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Experts Recommend - Refrigerator Tutorials

How to Eliminate Odors from Your Refrigerator

Monique Alvarez
Last updated: May 8, 2025 11:41 am
By Monique Alvarez
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Say Goodbye to Unpleasant Smells!

Table of Contents
  • What You’ll Need to Get Started
  • Empty the Fridge: The First Step to Freshness
  • Clean and Deodorize: The Power of Natural Ingredients
  • Eliminate Hidden Odors: The Secret Spots You Might Miss
  • Freshen Up with Fridge-Friendly Tricks
  • Maintain Odor-Free Conditions: Your Ongoing Strategy
  • Enjoy a Fresh Fridge!

Unpleasant odors in your refrigerator can make it hard to enjoy your favorite foods. But don’t worry! You can learn how to quickly and effectively eliminate these smells with simple steps and natural ingredients. Let’s dive into a fresher, cleaner fridge!

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Baking soda
White vinegar
Activated charcoal
Sponge
Clean cloth
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1

Empty the Fridge: The First Step to Freshness

Clearing out the clutter reveals the source of the smell!

Remove all food items from your refrigerator. This is essential for getting to the root of those stubborn odors. As you take each item out, check expiration dates and give a sniff test to everything. Toss anything that’s past its prime, like that half-eaten takeout container lurking in the back or the leafy greens that turned into a science project.

Organize the items you want to keep into categories—dairy, condiments, and leftovers—so you can easily see what’s worth saving. This practice not only helps in identifying the main odor culprits but also sets you up for a more organized fridge.

Imagine opening your fridge later without having to dodge expired items and unsightly spills. By clearing out the old, you welcome the opportunity for freshness and make your cleaning job much easier. Let’s clean up those shelves next!


2

Clean and Deodorize: The Power of Natural Ingredients

Who knew that simple household items could be so effective?

Mix a solution of warm water and white vinegar in a bowl—this is your secret weapon against unpleasant smells. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe down all interior surfaces, including the walls, ceiling, and door seals. The vinegar’s natural acidity cuts through grease and grime, helping to eradicate odors.

Sprinkle baking soda generously across the fridge’s shelves and drawers. This powerhouse deodorizer neutralizes smells and absorbs moisture. You can even place an open box of baking soda in the back of your fridge as a continuous defense against odors.

Don’t forget to clean shelves and drawers thoroughly! Remove them if possible, and wash them with your vinegar solution or warm soapy water for a deeper clean. Picture the freshness that fills the air as you transform your fridge into a clean haven. With these simple steps, you’re well on your way to enjoying that crisp, fresh scent every time you open the door!

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3

Eliminate Hidden Odors: The Secret Spots You Might Miss

Your fridge might be hiding some surprises!

Inspect hidden areas in your refrigerator where odors may lurk. Start by checking under removable parts, such as drawers and shelves. Wipe down these spots with a sponge soaked in your vinegar solution to ensure you reach any spills that have gone unnoticed.

Don’t forget the crevices! Utilize a cotton swab or a small brush to scrub those tight spaces where food particles can gather. For instance, the area around the refrigerator’s drainage hole often traps moisture and spills.

Absorb lingering smells by placing activated charcoal in a small dish. This natural deodorizer works wonders in drawing out tough odors. Simply leave a few bowls of activated charcoal throughout the fridge and replace them every few weeks.

By focusing on these hidden locations, you enhance your cleaning efforts and achieve that fresh, inviting scent you deserve each time you open your fridge.

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4

Freshen Up with Fridge-Friendly Tricks

Transform your fridge into a haven of freshness!

Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to continuously absorb odors. This simple yet effective trick allows the baking soda to neutralize unpleasant smells, keeping your fridge fresh over time. Consider setting it in a corner where it won’t take up valuable space.

Alternatively, use coffee grounds in a small bowl to introduce a rich, pleasant aroma. Coffee grounds not only smell amazing but also effectively mask unwanted odors. After using your coffee, don’t toss the grounds; just save them for this purpose!

Lemon peels also serve as a natural scent booster. Cut peels and place them in a bowl to release a refreshing citrus fragrance. You can switch them out every week for a burst of freshness.

Incorporating these fridge-friendly tricks ensures that each time you open your fridge, you’re greeted with delightful scents, rather than unwelcome odors. Enjoy the inviting atmosphere created by these natural fresheners!


5

Maintain Odor-Free Conditions: Your Ongoing Strategy

A little maintenance goes a long way!

Regularly check your fridge for expired items and spills. Schedule a quick inspection once a week to remove any old food that could contribute to unpleasant smells. For instance, a rogue container of leftover pasta can quickly spoil your fridge’s atmosphere if left unchecked.

Clean your fridge monthly using a simple mix of vinegar and baking soda. Create this powerful solution by combining two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of warm water. Wipe down all surfaces, from shelves to door seals, ensuring you maintain a fresh environment.

Make this routine a family affair! Involve your kids or partner; consider it a fun task where you can chat and bond while boosting your fridge’s freshness. With these proactive steps, your refrigerator will stay an inviting, odor-free zone, keeping your food fresh and your kitchen pleasant.

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Enjoy a Fresh Fridge!

Now you can enjoy a clean, odor-free refrigerator that keeps your food fresh longer! Give these methods a try and share your results with friends and family. Remember, a fresh fridge is just a few steps away—let’s keep odors at bay together!

