How to get rid of the smell in the fridge with the help of special means and folk methods
If there is a bad smell inside your fridge, it is a sign that either the food has gone bad or it is time to clean and disinfect your fridge.
The question arises, what detergents should you use when cleaning it to ensure that the food stored in it is preserved?
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Where does the smell come from?
Unpleasant smells are primarily caused by bacteria.
The refrigerator is not a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms (germs and bacteria love heat), but still does not provide any guarantees, so let's consider the most common causes of unpleasant odor in the refrigerator.
Clogged drain
Your refrigerator uses a small drain, usually located near the back wall, at the very bottom, to remove condensation. This is a small hole with a drain tube inside.
Because of the constant contact with various contaminants (such as small food residues), as well as lime deposits, this hole is often clogged.
In this case, dirty water has nowhere to drain, it accumulates in the chamber and begins to smell bad, and over time, even rot.
Old water in the condensate tank
Refrigerators have a special tank to collect moisture, which over time accumulates and causes a bad smell.
Therefore, this container must be washed thoroughly.
High temperature
Insufficient release of frost in the refrigerator, especially in the heat of summer, can cause an unpleasant smell.
This is due to two reasons: first of all, high temperature greatly accelerates the deterioration of food, as we have already mentioned earlier. Secondly, moisture appears in the chamber, which, depending on temperature fluctuations, first freezes and after some time condenses.
During this time, various impurities, both solid and liquid, accumulate in the refrigerator.
Stale food.
Check the condition of food regularly, as rotten fruits and vegetables and spoiled food are the most common cause of refrigerator odor.
Failure to wash your refrigerator regularly
If your refrigerator is not cleaned regularly, the odor will form naturally.
Clean your refrigerator at least once a month, otherwise you risk spreading bacteria and fungus.
Special products for cleaning your refrigerator
Ready-made solutions for cleaning your refrigerator at home include an extensive range of specialized cleaners and disinfectant sprays. They have varying degrees of effectiveness and varying costs.
We recommend paying attention to the products of such manufacturers as Topperr, SmellOff, Magic Power, Unicum and Top House. They not only provide antibacterial protection, but also remove stubborn odors and stains, as well as kill mold.
Remember to rinse your entire refrigerator thoroughly with water after using such products. Food products should not come into contact with them.
What Household Chemicals You Can Use
If you do not have the opportunity to buy a specialized product, you can use an ordinary dishwashing detergent. That is, in fact, simple soapy water. With its task - getting rid of dirt and neutralizing unpleasant odors, it copes perfectly well.
But do not use strong disinfectants, such as bleach, to clean the inside of the refrigerator.
Any food product in contact with caustic chemicals can cause various stomach ailments due to the strong chemical compounds.
Handy remedies.
If you don't trust manufacturers or can't buy ready-made cleaners, folk methods can always come to the rescue.
Their advantage is that they rely on natural products and substances, which means they are environmentally friendly and safe. In addition, most of these components can be found in any apartment.
Baking soda
The walls and drawers of the refrigerator are best cleaned and disinfected with a solution of baking soda and warm water in the proportion: two glasses of water and two tablespoons of baking soda.
Then dip a piece of cloth in the prepared in this way and wipe dirty surfaces well.
To remove unpleasant odors from the refrigerator, you can also pour baking soda into a small container and put it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Vinegar
A solution of water and vinegar (two cups of warm water and two tablespoons of vinegar) will also help clean and remove odors from the refrigerator or freezer.
The most problematic places and corners can be effectively cleaned with a preparation prepared on the basis of white wine vinegar and water (a liter of heated water and half a cup of white vinegar).
Citric Acid
Citric acid does not smell as strong as vinegar, but in itself is no less effective odor neutralizer. Therefore, many housewives use it exactly.
To prepare a working solution, add two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice or citric acid to half a liter of warm water.
Citric acid + baking soda
A mixture of citric acid and baking soda shows the best effect.
Simply mix a little water, lemon juice and baking soda, and use this mixture to clean your refrigerator and give it a nice aroma.
Ammonia Alcohol.
An even better sanitizer than baking soda or vinegar.
The solution requires about 300 ml of alcohol and the same amount of water. The remedy is very effective, but, as with vinegar, it should be used with caution because of its pungent smell and causticity.
Dry mustard
Dry mustard will help get rid of greasy stains. It is enough to pour some on a sponge and wipe the pre-moistened stain.
Special odor absorbers
If after washing the odor persists or you want to prevent its further occurrence in the future, you should use a special odor absorber. As the name implies, this is a special type of product that absorbs food odors.
It is sold in special plastic containers, similar to those used in toilet fresheners.
An odor absorber for the refrigerator usually has a charcoal filter that contains activated carbon.
Sometimes, after a certain period of use, a small amount of charcoal dust may be released from the inside of the package. However, it is not dangerous for food, and it is enough to wipe it with a rag.
The charcoal absorber fully performs its function within a few months.
But instead of buying disposables, it is recommended to install a permanent antibacterial device with a replaceable Microban technology filter in the refrigerator. This absorber not only neutralizes unpleasant odors, but also removes bacteria due to the effects of silver ions.
The Alternative to Absorbents
As in the case with cleaning agents, there are a large number of alternative means, which cope with the neutralization of unpleasant odors in the refrigerator is not any worse than the specialized absorbers.
