How to Deodorise a Fridge
Banish fridge smells by removing spoiled food, washing shelves and drawers with warm soapy water, and neutralising odours with bicarbonate of soda.
Quick answer
Empty the fridge and throw away anything past its date or off. Remove shelves and drawers and wash them in warm soapy water. Wipe the interior walls with a cloth dipped in a weak vinegar solution. Dry everything thoroughly. Place an open box or small bowl of bicarbonate of soda on a shelf to absorb lingering smells.
A smelly fridge usually means spilled food, forgotten leftovers or poor airflow. Deodorising takes half an hour and keeps your food tasting fresh.
What you’ll need
- bicarbonate of soda
- warm soapy water
- cloths
- white vinegar
- coffee grounds or activated charcoal (optional)
- airtight containers
Step by step
- 1
Unplug or turn the fridge to its coldest setting
If you need the door open for a while, unplug the fridge or turn it to its lowest setting to save energy while you work.
- 2
Remove all food and inspect it
Check use-by dates. Throw away anything mouldy, leaking or suspicious. Move salvageable items to a cool bag.
- 3
Take out shelves and drawers
Remove all removable parts. Wash them in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry them completely before putting them back.
- 4
Wipe the interior
Dip a cloth in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts warm water. Wipe every wall, seal and shelf bracket. Pay attention to corners and drip holes.
- 5
Dry thoroughly
Use a clean dry cloth to remove all moisture. Trapped dampness breeds mould and makes smells worse.
- 6
Add a deodoriser
Place an open tub of bicarbonate of soda on a middle shelf. Replace it every month. For strong smells, use activated charcoal or a shallow dish of dry coffee grounds instead.
- 7
Store food in airtight containers
Seal leftovers, cheese and strong-smelling foods in airtight containers. This stops odours from circulating.
Never use harsh chemical cleaners or undiluted bleach inside a fridge. Residue can contaminate food and cause illness.
Common mistakes
- Leaving spoiled food at the back of shelves
- Putting wet shelves back into the fridge
- Using scented cleaners that mask smells instead of removing them
- Forgetting to clean the rubber door seal where grime hides
Frequently asked
How long does bicarbonate of soda take to work?
It starts absorbing smells within a few hours, but give it a full day for strong odours. Replace the box monthly for ongoing freshness.
Can I use lemon instead of vinegar to clean the inside?
Yes. Lemon juice and water work well. However, vinegar is better at killing bacteria that cause smells.
Why does my fridge still smell after cleaning?
Check the drip hole and drain channel at the back. Food debris can clog them. Use a pipe cleaner or cotton bud to clear the blockage.
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