Bad smell from the refrigerator. Unpleasant smell in the refrigerator: elimination methods

The problem of refrigerator odor has two solutions on a global scale. We struggle with the causes and consequences. Let's look at both methods today. Let us help you remove the smell from your refrigerator. You'll see, there are some steps you can take.

Causes and consequences of odor in the refrigerator

The cause of the unpleasant odor is not a spoiled product. Putrefactive bacteria become a prerequisite for such disastrous consequences. Europe is in trouble. Not on the scale of one country - they conquered the Old World. Almost everyone uses bacteria as a nutrient medium. Only metal is categorically inedible. Plastic sheathing, rubber inserts Contaminated refrigerators act as a breeding ground for bacteria.

The reasons are similar with products. Bacteria multiply in the nutrient medium and emit an unpleasant odor. Rarely does fresh food become the cause of an incident. Salty, sea fish dangerous. Not the only ways a bad refrigerator smell can occur. Thawing occurs by drip. Temporarily the compartment temperature rises and becomes above zero. Dirty water flows through channels, filling a special container. An expensive stream leaves traces of dirty streaks. A breeding ground for bacteria is formed.

Dispose of spoiled food by holding your nose

Microorganisms die, affected by dryness, low temperatures- some. The latter feel great in the freezer when the refrigerator has been idle for a long time. Bacteria rarely disappear spontaneously. We have to fight. In relation to the human body, antibiotics are used; surfactants are more suitable.

Methods to combat the consequences of refrigerator odor

Let’s say you don’t have time to bother with disinfecting the inside surface of the refrigerator and cleaning the defrosting system. Row found folk recipes, helping to quickly eliminate the consequences. The smell disappears for some time. In the absence of further measures, the negative effect will resume.

Per row useful tips thanks to the channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiVAkpYmoOMizHWa7ABzueg. Without the help of lovely women, the authors had a hard time putting together advice. Let's start eliminating the cause of the smell. Avoid eating products used as aroma absorbers.

Eliminating the causes of unpleasant refrigerator odors

Unpleasant smell caused by bacteria. Where can microorganisms find food? Odor elimination methods are universal, the most best manufacturers The insides of the compartment are covered with special bio-enamel, supplemented with silver ions. From what has been said it is clear: they indicated the first search location. The plastic looks smooth and clean, causing unpleasant odors. Many refrigerator models have a special mode called Vacation, the temperature is maintained close to zero. After a long absence of the owners, the thawed cells do not stink.

Clean your refrigerator with cleaning products

To get rid of the misfortune, it is recommended to treat the surface of the compartment with a cleaning agent. Hydrogen peroxide will do. A weak solution of the substance is suitable to kill microbes. To give the interior of the refrigerator a pleasant smell, it is recommended to add dishwashing detergents, liquid soap, and shampoo. The purpose of the component is to create active foam and odorization.

The above measures did not help - pay attention to the following units, components refrigerator:

Please note that if you have the No Frost system, there is a compartment with an evaporator inside the refrigerator. The cavity will cause an unpleasant odor. Most refrigerators have one single evaporator for the refrigerator and freezer compartments combined. As a result, the air circulates continuously. If fish is placed in the freezer, aromatic fatty acids will fill the refrigerator volume. As a result, it will be difficult to remove the smell. Cleaning the evaporator compartment is difficult.

An odor absorber for the refrigerator will be an effective measure to combat the consequences. Powerless to eliminate the causes. We will remove odor using a suitable steam generator. It will artificially increase humidity, reducing the time between defrosts. The further plan of action is determined by the intelligence of the technology. The unpleasant smell of the refrigerator will be eliminated detergents during several defrosts.

Where unpleasant odors can accumulate. The smell of the refrigerator is concentrated in any cavity. For example, behind a decorative panel hiding a thermostat. After reading this, regulars of the VashTechnik portal will be able to understand what caused the unpleasant moment. Let us add that disintegrating polymers can cause an unpleasant synthetic odor. Plastic. It is especially difficult to give advice on how to remove the smell from the refrigerator. The negative factor is created by the materials. You can try painting the depolymerizing material with special enamel with the addition of silver ions. The topic of a separate conversation, and a professional one at that.

We say goodbye. We hope that the problem of the unpleasant smell of the refrigerator will no longer bother readers.

Sometimes, even with careful care of the refrigerator, an unpleasant odor may appear in it. It can be caused by mold, fish, or even a forgotten piece of meat. You have to think about how to quickly remove the smell, how to clean the refrigerator, and what to put in there to destroy the nasty “aroma.”

To help you, we have found all the secrets and methods by which you can get rid of the smell in the refrigerator - this and folk remedies, and completely new solutions.

1. Baking soda

Baking soda is one of the most affordable and effective means of combating dirt and odors, including in the refrigerator. When washing the inside surface of the refrigerator: shelves, walls, doors, freezer, rubber seals, you can add a small amount of soda to the water as a detergent and disinfectant. After treatment, all surfaces must be rinsed clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.

Baking soda has the property of absorbing odors, so you can put a small jar of baking soda on the shelf. Baking soda can be mixed with a little water to form a thick, paste-like mixture. It needs to be changed once every 2-3 months.

2. Baking soda and essential oil

Baking soda in tandem with essential oil is another great way to get rid of odor.

Take half a pack baking soda, add a few drops of any essential oil. Use a small amount of the resulting mixture as a detergent, adding it to warm water. Using a sponge, thoroughly clean the inside of the refrigerator. After this, you need to rinse everything with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.

If the smell in the refrigerator was strong, then better effect You can scatter the remaining soda with essential oil on the shelves. Leave the product for 30 - 40 minutes, then carefully remove with a cloth. Next, rinse the surface with clean water and wipe dry.

You can also make a homemade sachet using baking soda and essential oil. To do this, sew a small bag from cotton fabric, fill it with a mixture of soda and essential oil, tie it and put it in the vegetable compartment. After a month, the contents of the sachet need to be changed.

3. Ammonia

Ammonia is also an effective and affordable remedy.

Carry out a “general” cleaning of the unit.

Take a glass container, add 2 tablespoons of warm water and 1 tablespoon of ammonia.
Wear rubber gloves.
Wet a cotton pad with the mixture and place it on the shelf of the refrigerator door. The unpleasant smell will disappear.

If the smell in the refrigerator is persistent, you can wipe the entire internal surface with the resulting solution. Ammonia can destroy even very persistent odors, for example, fish, rotten meat, mold.

4. Activated carbon

Activated carbon is known to have remarkable absorbent properties. To get rid of unpleasant odors you will need 2-3 tablets activated carbon. The tablets must be crushed into powder and poured into a small glass jar. Opened jar place with coal on any shelf of the refrigerator. The charcoal will absorb odors. If there is a persistent unpleasant odor in the refrigerator, then it is recommended to change the coal 1-2 times a day. For prevention, the coal is changed 1-2 times a month.

For convenience, activated carbon can be placed in a plastic container from a Kinder Surprise. Just remember to make a few small holes in the container. It is recommended to heat the charcoal for the container in the microwave. Once a month, the “filling” of the plastic box will need to be changed.

Instead of activated carbon, you can use regular charcoal - it has the same properties.

5. Black bread

It turns out that black bread can also solve the problem.

Take three clean plates, lay napkins on them, and place pieces of black bread on the plates. Place the plates on different shelves of the refrigerator. After a while there will be no smell. Only this procedure must be performed in a clean refrigerator.

6. Rice

Rice is also a good absorbent. With it you can eliminate all unpleasant odors.

Take two or three small containers. Fill them with dry rice and place them on the refrigerator shelves. After a week, change the contents of the jars.

You can use undercooked rice instead of dry rice. It absorbs odors better than dry ones. You just don’t need to keep it in the refrigerator for a long time, as it will begin to deteriorate and itself will be a source of an unpleasant odor.

7. Fragrant plants

Various types of air fresheners can be used fragrant plants: dill, thyme, mint, oregano and others. Just put them on the shelves household appliances, and the unpleasant odor will disappear. Just before placing the fragrant plant on the shelves, do not forget to thoroughly clean the refrigerator.

You should also know that fragrant plants are capable of transferring their smell to products. Therefore, products must be placed in sealed containers, bags or wrapped in cling film.

8. Citrus

Citrus fruits have a pleasant aroma and can be a good flavor for the refrigerator. Dry peels of orange, tangerine, grapefruit, and lemon can be placed on the shelves. In this case, they will not only freshen the air, but will also act as a kind of absorbent.

