A refrigerator is meant for food storage, so it must be kept absolutely clean. There can be several reasons for unpleasant odors or mold forming inside the appliance. Strong-smelling food, loosely covered containers, dirty surfaces, or spoiled food are the main culprits. Food should be stored in airtight containers or wrapped carefully in aluminum foil. By following this simple rule, you won’t need to ask how to get rid of unpleasant odors in the fridge. But if the problem does arise, here’s how to solve it.
Removing Unpleasant Odors
Using vinegar diluted with water (half and half) can easily get rid of unpleasant odors in the fridge — just wipe down the interior walls with a cloth soaked in the solution.
Baking soda is also effective at removing odors: wipe the shelves and doors with a solution of water and baking soda. Leaving an open container of baking soda in the fridge can prevent unwanted smells from forming. This method quickly gets rid of unpleasant odors.
Lemon juice can help remove the smell of fish from the fridge. Simply wipe the interior with lemon juice and enjoy the fresh aroma.
If you’ve cleaned everything but the unpleasant smell persists, ammonia can help. Rub the shelves and doors with it and leave the fridge to air out for a few hours or overnight.
Activated charcoal is also quite effective in fighting bad odors. Crush a few tablets and leave them in a dish on the shelf for a day.
Placing diced black bread on a plate on each shelf can also help eliminate unpleasant smells naturally.
To keep the fridge smelling fresh, you can use aromatic herbs and spices like turmeric, cloves, tarragon, celery, or thyme. Vanilla extract is also highly effective.
To neutralize fish odors, you can place orange or lemon peels on the shelves. An open container of salt or sugar on the shelf can also work well against fishy smells.
Fighting Mold
But what should you do if mold has also appeared in the fridge? First, identify the cause, which is often a spoiled product or condensation buildup. A solution of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can quickly help get rid of mold, as can disinfecting the fridge with warm water and laundry soap. Wipe down all surfaces with a weak vinegar solution. Then, leave the doors open for a few hours to dry out all the parts.
Commercial Fresheners
You can also eliminate odors in the fridge using commercial products. These include various fresheners, cleaners, and ionizers that can absorb even strong odors like fish, garlic, or onion. These products can be placed on the shelves or attached inside the cleaned appliance.