Refrigerators are an indispensable appliance in every household. However, prolonged use or excessive storage can result in unpleasant odors and grime accumulation. So, what’s the best way to clean and freshen them up?
Many people resort to using plain water to clean their refrigerators; however, this method is not particularly effective. The refrigerator takes longer to clean, fails to eliminate odors, and wastes time.
Instead, using lemon juice to clean your refrigerator will yield superior results. Simply squeeze lemon juice into the unplugged refrigerator, then use a soft, thin cloth to thoroughly wipe down the interior. The dirt will quickly disappear thanks to the excellent cleaning power of lemon. Once you’ve finished with the lemon, wash the cloth and wipe down the interior again with plain water.
Besides lemon, here are a few more methods for cleaning and deodorizing your refrigerator:
Using Orange or Grapefruit Peels
There are several ways to eliminate refrigerator odors, but using orange or grapefruit peels is a widely used technique because the natural essential oils in citrus fruits effectively neutralize odors for up to three days.
To use this method, wash and dry orange or grapefruit peels, then place them in the corners of your refrigerator. You can repeat this process regularly to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh.
Baking Soda and Lavender
If you own a spacious side-by-side refrigerator that stores a significant amount of food, it’s inevitable that it will accumulate various odors. The natural cleaning duo of baking soda and lavender will help your refrigerator absorb all unpleasant smells, leaving it with a delightful fragrance. Simply combine these two ingredients in a container and place it inside your refrigerator.
Based on the experiences of many homemakers, it’s recommended to use a spice container/jar made of aluminum because the perforated lid facilitates effective odor absorption.
Coffee Grounds Magic
Here’s a clever refrigerator deodorizing tip for coffee enthusiasts: Combine coffee grounds with baking soda to create a potent mixture capable of vanquishing persistent refrigerator odors.
Using Vinegar
Deodorizing your refrigerator with vinegar is easy because it’s a common household staple. Simply pour vinegar into an open glass jar and place it in a corner of your refrigerator. However, be careful not to spill vinegar when using the refrigerator.
Dried Tea Leaves
Place approximately 50 grams of scented tea leaves in a small cloth bag and set it inside your refrigerator. They typically have a shelf life of one month. Afterwards, remove the tea leaves, dry them in the sun, and reuse them.
Citrus Peels: Place washed and dried orange or grapefruit peels in the corners of your fridge. The natural essential oils in these citrus fruits will neutralize odors for up to three days.
Baking Soda and Lavender: Combine baking soda and lavender in a container and place it in your fridge, especially if you have a side-by-side model that stores a lot of food. This duo effectively absorbs unpleasant odors and leaves a delightful fragrance.
Coffee Grounds and Baking Soda: Coffee enthusiasts, rejoice! Combine coffee grounds with baking soda to create a powerful odor-fighting mixture.
Vinegar: Pour vinegar into an open glass jar and place it in a corner of your refrigerator. Vinegar is a common household item that effectively deodorizes.
Dried Tea Leaves: Scented tea leaves can also absorb odors. Place approximately 50 grams in a small cloth bag and put it in your fridge. They’ll last about a month before needing to be dried in the sun and reused.