You can also use fresh slices or pieces of citrus fruits. Place them on saucers and place in the refrigerator. After 1-2 days, they will need to be thrown away and, if necessary, the next portion should be added.

9. Lemon juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is also great for removing stains and odors. Just wipe it down internal surfaces unit with a cloth soaked in lemon juice. After this, you need to wait 30 minutes and rinse all washed surfaces with clean water. Don't forget to wipe the walls and shelves of the refrigerator with a dry cloth.

10. Ground coffee

Coffee has absorbent properties and a pleasant aroma. Therefore, to get rid of the smell of fish or stale food from the refrigerator, you can use coffee.

Take 2-3 small jars. Fill them up freshly ground coffee and place on the refrigerator shelves. The contents of the jars must be changed after a week. Instead of ground coffee, you can use coffee beans.

11. Cup of coffee

The second method using coffee is also very simple. Place the mug of unfinished, cooled coffee in the refrigerator. The unpleasant smell will disappear. Hot coffee can also be used, but in this case the refrigerator must, of course, be turned off.

12. Coffee grounds

The third method is using coffee grounds. Remaining recommended coffee grounds Do not throw it away, but pour it into a small jar and place it in the refrigerator. The aroma of coffee will refresh the air.

13. Getting rid of “technical” smell using detergents

If the refrigerator is new, then it may have a “technical” smell or a plastic smell.

Before placing food in such a refrigerator for storage, you need to wash it thoroughly. This can be done using detergents or soda. After washing, rinse everything with clean water and wipe dry with a cloth. After this, you need to ventilate the refrigerator, leaving it open for several hours, or best of all, overnight.

14. Vinegar

Vinegar - very effective remedy in the fight against various odors, although it itself has a sharp and not very pleasant aroma. If there is a moldy smell in the refrigerator, you can easily deal with it using vinegar.

Turn off the unit, empty it of all products, and treat the internal surfaces with detergents.
Take a container, pour a glass of water into it, add 2-3 tablespoons of 70% vinegar, stir.
Wear rubber gloves to avoid irritation of your hands.
Dampen a napkin or rag in the resulting solution and thoroughly wipe the entire inner surface. Try not to touch metal parts of household appliances so that the acid does not damage them.
If after this procedure the smell of mold remains, then you can leave a napkin soaked in a vinegar solution in a drawer or on the refrigerator shelf for 7-8 hours.

Using vinegar, you can also fight other “bad” odors from the refrigerator: fish, meat, “technical” odors.

15. Vodka and lemon juice

Many people know that vodka can be used not only as an alcoholic drink, but also as a detergent and cleaning agent. It can destroy bacteria and get rid of various unpleasant odors, including in household appliances.

If there is an unpleasant odor in the refrigerator, you can try to remove it using this product. You will need some vodka and lemon.

Squeeze the juice out of the lemon. Prepare a solution of vodka and lemon juice - for 10 tablespoons of vodka, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix everything.

After cleaning the refrigerator, use this solution. Dampen the sponge and thoroughly wipe all shelves, doors, walls and drawers of household appliances. After this, check the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

16. Vodka and eucalyptus essential oil

Another simple way is using vodka.

To make the product you will need eucalyptus essential oil, vodka and water. Pour half a glass of water, add 4 tablespoons of vodka and 20 drops of essential oil. The resulting product can be used to treat all internal surfaces of the refrigerator.

You can pour the product into a small jar and leave it in the refrigerator for a while.

17. Apple

You can freshen the smell in the refrigerator after “spring cleaning” with the help of an apple.

It is best to take a green apple. Cut it in half and remove the core. Place the apple halves on saucers. Place the saucers on the refrigerator shelves. Long time You should not keep apple slices in the refrigerator, otherwise they will spoil on their own. After 2 days, remove the plates with apples. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated with a fresh apple.

18. Soda Ash

Everyone knows about the existence of regular baking soda. But besides baking soda, there is also soda ash. It is also called linen, sodium carbonate, sodium carbonate. In production, soda ash is used to make household chemicals, since it is a strong alkali. You only need to work with it wearing rubber gloves.

Using soda ash you can get rid of the rotten smell in the refrigerator. To do this you need to prepare the paste.

Take 200 g of soda and mix it with a little water.
The resulting paste should be applied to the internal plastic surfaces of the refrigerator and left for about an hour. The refrigerator, of course, must first be turned off and washed.
After treating with soda ash paste, all surfaces should be thoroughly washed and wiped.

