We all know the feeling – you open your fridge and are hit with an unpleasant fridge smells like dead animal that makes you lose your appetite. A smelly fridge is not only unappetizing, but it can also be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. That’s why it’s essential to keep your fridge clean and odor-free.
But how can you tell if your fridge smells? Well, your nose knows! If you detect an unusual odor every time you open the fridge, that’s a sure sign that it needs cleaning. Some common causes of fridge odors include spoiled food, spills, and bacteria buildup.
Don’t worry; cleaning your fridge is not as daunting as it seems. In this article, we’ll show you some simple steps to follow to clean a fridge that smells, so you can keep your food fresh and delicious.
Preparation to clean a fridge that smells
Before you start cleaning, gather the following supplies:
- A bucket
- A sponge or cloth
- A mild dish soap
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- A toothbrush
- Rubber gloves
- A paper towel
- Empty the Fridge
The first step is to empty the fridge. Remove all of the food, including any expired or spoiled items. Wipe down the shelves and drawers with a damp cloth to remove any food particles.
Turn Off the Fridge
Once the fridge is empty, turn it off. This will allow you to clean the interior without worrying about damaging the electrical components.
Remove Drawers and Shelves
If your fridge has removable drawers and shelves, remove them for easier cleaning. Wash them with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
Cleaning the Interior
Now it’s time to clean the interior of the fridge. Start by wiping down all of the surfaces with a damp cloth. You can use a mild dish soap if you like, but be sure to rinse the surfaces thoroughly afterward.
Next, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on any areas that have stubborn stains or odors. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Finally, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the fridge. This will help to absorb any remaining odors. Let the baking soda sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up.
Use a gentle cleaner
Choose a gentle cleaner. You don’t want to use anything that will be harsh on the surfaces of your fridge or that will leave behind any harmful chemicals. A good option is to use a mild dish soap or a solution of baking soda and water.
Start from the top down
Once you’ve chosen your cleaner, it’s time to start cleaning. The best way to do this is to start from the top and work your way down. This will help to prevent any dirt or grime from falling onto surfaces that you’ve already cleaned.
Clean shelves and drawers separately
The next step is to clean the shelves and drawers of your fridge. Remove them from the fridge and wash them with warm, soapy water. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward.
Pay attention to crevices and corners
Don’t forget to clean the crevices and corners of your fridge. These are often the places where dirt and grime can build up. You can use a toothbrush or a small brush to get into these hard-to-reach places.
Don’t forget the door gasket
The door gasket is the rubber seal that helps to keep your fridge cold. It’s important to clean this gasket regularly to prevent it from harboring bacteria and mold. You can clean the gasket with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.
Cleaning the Exterior
Now it’s time to clean the exterior of the fridge. Start by wiping down all of the surfaces with a damp cloth. You can use a mild dish soap if you like, but be sure to rinse the surfaces thoroughly afterward.
Use appropriate cleaner for your fridge type
The type of cleaner you use will depend on the material of your fridge. If your fridge is stainless steel, you can use mild dish soap and water. If your fridge is white, you can use white vinegar and water solution. And if your fridge is black, you can use a black magic eraser.
Pay attention to handles and doors
Don’t forget to clean the handles and doors of your fridge. These are often the places where dirt and grime can build up. You can use a toothbrush or a small brush to get into these hard-to-reach places.
Don’t forget the top and sides
Don’t forget to clean the top and sides of your fridge. These are often the places that are overlooked, but they can also get dirty. You can use a damp cloth to wipe down these surfaces.
Dealing with Tough Odors
There are a few things you can do to get rid of tough odors.
Natural Deodorizers
There are a number of natural deodorizers that you can use to get rid of tough odors in your fridge. Some popular options include:
- Baking soda: Baking soda is a great all-purpose deodorizer. Simply place a box of baking soda in your fridge and let it work its magic.
- Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal is another great natural deodorizer. It’s especially effective at absorbing strong odors like fish or garlic. You can buy activated charcoal at most health food stores.
- Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds are a great way to get rid of odors in your fridge. Simply place a few tablespoons of coffee grounds in a small bowl and let them sit in your fridge overnight.
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges, have a strong, pleasant smell that can help to mask tough odors. Simply cut a lemon or orange in half and place it in your fridge.
Deep Cleaning Solutions
If you’ve tried using natural deodorizers and the odor is still there, you may need to do a deep cleaning of your fridge. Here are a few deep cleaning solutions that you can try:
- Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda: This solution is a great way to remove tough stains and odors. Simply mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and apply the mixture to the affected area. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
- Bleach and water: This solution is a powerful cleaner, but it should only be used as a last resort. Mix one part bleach with ten parts water and apply the mixture to the affected area. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Preventing Odors
The best way to prevent tough odors from developing in your fridge is to take some simple precautions. Here are a few tips:
- Discard expired or spoiled food immediately: Expired or spoiled food is a major source of odors. Discard any expired or spoiled food immediately.
- Wipe down the shelves and drawers regularly: Wipe down the shelves and drawers of your fridge regularly with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any food particles or spills that could lead to odors.
- Keep the fridge clean and organized: A cluttered fridge is more likely to develop odors. Keep the fridge clean and organized by regularly removing expired or spoiled food and wiping down the shelves and drawers.
- Don’t overload the fridge: Overloading the fridge can make it difficult to keep it clean and can also lead to odors. Don’t overload the fridge and make sure that there is plenty of space for air to circulate.
- Store food in airtight containers: Storing food in airtight containers will help to prevent odors from escaping. This is especially important for strong-smelling foods like fish or garlic.
- Place strong-smelling foods in the back of the fridge: Strong-smelling foods, like fish or garlic, should be placed in the back of the fridge. This will help to contain the odor and prevent it from spreading throughout the fridge.
- Use a baking soda box to absorb odors: A baking soda box is a great way to absorb odors in your fridge. Simply place a box of baking soda in your fridge and let it work its magic.
Tips for Preventing Future Smells
Here are some tips for preventing future smells in your fridge:
- Store food properly. This means storing food in airtight containers or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. This will help to prevent food from spoiling and emitting odors.
- Check expiration dates. Expired food can spoil and emit odors, so it’s important to check expiration dates regularly and discard any expired food.
- Wipe up spills immediately. Spilled food can quickly spoil and emit odors, so it’s important to wipe up any spills immediately.
- Keep an open box of baking soda in the fridge. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help to absorb odors in your fridge.
- Clean the fridge regularly. Cleaning your fridge regularly will help to remove any food particles or spills that could lead to odors.
Conclusion
With just a few simple steps, you can get rid of that unpleasant smell and have your fridge sparkling clean. Remember to gather your supplies, empty the fridge, turn it off, remove the shelves and drawers, and clean the interior thoroughly. And don’t forget to check your fridge regularly to ensure that it stays clean and fresh. By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious and healthy food that’s stored in a clean and odor-free fridge.