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Monique Alvarez
ByMonique Alvarez
Monique Alvarez combines a background in mechanical engineering with a love for practical home solutions. After years designing small appliances, she now dedicates her time to writing detailed reviews, tutorials and buying guides that demystify everything from smart refrigerators to energy-saving appliances. Her goal at ExpertsRecommend.org is simple: help people choose and maintain home products that make life easier and more efficient.
30 Comments
  • Anna Baker says:
    June 30, 2025 at 5:47 pm

    Anyone else forget about the stuff at the back of the fridge? I just found an old bottle of ketchup. Gross! 😂

    Reply
    • Monique Alvarez Monique Alvarez says:
      June 30, 2025 at 6:44 pm

      It happens to the best of us! Regular cleaning can help prevent those discoveries!

      Reply
    • Kevin Brown says:
      June 30, 2025 at 9:05 pm

      Ketchup is the classic fridge relic! It ends up back there all the time!

      Reply
  • Mark Smith says:
    June 30, 2025 at 6:09 pm

    I’m not gonna lie, I thought the first step was just emptying the fridge and calling it a day. 😂 But cleaning is actually needed. Who knew?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says:
      July 1, 2025 at 12:39 am

      Right? I thought it was just a fancy way to procrastinate cleaning! 🙈

      Reply
    • Monique Alvarez Monique Alvarez says:
      July 2, 2025 at 4:53 am

      Haha! It’s a common misconception, but you’ll definitely appreciate the fresh smell after!

      Reply
  • Sarah Connors says:
    July 2, 2025 at 1:24 am

    I just did a deep clean of my fridge using this guide, and wow, what a difference! The lemon and baking soda trick really works! 🍋✨ But I still can’t find where that weird smell is coming from. Any tips for hidden spots?

    Reply
    • Monique Alvarez Monique Alvarez says:
      July 2, 2025 at 3:41 am

      Thanks for sharing, Sarah! Don’t forget to check your ice maker and any compartments that might not get much attention!

      Reply
    • Mike Johnson says:
      July 2, 2025 at 11:15 pm

      Glad it worked for you! Check under the vegetable drawers. I found some old veggies hiding there once 😅.

      Reply
  • Sam Lee says:
    July 3, 2025 at 4:45 am

    I was skeptical about natural solutions, but I’m officially converted! My fridge smells amazing now. 🙌 Thanks for the guide!

    Reply
    • Lily Rose says:
      July 4, 2025 at 4:00 pm

      It’s like a breath of fresh air! I’m glad you gave it a shot!

      Reply
    • Monique Alvarez Monique Alvarez says:
      July 4, 2025 at 4:03 pm

      Awesome to hear, Sam! Natural solutions can be surprisingly effective!

      Reply
  • Lisa Tran says:
    July 11, 2025 at 9:45 pm

    I tried the vinegar solution, and it worked like magic! My fridge smells like a garden now, haha. Just a heads up, though—don’t mix it with baking soda! 🤦‍♀️

    Reply
    • Kevin Brown says:
      July 12, 2025 at 12:20 am

      LOL, I can just imagine that explosion! Vinegar is the way to go, though. Good call!

      Reply
    • Monique Alvarez Monique Alvarez says:
      July 13, 2025 at 4:18 am

      Great tip, Lisa! Mixing them can cause a fizzy mess. Stick to one or the other for the best results!

      Reply
  • Rebecca Daniels says:
    July 11, 2025 at 9:45 pm

    Can we talk about how much food we waste because of fridge smells? 😩 I need to do this ASAP, and I’ll make a game out of it with my kids!

    Reply
    • Tommy B says:
      July 11, 2025 at 11:47 pm

      I’m all for making chores a game! Maybe I’ll try that too.

      Reply
    • Monique Alvarez Monique Alvarez says:
      July 13, 2025 at 1:45 am

      Great idea, Rebecca! Involving the kids can make it fun and educational!

      Reply
  • James Black says:
    July 12, 2025 at 1:12 pm

    I found that using activated charcoal really helps too! Anyone else tried it? It’s like a little odor sponge!

    Reply
    • Sophie White says:
      July 12, 2025 at 10:54 pm

      Oh, I’ve heard about that! Does it really work? Sounds kinda cool!

      Reply
    • Monique Alvarez Monique Alvarez says:
      July 13, 2025 at 6:08 am

      Yes, James! Activated charcoal is great for absorbing odors. It’s a hidden gem!

      Reply
  • Oliver Choi says:
    July 23, 2025 at 7:09 am

    Thanks for the tips! But can we also talk about how to keep it smelling fresh afterward? I don’t want to do this every month!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Daniels says:
      July 23, 2025 at 11:44 am

      Good point! I need to set a reminder for that. No more fridge surprises!

      Reply
    • Monique Alvarez Monique Alvarez says:
      July 24, 2025 at 2:55 am

      Absolutely, Oliver! Regular maintenance is key—clean spills right away and check for expired items regularly!

      Reply
  • Tommy B says:
    July 24, 2025 at 7:45 am

    I usually just ignore the smells. Who has time for cleaning fridges? 😂 But I guess I should give this a shot. Maybe I’ll find some food from 2020 in there!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says:
      July 25, 2025 at 12:03 am

      Haha, you’d be surprised what you can find! Do it for the food that’s still good! 😆

      Reply
    • Monique Alvarez Monique Alvarez says:
      July 25, 2025 at 5:59 pm

      Totally understand, Tommy! Sometimes a deep clean can lead to some hilarious discoveries!

      Reply
  • Chloe Adams says:
    August 1, 2025 at 9:09 am

    I used to think putting a box of baking soda was enough. I guess I was wrong! Thanks for the great tips! 💡

    Reply
    • Mike Johnson says:
      August 1, 2025 at 1:30 pm

      Baking soda is a classic, but it needs some backup now and then!

      Reply
    • Monique Alvarez Monique Alvarez says:
      August 2, 2025 at 3:54 pm

      It’s a good start, but definitely not the only step! Glad you found the tips helpful!

      Reply

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