itself spreads a fresh, refreshing scent that lasts for several days.

Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal effectively absorbs odors. Simply put a few cubes or special bags in the refrigerator. It is ideal for those looking for long-lasting protection. Change the charcoal once every few weeks – this way you will maintain its effectiveness.

Ground coffee
If you like the smell of coffee, you can use it as a natural air freshener. Place a cup of ground coffee in the refrigerator and change the contents every few days. Coffee perfectly neutralizes unpleasant odors.

Rice or bread
Products such as rice or bread can absorb excess moisture and odors. Place a few pieces of dry bread or a bowl of rice in the fridge and change them every few days. This is also a simple way to prevent mold.

Tea oil
Tea oil is a natural agent with antibacterial and refreshing properties. A few drops added to the water used to clean the refrigerator will not only remove the smell, but also provide a long-lasting feeling of freshness.

How to prevent unpleasant odor in the future?

Regular cleaning of the inside of the appliance after emptying it prevents the accumulation of dirt. With each such cleaning, you have the opportunity to thoroughly go through the contents of the refrigerator, so you get rid of old food and consume products that are “on the edge” of their shelf life. With this procedure, you will reduce the formation of unpleasant odors. Here are some other tips that will definitely come in handy when cleaning and using your appliance every day.

• Check expiration dates regularly and dispose of products that are past their use-by date.
• Store food in airtight containers to prevent odors from mixing.
• Clean the refrigerator at least once a month and use natural products.
• Regularly check and clear the water drain to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Maintain the optimal temperature in the refrigerator, favorable for most products, which is best between 3°C and 5°C. Store vegetables and fruits in dedicated compartments, in which conditions are maintained to keep them fresh longer.
• Use external odor absorbers such as baking soda or activated charcoal to temporarily eliminate the problem.
• Invest in special anti-bacterial mats that you can place on your fridge shelves.

If your refrigerator does not have the No Frost function, do not forget to defrost the freezer regularly. Lingering ice can also contribute to the formation and accumulation of unpleasant odors. Thorough cleaning, skillful use according to the above advice and proper food storage will keep your refrigerator in good condition for many years.