We’ve all been there – a forgotten leftover in the fridge starts giving off an unpleasant smell. Time for action! With these simple steps, you can keep your fridge and freezer fresh and odor-free.
Step 1: Empty and deep clean
For a truly fresh start, aim to give your fridge a deep clean once a month. Here’s how:
- Turn Off the Power: Unplug your fridge, remove everything inside, and place perishable items in a cooler to keep them fresh.
- Toss Expired Leftovers: Get rid of any expired or questionable food items to prevent odors from returning.
- Remove Shelves and Drawers: Take out all removable parts and wash them in warm, soapy water.
- Wipe Down the Interior: Use a cleaning solution like water with dish soap, baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate. This will gently scrub away any buildup and neutralize odors.
- Replace Everything: Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the shelves and drawers, put your food back, and plug the fridge back in.
Naturally fresh fridge
Want to keep odors away for good? Here are some natural, affordable odor-fighting options:
- Activated Charcoal: Place a small bowl of activated charcoal or regular charcoal in the fridge to absorb odors effectively.
- Lemon Power: Put a small bowl of fresh lemon juice or a halved lemon in the fridge, replacing it regularly.
- Other Odor Absorbers: Try a halved apple, a small bowl of ground coffee, or a dry tea bag to keep things fresh.
How to prevent odors in your freezer
Just like your fridge, your freezer needs regular cleaning to stay odor-free. And here’s a bonus: Did you know that even a thin layer of ice (just 2 mm) can increase energy use by 10%? Regular defrosting not only keeps odors away but also saves energy.
Here’s How to Deep Clean Your Freezer:
- Turn Off and Unplug: Disconnect the freezer and turn the temperature dial to 0.
- Empty the Contents: Move frozen items to the fridge or, if it’s winter, outside.
- Defrost the Freezer: Let it defrost naturally or speed things up by placing a pot of hot water inside. A hair dryer can also help but avoid any dripping on the dryer.
- Clean Thoroughly: Wash the interior and drawers with an all-purpose cleaner, baking soda, or sodium carbonate solution.
- Rinse and Dry: Wipe down everything with clean water, dry it thoroughly, and plug the freezer back in.
- Reload at -10°C: Wait until the freezer temperature drops below -10°C before refilling with food.
Extra Tip: Set the temperature as cold as possible a few hours before you start cleaning. This will give your frozen goods an extra “cold reserve” while you clean.