Eliminating Fridge Odor: Effective Strategies (7 Suggestions Included)
One of the most disturbing fridge odors is the overwhelming stench of decaying food. Besides the typical culprit of spoiled leftovers, various factors may contribute to your refrigerator emitting an unpleasant smell. Bacteria, clogged air filters, and dirty drip pans are just a few possibilities. If you've discovered a foul scent emanating from your refrigerator, your immediate concern most likely is to eliminate it. Below are seven different methods for getting rid of refrigerator odors, restoring your appliance to its fresh-smelling glory.
The Reasons Behind Your Fridge's Unpleasant Odor
There are several reasons why your refrigerator may harbor an unpleasant odor. Besides the apparent source (rotting food), factors such as mold, spilled food particles, and a neglected drip pan contribute to unwelcome smells in this appliance. Regularly cleaning spilled foods and discarding items before they spoil is essential for preventing a smelly fridge interior. However, it's equally important to maintain routine refrigerator cleaning–including the drip pan.
The drip pan is a critical component that collects water during defrosting. The exact location of your drip pan depends on your refrigerator model, but it's crucial to clean this neglected part to avoid the buildup of mold, which can lead to foul odors.
Eliminating Refrigerator Odors
Choose between commercial products or natural alternatives to neutralize refrigerator odors with the following techniques.
Dispose of Putrid Food
Rotten food is an unwelcome guest that leaves an undeniable scent when you open your refrigerator. Regularly removing spoiled foods from your refrigerator is a preventative measure, but even the most diligent individuals may miss some items. Whenever you detect a rotten smell inside your refrigerator, immediately clean out and dispose of any spoiled items. The stench should dissipate relatively quickly.
Vinegar and Water Solution
Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that works wonders in various areas of your home, including your refrigerator. Wiping down the interior of your refrigerator with a mixture of vinegar and water naturally freshens the appliance and helps eliminate any odors.
Coffee Grounds or Baking Soda
Fresh coffee grounds and baking soda serve as convenient, natural deodorizers for your refrigerator. The coffee grounds' nitrogen content makes them an excellent absorbent, neutralizing unwanted odors. If your fridge interior has an unsettling scent, place a bowl filled with coffee grounds inside for a couple of hours. The result: a cleaner, coffee-scented refrigerator.
Should you not have coffee grounds on hand, baking soda is another effective option. By placing an opened box of baking soda on one of your refrigerator shelves, it will help ward off undesirable odors.
Thorough Cleaning
If a bad smell remains despite your best efforts to dispose of spoiled foods, it might be time for a deep cleaning of your appliance. Food residue or spills may become trapped, contributing to odors, and bacteria could grow over time. Properly cleaning all areas of your refrigerator, including shelves, drawers, and door shelves, is essential for eliminating odors and ensuring a fresh-smelling appliance.
Change the Air Filter
Like your air conditioning unit, your refrigerator has an air filter that should be replaced periodically. The air filter functions similarly to one in an air conditioning unit, filtering out air and particles from your refrigerator. Failing to change these filters can lead to trapped air and subsequent odors.
Air It Out
Sometimes, simply allowing your refrigerator to air out can be an effective means of eliminating unwanted odors. Unplugging your refrigerator and letting it breathe can also help neutralize funky smells.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural cleaner that can freshen up the interior of your refrigerator. Dampen a towel with fresh lemon juice and wipe down your shelves and drawers to leave behind a invigorating citrus scent that neutralizes unpleasant odors.
After discovering that your refrigerator is emitting an unpleasant smell, you might want to consider Southern Living's recommendations for eliminating refrigerator odors. One suggestion is to clean your drip pan regularly, as bacteria and mold buildup in this neglected area can contribute to foul odors. Another method is to use a vinegar and water solution to wipe down the interior of your refrigerator, which naturally freshens the appliance and helps eliminate any odors.
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