Say Goodbye to That Funky Fridge Smell with This Simple Trick
A recent online discussion sparked a wave of tips for eliminating fridge odors. Did you ever think of placing coffee beans in your fridge? And how can a lemon help remove a smell?
(Photo: Shutterstock)You might deep clean your fridge once or twice a year, often around Passover, but does it tend to get overloaded and sometimes emit a bad odor throughout the year? You're not alone: most people don't regularly or thoroughly clean their fridge, which can lead to unpleasant smells in the home.
Recently, research found that in the UK, for instance, Brits wait about three months between cleanings. A recent survey checked the cleaning habits of 2,000 British adults and revealed that a tenth don't see any need to clean their fridge at all. Generally, it's recommended to clean your fridge every three to six months to prevent bacteria growth in food and eliminate bad odors.
Sometimes, even a thorough cleaning isn't enough, and the smell persists. This can happen for various reasons, including spoiled food, leftover meals, seasoned food, or dirty tray liners. Mrs. Hinch's Facebook page offered some tips to tackle the issue.
"Help needed, please. A closed carton of milk leaked behind the fridge," one user shared in the Facebook group and explained: "I emptied and cleaned the fridge thoroughly. The kitchen and around the fridge still stink of sour milk five days later. I fear some milk has seeped through the tiny drain hole at the bottom of the fridge. What do I do?"
One user suggested a seemingly effective solution: "Cut a fresh lemon in half and place it in the fridge for a few hours; it'll do the trick." Another solution that surfaced online is baking soda. If your fridge starts to smell, it's suggested to wipe the shelves with a solution of 15 ml of baking soda per liter of hot water. Leave an open box of baking soda in the fridge for three months, but note the date, so you remember when to replace it.
"I've found that for fridge smells, a small bowl filled with coffee beans does the job," another user wrote. What to do? Leave coffee beans in a bowl or wide-mouthed jar in the fridge for 24 hours. "Just put some leftover ground coffee in a bowl or jar with a wide opening, and place it in the fridge. The coffee doesn't just cover the smell; it absorbs it and leaves behind a pleasant aroma," she explained.
