Soda, coffee, potatoes, a newspaper, and other handy tools will help you eliminate refrigerator odors. Here is more.
Why does the refrigerator smell
Most often, due to spoiled food, so check if you have them lying around. Sometimes a blocked drain hole can be the cause. It, like the container into which water flows, must be periodically cleaned. The dirty rubber seal on the refrigerator door can also smell.
Remember, plastic absorbs odors. Therefore, the longer you drag out against them, the more persistent they will be.
How to get rid of refrigerator odors
If you threw away spoiled food, checked the drainage and seal, but the smell remains, first wash the refrigerator.
A solution of baking soda or vinegar works well for this. Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda or 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar in 1 liter of warm water and wipe the walls and shelves. Additionally, you can treat them with lemon juice.
Read also: 5 Unexpected Soda Hacks That Will Make Life Easier
Special refrigerator cleaners will also help. They deal with both dirt and unpleasant odors and are usually available as a spray. Use them according to the instructions on the package. If the problem persists after cleaning, store-bought or homemade odor absorbers will come in handy.
They can be used instead of washing the refrigerator, if the smell is mild, and also just as a preventive measure.
1. Purchased odor absorber
Just place a small jar or sachet in the refrigerator for the time indicated on the package.
2. Soda
It perfectly absorbs odors. Place an open box in the refrigerator, or pour the baking soda into a wide container or another container.
You need to change the soda about once a month.
3. Coffee
It also has the ability to absorb odors. Place a small glass of instant coffee, beans, or ground in the refrigerator. Change the product about once a month. It will cope with a slight smell in a few days or even overnight.
4. Activated carbon
It is also absorbent. Grind 10–20 activated charcoal tablets and place them on a plate or other container. Refrigerate for 1–2 days. For prevention, you need to change the product once a month or more often.
5. Salt or sugar
Put a few tablespoons on a plate or other wide container and refrigerate. Replace after a month or even earlier.
6. Newspaper
An unusual but effective way. Crumple up a few newspaper sheets and place them on the side shelves or in the vegetable compartment. Change once a week.
By the way, the newspaper can be shoved into the freezer.
7. Bread
Place several slices of bread on the shelves of the refrigerator. It will absorb all unpleasant odors. It is better to change the slices once a day or two. Eating used bread is certainly not worth it.
8. Potatoes
It is also a good absorbent. Peel 1-2 large root vegetables and cut into several pieces. Place them on plates and refrigerate for 1–2 days.
9. Teabags
Don’t rush to throw away your used tea bags. Place a few on the shelves of the refrigerator to absorb the odor. Change them once a week or more.
Also read: Never Clean These Things With Dish Washing Soap
10. Citrus fruits
Cut 1–2 lemons, oranges, or grapefruit into large pieces, place on plates and refrigerate. Change them about every 2 days. For prevention, you can use citrus peels; they will not cope with strong odors.
Place the crusts in a cloth bag and refrigerate. When the citrus aroma is gone, change the crust.
Adapted and translated by Wiki Avenue Staff
Sources: Life hacker