19. Tea

Tea can also solve the problem. The method is simple and accessible. You just need to do this when the refrigerator has already been cleaned.

Brew a tea bag in a mug and put it in the refrigerator. In this case, the unit, of course, should not be turned on. It is better to use tea that contains mint or lemon, as this tea is more aromatic.

For the same purpose, you can brew fragrant plants: currants, mint, thyme, oregano. After the drink has cooled, the household appliances can be turned on.

20. Tea bags

Unused tea bags can be an excellent absorbent and can rid your refrigerator of odors. You can use any tea bags. But it’s better if they have aromatic additives. You just need to take and place the bags on the shelves and doors of the refrigerator.

The advantage of this method is that the bags take up very little space and can be kept in the refrigerator for a long time. If necessary, they can be changed after two weeks.

21. Bow

Everyone knows that onions have a persistent, specific smell. The essence of the method is that one smell can displace another. If there is a rotten aroma coming from the refrigerator, the smell of onions can easily displace it. Of course, the method is suitable for those who are calm about the smell of onions.

Take a large onion, peel it, cut it in half, place it on a plate and place it on the refrigerator shelf. There is no need to keep this “flavor” in household appliances for a long time; after a day, remove the plate with onions. Instead of onions, you can also use garlic.

22. Ventilation

If after an “inspection” of the contents and “general cleaning” of the refrigerator the smell has not disappeared, then it is quite possible that it has been absorbed into the refrigerator. plastic surface the inside of the refrigerator.

To get rid of the smell, you need to ventilate the unit very well after washing, leaving it open for 1-2 days.

To consolidate the result, after long-term ventilation, place a special odor absorber inside the refrigerator, which can be purchased in special departments of stores or use homemade products.

23. Elimination of technical reasons

Odor can often be caused by technical factors. Simply put, the refrigerator is faulty. For example, a poorly functioning unit may not reach the power stated in the passport. This leads to spontaneous defrosting of the freezer, and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment will not be as low as it should be. All this leads to spoilage of stored products.

Sometimes the cause of a disgusting odor is clogged drain. The water stagnates in it, bacteria begin to actively multiply, and a stench appears.
It happens that it is required replace door seals, since because of them the doors of the unit may not close tightly, and this leads to an increase in the temperature inside.
Sometimes the root cause of mold smell in household appliances is high humidity inside. This is also a technical reason.
Even power outages may be an indirect cause of the smell from the refrigerator.

Of course, you can clean the drain in the refrigerator and replace the seals on the doors yourself. If the technical reasons are much more serious, then you need to contact refrigerator repair specialists.

24. General cleaning

Sometimes, to remove the smell from the refrigerator, it is enough to carry out the usual “spring cleaning”. The cleaning procedure is as follows:

Turn off the refrigerator.
Empty household appliances of food and throw away anything that shows signs of spoilage.
Remove all dismountable parts from the refrigerator.
Thoroughly wash all internal surfaces using detergents. Treat hard-to-reach areas especially carefully.
Wash the removable parts of the refrigerator.
Thoroughly rinse the interior and removable parts of the refrigerator with clean water.
Wipe all surfaces dry.
Ventilate the unit by leaving it open for several hours.
Place a special odor absorber in the refrigerator.

If the “general cleaning” is done efficiently, the annoying smell will disappear.

25. Isolation of products from each other

It often happens that the refrigerator is working properly, and there are no spoiled foods in it, and the shelves and drawers are clean, but still an unpleasant odor emanates from the household appliances. Perhaps the reason lies in the fact that the smells of different products are mixed. Some products, even if they are very fresh, can saturate the material of the refrigerator and transfer the smell to other products.

The solution is to not store food in open form. Prepared meals should be stored in sealed containers or containers with a lid. To store other products use plastic bags or cling film. If you “isolate” products from each other, then the smells will not mix.

26. Raw potatoes

Regular potatoes can also get rid of unpleasant odors.

To do this, take two medium-sized tubers.
Wash and cut each into four pieces. There is no need to peel the potatoes.
Place the potato pieces on plates and place them on the refrigerator shelves.

Potatoes will absorb the unpleasant aroma found inside household appliances. Sliced potatoes should be kept on shelves for no more than two days.

