Over time kitchen fridges can end up smelling quite unpleasant no matter how much we clean them, after all they are crammed with food 24/7.
But did you know there are some tried and tested hacks you can make at home that can cut through sticky shelves, leftover spills and grime?
Best of all, experts have revealed that using these easy methods mean you don’t need to use harsh chemicals, when it comes to making your fridge smell fresh again.
So what are the secret ingredients? All you need is two popular household items - distilled vinegar and baking soda.
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Salah Sun, head of product management at Beko UK advises you can use a solution of distilled vinegar and water “to quickly wipe away those pesky spills for less than 50p”.
Salah explains another alternative: “To get rid of any lingering smells, place an open container of baking soda in your fridge - an easy fix that costs around £1 and lasts for months...”
It seems the experts at Bosch also agree, as they shared: “Be sure not to reach for harsh chemical cleaners and instead, opt for a natural solution made with white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
“This is an extremely effective cleaning solution - the vinegar will remove any odours, while the bicarbonate of soda will effectively remove any stains or any build up of food.
“Add a few drops of lemon juice, or a scented oil if you’re not so keen on the original smell.”
Keen cleaning enthusiasts also recommend vinegar as one of the best ways to de-smell your fridge, as it “works wonders”.
It comes as someone asked on the LifeHacks Reddit page: "Removing a smell from a fridge? Any hacks here?
“Have tried: “Wiping it out carefully, washing the inside with spray cleaner. Pulling the fridge out and cleaning underneath/behind it. Putting in a box of baking soda.
“It's not a terrible smell, but it's present enough to be noticeable. We moved into a suite in our house that was previously occupied by very clean people who looked after the suite well and left it in excellent condition.”
One person replied: “Try to clean with vinegar, it should kill the smell and the vinegar smell should vanish over short time.”
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Another concurred: “That's right. Just make it water and vinegar 50/50. Use it to polish the fridge, and leave it open till it vanish. Soon the vinegar smell will fade away.”
This user wrote: “For years I've had a large spray bottle with vinegar in it. Works great for cleaning lots of things.”
Meanwhile, a profile put: “Wipe with vinegar, it works wonders. If the fridge is beyond saving, leave an open cup of vinegar inside. Top it up from time to time.”
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Fridges should run at 5°C or below to reduce bacterial growth, but even at the right temperature, spills and disorganisation can increase risks.
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Salah from Beko UK said: “I always suggest taking everything out, checking dates and wiping shelves with warm soapy water. Pay attention to the door seals too, crumbs and residue here can stop the door closing properly, making the fridge less efficient.”
The Beko UK expert also highlighted that organisation plays a role in food safety, for example, raw meat and fish should go on the bottom shelf to prevent drips and ready-to-eat food should sit higher up.
“This small step massively reduces cross-contamination and keeps the fridge running smoothly for the year ahead,” Salah continued.
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