If you opened your fridge now and took a good whiff, what would it smell like? If it smells good, you’re all good. If it smells strange, then it could be time to do a thorough clean.
Odors could be a sign of spoilage or spillage that can attract bacteria, which could then affect your food. In today’s post, Electrolux Malaysia shares some eco-friendly ways on how to get rid of refrigerator smell to prevent food contamination and keep smells at bay.
How to get rid of refrigerator smells with 9 eco-friendly deodorizers
1. Ground coffee
Coffee bean is known as one of the most popular refrigerator odor absorbers. Put freshly ground coffee evenly on a plate and keep it in your refrigerator for 24 hours.
After 1 day stay in the fridge, it can be re-cycled to become fertilizer for your home plants. Simply mix it with soil and you are good to go.
2. Used tea bag
Fill some used tea bags in an open container or a small bowl and put it inside your refrigerator. The tea leaves will absorb bad odors and leave your fridge with a fresh aroma. Make sure to replace the tea bags every 3 – 4 days for optimal odor control.
3. Baking soda
Baking soda has been known for years as an effective natural refrigerator deodorizer. Place baking soda inside an open container and let it unstink your fridge for 24 hours.
With a few drops of essential oils, you have something that not only help to get rid of bad odors but also make your fridge smell good at the same time.
4. Lemon (with baking soda, and salt)
The combination of these three makes a great quick fix for a smelly fridge as it removes unpleasant odors faster while adding a fresh scent to your refrigerator.
Follow this simple instruction:
- Slice a lemon into a 2 – 3 cm thick pieces
- Add 2 – 3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt onto the lemon slices
- Place the lemons onto a shallow, uncovered plate
- Keep the plate in your refrigerator for up to 6 days. Lemons usually take a couple hours before you notice the smell in your fridge is getting fresher.
Tip: Orange is a perfect alternative to lemon.
5. Oatmeal
Not only being used as a natural refrigerator odor absorber, oats also come in handy for house cleaning in general as they can effectively absorb odors, oil, and liquid. All you have to do is put some uncooked oats in an uncovered container and leave it inside your fridge.
6. Vanilla extract
Moisten one or two cotton balls with a few drops of vanilla extract. Place the dampened cotton balls into a shallow dish and put the whole thing in the back of your refrigerator.
7. Vinegar
Add some vinegar to a small paper towel and place in a small bowl or open container. Leave it inside your fridge for at least 24 hours to obtain the desired effect. Make sure to replace the towel every few days or each time it dries out.
8. Potatoes
Potatoes work perfectly as an odor absorber like oatmeal. Peel a potato, cut it into small pieces and keep it in your fridge. Change every few days for maximum odor control effect.
9. Charcoal
The charcoal you could use to deodorize your refrigerator is the same type you use for BBQ parties. Simply put two cups of charcoal cubes in an uncovered container and place it in the back of the refrigerator. Make sure to let your kids know about these deodorizers otherwise they will very likely mistake these with chocolate treats.
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