27. Paper

Everyone knows that paper can absorb odors. This property can be used to clean the refrigerator from unpleasant amber.

Take several sheets of construction paper and crumple them up. Place lumps of paper on the shelves located on the refrigerator doors, or place them in the compartments for vegetables and fruits. The paper will absorb odors. After a week, change these “absorbers”.

28. Cleaning the drainage tube

Often the indirect cause of odor in the refrigerator is a clogged drain tube. Perhaps someone does not even suspect the existence of such a part in the refrigerator. Then you need to take your passport and see where she is.

When a drain becomes clogged, it can give off an unpleasant odor. If condensation accumulates under the fruit and vegetable drawers, this is a sure sign of a clogged drain pipe. Small particles of food get into it, mucus, mold and water accumulate. To get rid of the problem, it is enough to clean this drain.

You can try to remove the drainage tube, wash it and put it back in place. If the tube cannot be removed, you can use a rubber bulb to rinse the tube. hand pump or a compressor. You need to flush the drain several times until clean water comes out of the hole.

If the problem cannot be solved only by washing, then it is recommended to first use a piece of cable or not very stiff wire. Bend it improvised means in the form of a loop, you need to carefully clean the drainage tube from any accumulations. After this, rinse with water using a rubber bulb. It is recommended to do such cleaning once a year.

29. Inspection in the refrigerator

The smell of spoiled food is very persistent. And if the source was in the refrigerator for a long time, then both the internal surfaces of the refrigerator and other products will smell.

The solution to the problem is to more often “inspect” food in the refrigerator for suitability. You should not accumulate mountains of food supplies on the shelves - this way you can simply forget about some food products. All open jars and packages with signs of damage to the contents should be immediately thrown into the trash. Carefully check all expiration dates indicated on packages. Try to use the product before its expiration date, otherwise, forgotten on the shelf, it may become a source of unpleasant odor.

30. Dishwashing detergents

On specialized shelves retail outlets You can find many means that you can use to get rid of the unpleasant smell in the refrigerator.

Dirt and odor can be removed using any dishwashing detergent. Prepare a bowl of warm water, add a little dishwashing detergent and clean the inside of the unit.

31. Special products for cleaning refrigerators

There are also special chemicals for cleaning refrigerators. They are even easier to use. Most of them are produced in the form of sprayers, and this makes cleaning convenient. They can be sprayed onto all internal surfaces, and then simply wiped with a sponge.

32. Wipes and sprays

There are also special wipes and antibacterial sprays. With the help of napkins you can remove small dirt on the shelves of the refrigerator, and the spray will help cope with various bacteria that cause the odor.

33. Pebbles and essential oils

You can use essential oils to deodorize your refrigerator.

Take a porous stone made of baked clay.
Place 1 drop of lavender essential oil and 1 drop of lemon essential oil on the pebble.
Place the stone on the shelf of the refrigerator door.

As the oil evaporates, you will need to add oil to the pebble. Instead of a stone, you can use a regular napkin or a piece of gauze. Only the essential oil from them will evaporate faster.

34. Dry aromatic spices

Dry aromatic spices and aromatic herbs can make the air in the refrigerator more pleasant. Can be used:

cloves,
turmeric,
cinnamon,
vanilla pods,
thyme,
basil.

2-3 spices need to be mixed, placed in small containers and placed on the refrigerator shelves. This homemade fragrance needs to be changed once a week.

35. Cat litter

The method is unusual, but effective. Silica gel is a dried gel that is made from solutions of silicic acids. It absorbs moisture and odors well. Some fillers contain cat litter this component is included. Using this filler, you can get rid of the smell in the refrigerator.

Take 2-3 small containers, pour a small amount of filler into each container. Place the container with the contents in an empty, clean refrigerator and leave for several days.

36. Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract is a substance used in confectionery. It has a strong pleasant aroma that can drown out all unpleasant odors. Vanilla extract will give your refrigerator a fresh aroma.

Make several balls of cotton wool. You can use cotton pads.

Soak them in vanilla extract and place on saucers.

Place saucers of this homemade vanilla flavoring on the refrigerator shelves.

37. Hydrogen peroxide and liquid soap

Hydrogen peroxide is a substance that easily copes with various stains and odors. To get rid of the smell in the refrigerator, you can use this product. Don't forget to wear rubber gloves before working.

