The refrigerator and freezer are the guarantors of the good conservation of your food. But if you don’t take care of them properly, their promises will no longer be kept. If they are not cleaned regularly and not thoroughly disinfected, they will not last long. Not to mention the waste of energy. Do you often complain about bad smells coming from the fridge? This is a direct consequence of this lack of maintenance.
Between excess moisture, moldy food in the bottom of a compartment, and poor usage habits, it should come as no surprise that this problem is a recurring one. Fortunately, there is a very effective home method that will save the day. In addition to the good things to do every day, discover this natural tip that will refresh your fridge.
Why put white vinegar in the fridge?
Bad smells in the fridge – Source: spm
We guarantee that there is nothing more unpleasant than smelling foul odors when you open the refrigerator. Especially since they can affect your food and even invade the entire kitchen. There is no secret: to eliminate this annoying problem, you must take care of your appliance. Of course, there are multiple solutions that will come to your rescue. As a bonus, the ingredients used are natural and inexpensive!
Also read: Why is it smart to prick a lemon with a toothpick before putting it in the fridge?
Among these ingredients, there is a trio that you can always count on: lemon juice, baking soda, and white vinegar. All three are renowned for their cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing performance. If you want to make your own homemade air freshener against bad odors (and not just for the fridge, by the way!), this remedy will be especially effective for you. You will only need a glass that you will fill with the mixture of these 3 products: place it in a strategic place in the refrigerator and let the solution act calmly. After a few hours, you will already feel a clear difference!
N.B : know that this same remedy can be used to carefully clean the shelves and drawers of the refrigerator. Something to save a little money by avoiding regular purchases of industrial detergents.
Another cool tip: You may not know it, but potatoes are also known to neutralize unpleasant odors. How to proceed ? It’s very simple, just peel one and put it directly into the fridge. Leave to act for 2 or 3 days. And the result will surprise you!
The right thing to keep the fridge
No matter what, cleaning your devices is essential. Whether regular or periodic, maintenance promotes the longevity of refrigerator components and also protects your food. But, to avoid some common problems, including the development of bad odors, it would be good to take some precautions.
- It is important to keep food well: it is not about putting it directly in the fridge, after shopping, without making the slightest classification. Likewise, always make sure leftovers are properly wrapped before placing them inside. Without forgetting the fact of overloading the appliance with products and forgetting a piece of cheese stuck somewhere. All this chaos inevitably leads to the formation of mold and bad smells. For this reason, always privilege a well-thought-out order in the refrigerator area, hermetic containers to store certain foods and transparent film to seal dishes that have already been started.
- Of course, always check the expiration dates of food. Although some may last longer, if you notice the slightest suspicious appearance or smell, you need to get rid of it quickly. Otherwise, an expired product can easily contaminate the freshness of others!
- Also, be sure to clean refrigerator door handles and seals, which often harbor bacteria. If you have a refrigerator with a freezer, use a stiff dish brush to remove any food crumbs that get stuck in the seals.
- Also remember to clean the casing of the device from time to time: unplug it first and use a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. Dry immediately with a clean towel or microfiber cloth. If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, you can also use a specific cleaner for this material. After cleaning, reconnect the device.
How often should the refrigerator be cleaned?
Cleaning the fridge – Source: spm
To prevent odor and mold buildup, deep cleaning is recommended at least twice a year. However, nothing prevents you from disinfecting it more often if necessary. Also keep in mind that the refrigerator may require regular defrosting, especially if it does not have an antifreeze system.
How to carefully clean the various shelves of your device? Just use a little hot water mixed with baking soda or white vinegar. This natural remedy will be as effective as an industrial product, less harmful substances for the environment. But if you insist on using it, choose a product that isn’t abrasive and doesn’t create too much foam to make cleaning easier.
Also read: Why is it smart to put an apple in the oven while it’s still hot? How brilliant everyone does.
Finally, get in the habit of storing foods that give off “strong” odors in airtight containers, like cheese. If, despite this precaution, your refrigerator is still plagued by indelicate odors, first try to identify the source of the problem. This will allow you to detect any expired or moldy products.
N.B : Avoid using essential oils or aromatic plants inside the refrigerator, as they give off a strong odor and, therefore, can impregnate other foods.
Also read: Why is it smart to put a tennis ball in the laundry before washing it?
