Your refrigerator is the heart of your kitchen, but unfortunately it can become a source of unpleasant odours, if not maintained properly. The first step towards cleaning your refrigerator is understanding why these odours occur. 

Why Does Your Refrigerator Smell?

Odours of the refrigerator only occur when you forget the items you have kept inside and let go the duration of their biological process. 

1. Expired Food Items and Spills 

The biggest culprit behind refrigerator odour is the decomposing organic items. Even a small spill of juice or milk can grow mold, and harbor bacteria, if left untreated.

2. Mold and Ever Expanding Bacteria

Various bacterias thrive in cold environments, and the smell you perceive as refrigerator smell, is from the bacteria producing gases. 

3. Plastic Shelf Liners 

The plastic liners present in almost every refrigerator absorbs odour over time. Even if after a deep clean, the smell persists, it's your plastic liner.

4. Dirty Rubber Gasket

The rubber seal around your refrigerator door can easily trap moisture and food particles. 

5. Clogged Drip Bins 

Many people forget to unclog the drip bins in the backside unit of your fridge. It collects condensation, it can grow stagnant, and smell bad. 

Best Ways To Get Rid Of The Mold Smell

To keep your refrigerator fresh and clean, it is your duty to make sure that it involves deep cleaning and on a consistent basis. Here are the most effective ways to get rid of that smell.

Effective Method 

How To Use It?

Classic Baking Soda 

Keep an open box of baking soda on the middle shelf to neutralize acidic and basic odours.  

Activated Charcoal

It is more effective than baking soda. It can filter heavy odours from the refrigerator air. 

White Vinegar 

You can use white vinegar to sanitize the refrigerator surface. Make sure it's a mixture of 50-50 water and vinegar. 

Coffee Grounds

Dry, used coffee grounds in a bowl can absorb smells, and will also add faint coffee aroma 

Lemon Halves 

Placing a half lemon provides temporary citrusy freshness 

Vanilla Soak

You can dip a cotton ball with vanilla extract for a sweet scent.

Regular Checks 

Maintain regular checks on product’s expiry dates 

Clean Gaskets 

The rubber between your refrigerator door needs to be clean with a toothbrush and soapy water. 

Dry Oats 

Surprising, a bowl of dry oats can absorb odours similarly to charcoal. 


Conclusion

Regular maintenance is the key to maintaining a clean, and fresh refrigerator. Understand the causes, implement a consistent cleaning routine and welcome your fresh fruits and vegetables in a clean environment. 

(Image Credits: Freepik)

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