Prepare a mixture consisting of hydrogen peroxide and any liquid soap.

Take a wide container and pour a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide into it.
Dampen a sponge with peroxide and apply a few drops of liquid soap to it.
Treat the interior surfaces of the refrigerator.
Do not wash off the product from the walls and shelves immediately; leave it for 30 minutes.
After the time has expired, rinse everything off with clean water.

38. Pomegranate peels

Everyone knows that pomegranate peels are used as a healing agent. But not everyone has heard that they can be used to purify the air in the refrigerator.

If you eat a pomegranate, do not throw away the peels, but dry them. The crusts should be placed on saucers and placed in the refrigerator. The product works as an absorbent, absorbing foreign odors. After a week, the dry pomegranate peels will need to be changed.

39. Fragrant mixture

Another budgetary means to get rid of odors in the refrigerator.

Boil 1 liter of water.
Dip a little cinnamon and cloves into boiling water.
Add lemon zest and apple peel there.
You will get a fragrant mixture. When the mixture has cooled, pour it into a jar and place it in the refrigerator.

The wonderful aroma will displace all unpleasant odors from the refrigerator.

40. Vinegar and essential oils

To prepare this product you need vinegar and essential oils lavender and tea tree.

Take a liter of vinegar, add 15 drops of essential oils to it.
Mix the mixture well and pour into the bottle.

The product is budget-friendly, easy to manufacture, economical and effective. It can be used to disinfect and clean various surfaces, including the inner surface of the refrigerator. Don't forget to wear rubber gloves when doing this. A bottle of this homemade detergent will last you more than once. There will be no trace of dirt left, and the insides of household appliances will be filled with a pleasant aroma.

41. Ground cinnamon and vinegar paste

This homemade remedy can be used to prevent or remove unpleasant odors from the refrigerator.

Take 2 bags of ground cinnamon, pour it into a plate, add a little vinegar and stir. The mixture should look like a paste.
Place the product in a small jar with a lid. You first need to make small holes in the lid.
Place the jar of cinnamon and vinegar paste on the refrigerator shelf. After 2 months, change the contents of the jar.

42. A solution of ammonia and tooth powder

To remove odors and dirt from the refrigerator, you can prepare another simple and effective remedy yourself.

You will need 1 liter of cool water, 1 tablespoon of ammonia and 50 g of tooth powder. First add to the water ammonia and then tooth powder. After thoroughly mixing the ingredients, you can use the product. It not only removes dirt and odors, but also has deodorizing properties.

43. Toothpaste

With toothpaste you can not only brush your teeth, but also use it as a cleaning and deodorizing agent in the kitchen. The product copes well with dirt and odor. It is best to use toothpaste with mint or menthol flavor for this purpose.

Apply a small amount of paste to a damp sponge and wipe all surfaces inside the refrigerator. After this, rinse everything with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.

44. Salt or sugar

The method of preventing and getting rid of odors in the refrigerator is simple and accessible to everyone.

Take a small bowl or jar and fill it with salt or sugar. You can prepare a mixture of salt and sugar. Place the filled container on the refrigerator shelf. Salt and sugar are good absorbents; they will absorb all foreign odors. After about a month, change the contents of the jar.

45. Turmeric

Turmeric is a well-known spice with a specific aroma. It is used most often in cooking and medicine. Turmeric contains a huge amount of antioxidants that have antifungal and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can be used as a means of preventing and getting rid of unpleasant amber in the refrigerator.

You can place turmeric in a small container and simply place it on the shelf of your household appliances. Gradually the unpleasant smell from the refrigerator will disappear.

46. Soap emulsion

You can get rid of the smell using regular laundry soap. To do this you need to prepare a soap emulsion.

Take a small piece of soap and grate it on a coarse grater.
Add warm water to the soap shavings and stir.
Using a rag and the resulting product, wash all surfaces of the refrigerator. Treat hard-to-reach areas especially carefully.
Rinse surfaces with clean water.
Wipe everything with a dry cloth.

Soap will destroy both dirt and unpleasant odors.

47. Silica gel shoe bags

Everyone knows about the existence of small bags in boxes with new shoes. The bags are designed to keep shoes dry. They are filled with hard granules. This is silica gel. It absorbs moisture and odors well.

