Effective ways to banish stubborn refrigerator odours
An unpleasant smell from the refrigerator can easily diminish one's appetite, but there are many simple and effective ways to solve this problem. Here are a few proven methods to help eliminate unpleasant odours.
15 October 2024 14:04
Why it's worth keeping your refrigerator clean
The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in our homes. It stores food that needs to stay fresh. Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to odours that affect your stored food. Rot, mould, or food remnants are the main causes of these problems.
Where does the unpleasant smell come from?
Have you ever wondered where that unpleasant smell in your refrigerator comes from? It's simple—some foods, especially when stored without proper protection, emit strong aromas. Cheese, smoked fish, onions, garlic, cooked cauliflower, or sauerkraut are just a few examples.
Unpleasant smells can also result from forgotten, expired products. Regular inspections of the refrigerator's contents are key to avoiding such situations.
Effective ways to get rid of the smell
One simple and proven method to eliminate refrigerator odour is the newspaper technique. Roll an old newspaper into a ball, moisten it with water, and place it in the refrigerator. The paper effectively absorbs odours, and you'll notice the difference in just a few hours.
Another effective method is to use vinegar. To disinfect the refrigerator, boil water, pour it into a bowl, and mix it with a cup of distilled vinegar. Once the solution cools, spray it on the shelves, doors, and drawers. Vinegar not only absorbs odours but also kills bacteria.
Other home remedies for neutralizing odours include coffee, activated charcoal, and baking soda. Coffee beans or ground coffee in a bowl will act as a natural odour absorber. Activated charcoal can be placed in a small container on one of the refrigerator shelves, providing an extremely effective way to neutralize odours. Baking soda is another natural remedy—just pour a bit into a small dish and place it on one of the shelves.
It's important to remove existing odours and prevent them from occurring. Storing food in appropriate containers is crucial. Tightly sealed containers not only maintain food's freshness but also prevent the spread of odours in the refrigerator.
Regular inspections of the refrigerator's contents help avoid situations where spoiling food generates odours. Setting aside a specific day each week to thoroughly check the refrigerator's contents and remove expired products is worth the effort. Additionally, caring for the refrigerator daily, such as wiping spills or regularly washing shelves, will help keep it clean.
Why refrigerator maintenance is important
Caring for the refrigerator is about aesthetics, hygiene, and savings. Regular refrigerator cleaning directly impacts efficiency and energy consumption, especially at the back. Dust and dirt accumulating on the condenser can lead to increased electricity use and early wear and tear of the equipment.
To keep the refrigerator in good condition, it's important to clean the condenser regularly. This can be done with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment to remove dust and dirt thoroughly. Always remember to unplug the refrigerator before cleaning to avoid any electrical hazards.
