Your fridge is one of the most important appliances in your home, responsible for keeping your food fresh and safe to eat. However, it’s easy to overlook regular cleaning, which can lead to unpleasant odours, sticky spills, and even mould growth. To keep your fridge in top condition, it can be helpful to develop a consistent cleaning routine. Whether you have a sleek upright fridge or a more compact model, maintaining cleanliness and freshness needn’t be a chore.
Here’s how to keep your fridge clean and odour-free in a few simple steps.
1. Regularly remove expired or spoiled foods
The first step in keeping your fridge clean and odour-free is to routinely check for expired or spoiled food. Forgotten leftovers, decaying produce, or outdated condiments can quickly contribute to foul smells. Removing these items before they have a chance to decompose will ensure your fridge stays fres and clean.
Develop a routine
Make a habit of organising your fridge and checking for out-dated goods once a week – you might find it easier to remember if you stick to doing it every Saturday, for example. Make a grocery list before heading to the shop so you don’t buy any food you don’t need, and when you bring groceries home, move older items to the front of the fridge so they get used first.
- Tip: Keep a bin bag handy during your weekly fridge clean-out so you can quickly dispose of any expired food, saving time and making the process more efficient.
2. Wipe spills and clean surfaces
Spills are often inevitable, whether it’s a jar of sauce tipping over or a carton of milk leaking. If not cleaned up promptly, however, small spills can soon transform into sticky messes that lead to mould growth and bad odours.
Quick clean-ups
Whenever you spill anything, wipe it up straight away with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. This will prevent liquids from seeping into hard-to-reach areas, or staining work surfaces. For larger spills, consider removing the shelf or drawer entirely and washing it with warm, soapy water.
- Tip: Use a sponge or soft cloth to clean shelves and drawers at least once a month, even if you don’t notice any visible mess. This will help to prevent grime from building up over time.
3. Use natural deodorisers to absorb odours
Even when you’re diligent about removing expired food and cleaning spills, odours can still develop from strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, or certain cheeses. To keep your fridge smelling fresh, use natural deodorisers that absorb bad odours without introducing artificial fragrances.
Baking soda and activated charcoal
Baking soda is one of the most popular natural, low-cost deodorisers. Simply place an open box of baking soda on one of your fridge smells to neutralise any smells. Similarly, activated charcoal can be highly effective at trapping and eliminating odours.
- Tip: Keep a small dish of baking soda or activated charcoal in your fridge at all times, and replace it every 30 days for optimal freshness.
4. Organise your fridge to encourage air circulation
A well organised fridge will make it easier to find your food and may even help you to feel calmer while cooking, as reducing kitchen clutter can improve our mental health. However, organising your fridge in such a way as to promote air circulation will also help your food to stay fresher for longer.
Keep it clutter-free
Avoid cramming too many items onto your shelves or in your drawers. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooling, and restrict airflow. Use clear bins or containers to organise similar items together, like dairy products, condiments, or fruits and vegetables.
- Tip: Invest in fridge organisers, like clear bins or pull-out trays, to keep items neatly stored and prevent clutter.
5. Deep clean your fridge
Alongside regular maintenance, it’s important to give your fridge a deep clean every few months to tackle any hidden dirt or odours. A thorough cleaning includes wiping down all surfaces, cleaning the gaskets, and even removing and washing the shelves and drawers.
How to deep clean your fridge:
- Empty the fridge: Remove all items from the fridge, including food, shelves, and drawers.
- Clean shelves and drawers: Wash all removable shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water. Allow them to air-dry or dry them with a clean towel.
- Wipe down interior surfaces: Use a mixture of water and white vinegar, or a mild dish soap to wipe down interior walls, door seals, and gaskets. Vinegar is especially effective at cutting through grease and eliminating odours.
- Inspect and clean the drainage hole: Some fridges have a drainage hole in the back to catch excess moisture. Check that this hole is clear of debris, as a clogged drain can lead to unpleasant smells.
- Replace all items: Once everything is clean and dry, organise your food back into the fridge.
- Tip: Schedule a deep cleaning session every three to four months. Mark it on your calendar as a reminder so that you don’t let too much time pass between cleanings.
6. Use airtight containers for strong-smelling foods
One of the easiest ways to prevent odours from spreading throughout your fridge is to store strong-smelling foods in airtight containers. Foods like onions, garlic, fish, and cheese can release odours that easily permeate other items in your fridge.
Seal in freshness
Airtight containers not only lock in smells, but also keep your food fresher for longer by preventing exposure to air. Invest in a set of quality containers with tight seals for storing leftovers or pungent ingredients.
- Tip: Label each container with the date you stored the food, so you know when it’s time to use it or discard it.
Maintaining a clean and odour-free fridge doesn’t have to be a chore. By developing regular cleaning habits, using natural deodorisers, and keeping your fridge organised, you can ensure your fridge stays both fresh and functional. Taking small steps, like wiping up spills immediately and storing strong-smelling foods properly, will make a big difference in keeping your fridge in optimal condition for years to come.
What are your top tips for keeping your fridge clean? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
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