Bags of silica gel granules can be used as prophylactic from the smell in the refrigerator, marking them on the shelves and doors of household appliances. The bags can be changed as needed.

48. Store-bought odor absorbers

Currently, special odor absorbers can be purchased at any household chemical store. There are several types:

Ball. They consist of a round plastic box containing silica gel granules. They are able to absorb odor and excess moisture from the refrigerator. These are the most affordable products.
In the shape of an egg. Absorbs odors and is a kind of temperature indicator.
Odor absorbers with dispenser. A device with removable carbon filters that absorb all foreign odors well. Carbon filters need to be changed once a month.
Gel is an absorber. Absorbs very quickly and eliminates all odors.
Ionizer. Battery operated device. It not only gets rid of odors, but also disinfects the air inside household appliances. The device is effective, but not cheap.

The problem of an unpleasant odor in the common or freezer compartment of a refrigerator is not only a complex of fumes that irritate the sense of smell, which many people encounter every day.

A foul “aroma” is a clear sign of the settlement, growth and proliferation of all kinds of microorganisms or molds. They can cause significant harm to both stored food products and human health.

It was noted that 85.3% of microorganisms or fungi live and multiply in microscopic damage to the internal surface of the compartments. This explains high level contamination, and, consequently, a strong unpleasant odor in old refrigerators. Conventional cleaning measures are not able to remove all spores, mycelium threads, and bacteria from their safe hiding places, giving them new opportunities to reproduce and “conquer” large areas.

To be sure to cope with the “aroma” it is necessary to scrupulously, regularly wash all internal parts and parts of refrigeration chambers with active chemical components. They can penetrate deep into the most secluded places, effectively destroying all pests - mold, bacteria, fungal mycelium and spores.

It would be a good idea to place special deodorizers (at the top of the chamber) and sorbents (at the bottom of the compartments) in the refrigerator. They are environmentally friendly, perfectly capture and neutralize molecules of foul-smelling compounds, while leaving the pleasant odors of culinary masterpieces intact.

Read also: How to choose a bread maker for your home: bread maker functions, pros and cons

However, a new refrigeration unit may also have internal, intense foreign odors - these are “technical odors”. They do not pose an immediate threat to health and after a short period of operation they completely disappear, but still, the smells of plastic, grease, and paint cause inconvenience. You can get rid of them or significantly reduce their intensity using the above-mentioned sorbents and deodorizers, which we will consider in more detail later.

Many means, techniques and all kinds of tricks have been invented to effective fight with unpleasant odors in the refrigerator. They can all be divided into modern (scientific) methods and folk (“old-fashioned”) methods.

How to get rid of unpleasant smell in the refrigerator: modern methods

Of course, the problem of unpleasant odors in the refrigerator has existed for a long time, and scientists are constantly developing new approaches to effectively combat it. Among the latest, effective measures are:

1. Chemical detergents and cleaning compounds – exist as narrowly targeted mixtures that eliminate a specific problem, for example, only black mold, and universal – they cope perfectly with 99.8% of all “refrigeration pests”.

2. Odor absorbers (adsorbents) and fresheners (deodorizers). They don’t eliminate the cause, but they do get rid of the unpleasant “amber” in the refrigerator.

3. Ozonizers – special devices that convert oxygen molecules from air into ozone. The device produces a sufficient amount of ozone to destroy harmful microbes without harming people and their pets. It is better to turn on the ozonizer at night so as not to “weather” the ozone during frequent opening of the door.

Read also: What is better to choose - a shower cabin or a bathtub?

Traditional methods for eliminating unpleasant odors in the refrigerator

Most of these techniques have been known since the Soviet era, when people lived in conditions of limited choice and constant shortages of all goods. However, it can be stated that they have not lost their relevance in the 21st century, confirming their effectiveness.

1. Table vinegar (acetic acid) – a leader in the fight against refrigeration pests. Is universal remedy, eliminating both superficial or ingrained odors and the causative factors themselves (fungi, mold, microorganisms).

Warning! Any work with active alkalis and acids should always be protected as much as possible with protective equipment (rubber gloves, goggles, respirator)!

This method is used in three modifications:

— wiping surfaces with undiluted vinegar essence (70% acid);

— treatment with dilute acetic acid (? 35%);

- passive exposure - several containers with acid are placed in the refrigerator and the door is closed for several hours.

