Eco-Friendly Solutions to Deodorize Your Fridge

Eco-Friendly Solutions to Deodorize Your Fridge

You’re supposed to follow your stomach to the fridge — not your nose. Yet whether it’s because of long-forgotten leftovers, a pesky piece of rotten fruit, or something else entirely, fridges can get funky fast. And who wants to be pinching their nose while digging out dinner, lunch, or a midnight snack? After all, we count on our refrigerator to keep food fresh and safe. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to rid your fridge of almost any unpleasant odor. Better yet, instead of relying on chemical cleaners that come with their own health hazards, we have the eco-friendly methods you need to know to keep your fridge smelling fresh and appetizing. So, read on for our guide to natural solutions to deodorize your fridge and ensure a clean, sweet-smelling kitchen.

Why Does Your Fridge Smell?

Before exploring solutions, it’s important to understand what might be stinking up your fridge. Obviously, the most common culprit is spoiled food — forgotten leftovers or expired items can produce strong smells. Or maybe you’re just hosting some strong-smelling foods. Onions, garlic, and certain cheeses can all permeate the fridge. You also want to ask yourself: when was the last time you cleaned your refrigerator? If it’s been awhile, that might explain how odors have built up. You should also check for leaks and spills — along with the drip pan. Only by identifying and addressing these causes will you be able to truly keep your fridge odor-free.

Natural Solutions to Deodorize Your Fridge

Chemical cleaners may promise to leave your appliance smelling fresh, but remember there’s nothing natural about them. And how many toxins do you want to expose your food to? Fortunately, there are a number of excellent natural alternatives to tackle the funk in your fridge.

Baking soda

Baking soda is a common and effective natural deodorizer. Its alkaline nature helps neutralize acidic odors, making it an excellent choice for the fridge. Simply put an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge and replace it every three months. If you’re tackling a specific, stronger smell, sprinkle baking soda on a baking sheet and place it in the fridge overnight.

Coffee grounds

Used coffee grounds not only absorb odors, but they produce a pleasant coffee fragrance. As you would with baking soda, place the dry, used coffee grounds in a bowl or open container in the fridge. Replace them once a week for maximum effectiveness.

White vinegar

White vinegar deodorizes naturally because its acidic and neutralizes alkaline odors. Fill a small bowl with white vinegar and place it in the fridge. Refresh the vinegar every few days until the odor is gone.

Lemon peels

We all know the pleasing but strong scent of citrus fruit. So, simply place some lemon slices in a bowl in the fridge. Every few days, put in new slices to keep things fresh.

Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal works by absorbing odor-causing molecules. A few pieces of activated charcoal in the fridge should get rid of any odors for a few weeks at a time.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract disguises unpleasant odors. Soak a cotton ball and place it in a small bowl in the fridge. The cotton ball should last about a week before needing to be replaced.

Essential oils

Like you would with vanilla extract, soak a few cotton balls in your favorite essential oil, whether eucalyptus or lavender, and put them in a bowl in the fridge.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is good for more than breakfast. It’s also a natural deodorizer. Place a bowl of dry, uncooked oatmeal in the fridge. It should last about a week before needing to be refreshed.

Preventing Odors in the First Place

If you want to stop odors before things get funky, there are several simple steps you can take to keep your fridge smelling fresh. Among them:

Clean regularly

Don’t wait until things start to smell spoiled. Remove all items from the fridge and with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar or lemon juice, wipe down all surfaces. Dry with a clean cloth before you put your food back in the fridge.

Store food properly

Use airtight containers for strong-smelling foods. Label leftovers with dates to ensure they don’t spoil. You should also store all raw meat sealed containers to keep leaks from happening.

Control the temperature

The fridge should be set at or below 40°F (4°C) so food doesn’t spoil. If you’re not sure of the temperature, use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure things stay cool.

Don’t wait until it starts to smell to use a deodorizer

Why wait to use one of the natural deodorizers listed above? Keeping an open container of baking soda or activated charcoal in the fridge at all times should keep any funky smells from starting.

Dispose of expired items

When was the last time you checked the expiration dates on the contents of your fridge? By doing so regularly, you’ll prevent bacteria growth and the smells of spoiled goods.

Deodorizing your fridge just isn’t about keeping your kitchen smelling fresh — it’s also about creating and maintaining a healthy environment. By avoiding chemical cleaners, you can deodorize your fridge without worrying about what toxins you are exposing your food to. By cleaning routinely, storing food properly and relying on  natural deodorizers to work their magic, you’ll make sure your fridge stays odor-free the eco-friendly way.

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