The Simple DIY Vinegar Solution That Makes Stinky Fridge Odors A Thing Of The Past

Few things are as off-putting as opening your fridge only to be met with a foul odor. Whether caused by bacteria, strong-smelling food, liquid spillage, or mold buildup, stinky fridge odors may last for weeks or even months. And the worst part? Using harsh chemicals or scented cleaners may contaminate your food or leave toxic residue. Luckily, you can naturally deodorize your smelly fridge with an item you already have in your kitchen: vinegar. Simply mixing vinegar with other natural deodorizers like salt can help create a food-safe antibacterial cleanser that can make stinky fridge odors a thing of the past.

What makes vinegar an effective odor-fighting solution is its mild acidic properties. It's made from acetic acid, an organic compound with a pungent smell that can kill microbes, dissolve grease and mineral deposits, remove stains, and lift dirt. When it comes to persistent odors that are alkaline-based, like those caused by fish, garlic, onion, or bacteria, vinegar breaks down the molecules causing the smell and neutralizes them. Additionally, combining vinegar with a dehumidifying substance like salt can boost its effectiveness even more by helping it absorb moisture and reduce bacterial growth.

There are various ways to combine vinegar with salt to get rid of funky odors in your fridge. For example, you could make a paste using equal parts vinegar and salt to wipe down your fridge's shelves and inner plastic, which will help remove stains and sticky substances left inside. You can let the paste set for up to an hour, especially if you have mold growth inside your fridge, before wiping it down with a non-abrasive sponge. Once done, rinse the sponge with warm water and wipe the fridge again to remove leftover paste. For a stronger, more disinfectant mixture, combine ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar with ½ tablespoon of salt. To make a gentler version for spaces like the inside of your freezer, mix equal parts warm water and vinegar.

It's important to note that, if you decide to wipe down your freezer or the exterior of your fridge, you shouldn't be using concentrated vinegar or salt because vinegar can react with stainless steel and corrode certain types of rubber seals. In some cases, it might be best to empty your freezer, unplug the fridge, and leave a bowl of vinegar or salt inside for 24 hours to absorb the smell and moisture. Alternatively, soak a paper towel in vinegar and place it on an open container inside your fridge, just be sure to replace it every few days or when it dries out.

Maintaining an odorless fridge isn't easy, especially when you enjoy cooking with strong-smelling ingredients or often keep leftovers inside your fridge. However, there are many cleaning hacks that will make your refrigerator really sparkle. First of all, you might want to keep your leftovers and foods with strong odors covered or store them in sealed containers. This will prevent odors from spreading and reduce the chances of spillage. A pro tip is to always keep older products closer to their expiration date in an easily accessible shelf to use them as soon as possible. You should also clean spills as soon as they happen instead of letting them dry out. It also helps to do a thorough inspection of the contents of your fridge every week or so and throw away expired food before it starts to smell.

Another important thing that may cause intense foul odors inside your fridge is forgetting to replace your fridge's filters. Many fridges come with water and air filters that have an expiration date of six months. Replacing your fridge filters regularly will reduce bacterial growth and prevent odors from spreading. You might also want to deep clean your fridge using gentle fragrance-free products every three months.