Do not forget about neutralizing acid residues with a weak solution of ordinary baking soda after contact disinfection.

Of course, the first option is the most effective, capable of instantly and permanently eliminating odor problems, while the latter eliminates the stench only temporarily, for about 2 days.

2. Coffee beans (preferably ground) – a harmless way of active deodorization. Any odor (biological or technical) will perfectly mask and absorb natural coffe. It can be placed in a small saucer or hung from a shelf in a rough woven bag.

3. Ammonia. Good remedy, freely sold in pharmacies. An aqueous solution (? 1:100) is used to wipe the internal surfaces of the chambers, as well as all the drawers and shelves in them. After 20 minutes, you can clean everything from ammonia with a damp rag or sponge, and when time allows, simply leave the refrigerator open for 1.5 hours - all the components will evaporate without a trace.

Useful tips

An unpleasant smell in the refrigerator is a fairly common occurrence. The smell can appear for various reasons, for example, food has spoiled and you did not remove it on time, or it has simply been left behind.

Of course the most the right way How to get rid of an unpleasant odor is to prevent its occurrence. But if you do encounter such a situation, you will have to take a number of measures to eliminate this problem.

How to remove odor from the refrigerator

1. Completely clean your refrigerator

The first step, and also the most important, is cleaning the refrigerator. Inspect your refrigerator and throw away spoiled and stale food. Turn off the refrigerator and thoroughly wash and dry the walls, shelves, tray and seals. Particular attention should be paid to the drain hole. Drainer accumulates all the dirt and is the main distributor of unpleasant odors.

2. Vinegar

Dilute table vinegar and water in equal proportions. Wipe pre-washed walls, shelves, drawers and seals with this solution. Leave the refrigerator door open for a while to let the vinegar smell dissipate.

3. Ammonia

Dilute 1 tablespoon of ammonia in a liter of water. We also wipe all the insides of the refrigerator with the resulting solution. This method perfectly removes the oldest and most ingrained odors. After wiping, it is better to leave the refrigerator door open for several hours.

4. Baking soda

First, dilute baking soda in warm water (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) and wipe the entire area with a cloth soaked in this solution. refrigerator. After the refrigerator is dry and all the food is in place, you need to place a container of soda on one of the shelves (this can be any jar with holes pierced in the lid). It will absorb unpleasant odors.

5. Lemon

Dilute lemon juice with warm water and rinse the inside of the refrigerator. You can also leave half a lemon on the shelf for a while. But don’t forget to pick it up on time so that the lemon doesn’t start to spoil.

6. Salt and sugar

Place salt or sugar on a plate and leave overnight on a shelf in a pre-washed refrigerator. Perhaps this is not the most effective method, but the simplest and most accessible.

Refrigerator odor control

7. Activated carbon

Activated carbon cleanses the air well, thereby inhibiting the spread of unpleasant odors. Crush several charcoal tablets into powder, pour into an open container and place on the refrigerator shelf until the smell disappears. You can place small containers of coal on different shelves. Instead of activated carbon, you can use charcoal.

8. Hydrogen peroxide

Dilute 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in 1 liter of water. Rinse the refrigerator with the resulting solution. Hydrogen peroxide will perfectly remove stubborn food stains and disinfect the surface.

9. Brown bread

Our grandmothers also used this method. Cut a loaf of black bread into small pieces and place on shelves in a clean refrigerator. After about 10 hours, remove the bread from the refrigerator.

10. Coffee

To bring out a persistent aroma, brew coffee and place the cup inside the turned off refrigerator. Repeat this procedure several times if necessary. And as an absorbent you can use freshly ground, lightly roasted coffee, poured into a bowl.

11. Spices

Spices such as turmeric, basil, cloves, and cinnamon will help eliminate unpleasant odors if you place them open in the refrigerator. Vanilla extract will also help - just wipe the shelves with a cloth moistened with a small amount of aromatic liquid.

Fridge - modern equipment, helping to maintain the freshness of food. Unpleasant odors This technique is not uncommon even for a good housewife. There are two types of odors: technical and natural, but more on that later in the text. How to remove odor from a refrigerator without extra costs you will find out below.

The aromas that our refrigerator emits can be divided into two large groups:

Natural.

Natural odors appear due to the activity of various bacteria. The appearance of microorganisms on food products is inevitable, therefore, the shorter the time products are stored, the better for our body.