Effective Tips for Naturally Eliminating Odors in the Fridge
How to Get Rid of Odor in the Fridge and Why Does It Happen?
The fridge is one of the most important appliances in a household. We open it every day, store food in it, reach for fresh vegetables, dairy products, or leftovers from dinner. That's why an unpleasant odor in the fridge can be quite a surprise—and even more of a hassle. How can you avoid it and what should you do when it appears? And what actually causes the fridge to start smelling, even if it looks clean?
Why Does a Fridge Smell Even When There's Nothing Obviously Spoiled?
It's not uncommon for an unpleasant smell to come from the fridge. It usually starts subtly—a slight odor that becomes more noticeable every time you open the door, reminding you that something is not right. The fridge might look clean at first glance, and the food inside may seem fine. However, the sources of the smell are often not immediately visible. Leftover sauces, expired vegetables at the back of the shelf, or spilled yogurt can sometimes go unnoticed longer than we'd expect.
Moreover, it's not just about what we put into the fridge, but how we do it. Unpackaged foods, open containers, or foods in plastic bags that aren't properly sealed can start releasing odors that quickly spread in the confined space. Additionally, if the fridge isn't working properly or the temperature isn't set correctly, bacteria and mold can find ideal conditions to grow.
The odor in the fridge isn't just an aesthetic problem. It can also signal that the stored food isn't in good condition, or that the fridge hasn't been cleaned thoroughly.
What Helps With Fridge Odor and How to Prevent It
The foundation of fighting odor is prevention and regular maintenance. Even if we don't always have time for a complete fridge cleaning, following a few simple principles can keep its interior fresh and odor-free.
Proper care of the fridge isn't just about appearance—it's mainly about the health and freshness of your food. The first rule, which you should definitely not forget, is regular content inspection. Let's be honest—who hasn't found a cheese purchased last month hiding in the corner of a shelf? Even a small piece of spoiled food can contaminate its surroundings, so as soon as you notice expired or suspicious food, it's time to say goodbye to it.
Not only what you have in the fridge but also how you store it plays a big role. Order in the fridge is simply fundamental. Airtight containers or jars with lids work great—they prevent odors from spreading where they shouldn't and keep food fresher longer. Plus, it all looks much better.
At least once a month, take the time to give the fridge a thorough cleaning. Remove all shelves and drawers, and give them a bath in lukewarm water with a little baking soda or vinegar. Natural cleaning agents help with hygiene and rid you of unpleasant odors.
Temperature is equally important. The ideal is somewhere between 3 and 5 °C—within this range, your food will be perfectly chilled, without becoming frozen. Higher temperatures can slow cooling and provide space for bacteria.
And finally, a frequently overlooked detail—door seals. They may not seem like a crucial part of the fridge, but when they are damaged or dirty, cold air escapes, which can not only increase energy costs but also spread odors. Occasionally check and clean them. Your fridge (and its contents) will thank you.
An interesting finding is that even when food is stored correctly, the combination of foods themselves can cause unwanted odors. For example, fish, strong-smelling cheese, or garlic can affect the aroma throughout the fridge.
Natural Odor Absorbers – What Really Works?
If an odor has already appeared in the fridge and it's impossible to get rid of it just by cleaning, there are several natural methods that can effectively neutralize it. Many of them can be found right at home—without having to resort to chemical fresheners.
Among the most popular natural remedies for fridge odor are:
Want to get rid of fridge odor? Try a few proven tricks: such as baking soda, which absorbs odors exceptionally well—just pour it into a bowl and replace it every two to three weeks. Dried coffee grounds will also give the fridge a pleasant scent. Lemon or orange with a few cloves acts as a natural freshener and disinfectant in one. And if you need something truly effective, go for activated charcoal from the pharmacy or health food store. Lastly, you can try ordinary vinegar—a small glass can work wonders.
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A great practical example is the experience of Mrs. Jana from Chrudim, who puzzled over why her new fridge started smelling unpleasant after a few weeks of use. It wasn't until she pulled out the bottom drawer that she discovered a forgotten carrot that was decomposing and creating mold. After a thorough cleaning and using baking soda, the odor disappeared within two days.
How to Deep Clean When the Odor Persists
When an unpleasant odor emanates from the fridge, it's not enough just to throw out old food or place a bowl of coffee grounds inside—sometimes you need to go deeper. Turn it off, completely empty it, and thoroughly wash all shelves and drawers in water with vinegar and baking soda. Don't forget to wipe every corner, seal, and especially check the drainage hole at the back—it's often clogged and can become a breeding ground for odors. Finally, leave the door open to allow the fridge to air out properly, and before returning everything, place a bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal inside as a natural odor absorber.
In some cases, the source of the odor might be a clogged filter or seal where mold hides. If the fridge is older or hasn't been cleaned for a long time, consider replacing the seal or having a service check.
Composting as Prevention of Spoiled Food
Odor often stems from spoiled food forgotten at the back of the fridge. And this is where a change in approach to shopping and food consumption can help. Minimizing waste not only saves money but also has a direct impact on fridge cleanliness. Those who carefully plan their meals and shop thoughtfully have an organized fridge with minimal waste.
Moreover, foods that are no longer suitable for consumption but can still be composted should quickly make their way to a composter—ideally a home, kitchen one, suitable for apartments. Fermentation composters utilizing Bokashi cultures are now available on the Czech market and help reduce the amount of bio-waste in households.
Sustainable and Healthy Habits as the Key to a Fragrant Fridge
The question of "what to do about fridge odor?" actually has deeper roots. It's not just about finding the quickest solution but learning to approach food storage with greater responsibility. A fragrant and clean fridge is the result of regular care, prevention, and mindful handling of food.
When we adopt simple routines—like using airtight containers, regularly checking food, cleaning once a month, and using natural odor absorbers—we'll find that unpleasant odors never emanate from the fridge. Plus, we're contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle that saves not only our wallet but also the planet.
As an old saying goes: "Order is not a coincidence." This applies to the fridge as well.
