Cold, Cleanliness, and Freshness: How to Get Rid of Odors in the Refrigerator Once and for All

Odor from the refrigerator is a household surprise that always arises suddenly and each time — devastatingly, and only those who use the appliance exclusively for decorative purposes are insured against it (such oddballs are practically nonexistent, of course). It appears even in the most tidy home: as soon as one "fragrant" product lingers beyond the date set by the manufacturers or a spilled drop goes unnoticed. Let’s figure out how to restore decent behavior and a peaceful nature to the refrigerator.

Conduct a Quick Inspection

Any odor elimination starts not with panicked searches for magical remedies, but with a simple inspection. You just need to take out all the food and see what has long needed to go: forgotten sauces, half-empty jars, damp bags with something unidentifiable (better not even to try to identify it). Even one old lemon or cheese with a dried crust can spoil the entire atmosphere — turn off your inner hoarder and throw away everything unnecessary with a steady hand.

Wash the Shelves with a Baking Soda Solution

Using baking soda may seem like a perfect anachronism, but it is a time-tested basic fighter against odors, proven by generations of housewives. Just dissolve 1–2 tablespoons in a liter of warm water and wipe all surfaces with this solution: shelves, walls, drawers. Baking soda neutralizes odors rather than just masking them, and it is safe for food storage. Pay special attention to corners and the junctions of shelves and walls, as odors linger there the longest.

Use Vinegar for Stubborn Cases

If the odor turns out to be particularly stubborn, vinegar comes into play. Diluted with water in a ratio of about 1:1, it effectively tackles old odors and bacteria. It can be applied to a sponge and wiped on the walls of the refrigerator, then everything should be wiped down with a clean damp cloth. After treatment, it’s best to leave the refrigerator open for half an hour to allow the vinegar smell to dissipate completely.

Place Natural Odor Absorbers

You can place ordinary products in the refrigerator that work as absorbents. This includes a cup of dry baking soda, several tablets of activated charcoal, half a lemon, coffee beans, or a slice of black bread. They collect excess odors without interfering with the life of other products. Such natural absorbers should be replaced every 5–7 days, otherwise they start to smell themselves.

Keep an Eye on Containers and Packaging

Open plates, torn bags, and poorly sealed jars are always the main sources of unpleasant odors. Prepared dishes, fish, sausages, and cheeses are best stored in airtight containers or tightly sealed glass jars. This not only saves from odors but also prevents unwanted mixing of flavors. Ideally, "smelly" products should have their own permanent isolated spot in the refrigerator.

Don’t Forget About the Drain Hole

The small hole on the back wall of the refrigerator is often ignored, even though this is where moisture accumulates and quiet fermentation begins with "fragrant" consequences. It is sufficient to clean it with a cotton swab or a thin brush soaked in a baking soda or vinegar solution. If a lot of buildup has already accumulated there, it is advisable to carefully rinse the hole with warm water from a syringe without a needle.

Introduce a Quick Preventive Habit

Once a week, it’s useful to conduct a short inspection: throw away dried and wilted items, wipe up any possible spills, and check the far corners. Once a month — a full light cleaning with washing the shelves. When this becomes routine, odors simply don’t have time to conquer the territory.