Coffee grounds
As you know, coffee grounds are a very useful universal means, which allows you to fertilize plants, repel insects and even used for cosmetic purposes. But among other things, it allows you to get rid of unpleasant odors from your refrigerator.
Just put a container with a small amount of coffee grounds on the refrigerator shelf. Pretty soon all the odors will disappear.
Renew the coffee grounds about once every two weeks when they are dry. If you don't feel bad about fresh coffee, four spoonfuls of ground coffee will also do a great job of neutralizing odors.
Baking soda.
Baking soda is also very effective at removing strong odors.
For the refrigerator, about three tablespoons poured into a cup that is placed on a shelf is enough. Remember to renew the baking soda cup at least once a month, or better, more often, especially if the odor is strong and persistent.
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are very effective against strong persistent odors, such as cheese or fish. We've already told you how to use vinegar to clean the inside of your refrigerator.
If you want to use it as an odor neutralizer, pour about 20 ml of vinegar into a container or small container and place it on the refrigerator shelf. Preferably at the bottom so as not to accidentally knock the container over.
Remember to replace the contents of the container at least every two weeks.
Green or white clay
Green clay is known for its skin and health benefits. But it can also be used to eliminate unpleasant odors.
Like coffee grounds or baking soda, green clay has natural absorbent properties, which makes it a natural way to eliminate unpleasant odors from your refrigerator.
To do this, simply put some clay in a cup and put it in the refrigerator. White clay will also work.
Activated charcoal or bamboo charcoal
Even children know that activated charcoal, which is in every home medicine cabinet, is very good at absorbing harmful substances.
However, not many of us know that medicinal charcoal is also great for dealing with odors coming from food in the refrigerator with little or no emission. The same goes for bamboo charcoal, which, because of this ability, is a permanent component for many specialized refrigerator cleaning products.
All you have to do is to pour the crushed powder (which can be obtained by crushing a few tablets) on a small saucer or put it in a thin, breathable bag. After a few days, the unpleasant odor problem should completely disappear.
Natural charcoal is available at almost all drugstores and pet stores.
Lemon juice
One lemon juice is enough to neutralize the bad smell. Pour it into a cup and put it in the back of the refrigerator so it doesn't spill.
There is also one simple but effective trick - pour a few drops of lemon juice into a container filled with salt. Place everything in the refrigerator, and it will deodorize very quickly and reliably.
Oat bran
While this may seem surprising to many, keep in mind that oat bran has the same properties as activated charcoal. They effectively and for a long time absorb foreign odors without releasing them.
You need to put the bran in a container and put it in the refrigerator. The main thing is not to forget to renew the contents of the container every two weeks.
Citrus
Not only lemons, but basically all citrus fruits are incredibly effective in neutralizing unpleasant odors, including very strong ones. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit or even clementines will be reliable allies in the fight against the stench of sour cabbage or rotten meat.
We recommend cutting the fruit in half or grating the zest and placing it in a cup.
The bad smells will disappear in a short time, giving way to the pleasant aroma of fresh fruit.
Cloves
Cloves - not a flower, but a fragrant spice that is often used as a pleasant addition to tea - are a good absorber of moisture and unpleasant odors. It is not without reason that people who suffer from bad breath are advised to chew a few cloves for a few minutes at least once a day.
To remove unpleasant odor from the fridge, simply put a handful of cloves on a plate and place them exactly on the shelf from which the bad smell is the strongest.
You can mix cloves with your favorite citrus fruit to enhance the effect.
Corks
There is another effective and extremely economical trick. If you have one or two unwanted corks at home, such as from a champagne bottle, you can use them as an odor absorber.
Quality natural wood corks not only absorb ambient odors like a sponge, but they themselves emit a pleasant cork oak scent.
Cat litter
It may come as a big surprise to many that cat litter is a very effective odor absorber. Although it would seem logical, given that they have to deal with unpleasant odors all the time.
Simply pour some filler into a jar and put it in the refrigerator. But make sure the litter has a neutral odor.
Preventing odors
To prevent unwanted odors, you should clean your refrigerator once a quarter or more often.
It's best to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator every two weeks, while checking the expiration date of the food.
You should schedule a thorough cleaning of your refrigerator for a free day in advance, since this process, combined with defrosting, can take all day. Most appliances should be unplugged, and a cool place should be prepared in which to store the food while it is being cleaned.
In addition to regular cleaning, the way food is stored is also very important.
The bottom drawer of the device should store fruits and vegetables, above them - tightly packed meat and fish. At the top - dairy products, assorted meat and cheese, and on the door - drinks, sauces, canned goods in jars.
An unpleasant smell in the refrigerator is sometimes the result of mixing different foods. Therefore, proper use of the space in the refrigerator can keep you from this result.
First of all, remember to only put dry fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator - this will prevent the formation of mold. All foods that exude a strong odor should be packed in separate airtight containers. Also keep leftovers in them - this way they will not lose their freshness and will not absorb the smells of other foods.
It's also a good idea to check the condition of the drain pipe, which drains water and moisture, from time to time.
If you see debris in the drain, react immediately. You can clean the drain pipe with a wire or toothpick to keep moisture and ice out of your refrigerator.
The food will always be fresh, and the refrigerator itself will last you a long time.
Useful video
In this video you will learn how to get rid of odor in the fridge with improvised means:
