Many housewives sin because they do not have time to keep track and in time to throw out any food debris. But the refrigerator smells like the most zealous observers of purity.
Such a refrigerator can not only spoil the appetite at the stage of opening the door, but also leave an unpleasant aroma on the products stored there.
Causes of an unpleasant smell in the fridge
Most often the unpleasant smell from the refrigerator is observed for the following reasons:
- food spoilage inside the refrigerator (when something is forgotten);
- the accumulation of small food particles on the shelves and walls (crumbs, stains from the sauce, etc.), especially to this place between the shelves and the walls of the refrigerator;
- moisture accumulation on the back wall, resulting in bacterial plaque and mold;
- intense smell of certain products (fish, onions, etc.);
- clogged drainage system.
A new refrigerator can smell too: the smell of plastic is quite strong and unpleasant, especially if it is purchased at a reduced price - cheap companies save on the quality of the material.
My fridge
A freshly purchased refrigerator must be washed from the inside before it is connected to the mains, as described in the instructions. To do this, use a solution of soda, soap or dishwashing detergent. First, all walls, shelves and drawers are carefully wiped with a wet sponge soaked in solution, then with a clean damp cloth, after which it is recommended to wipe all surfaces dry and ventilate for 3-6 hours. Usually this is enough to get rid of the smell of plastic.
It is necessary to wash a dirty refrigerator in the same way, having previously defrosted the device and using substances of more intensive action. These can be either special factory-made products or home-made solutions:
- vinegar diluted 1: 1;
- soda (at least 3 teaspoons per cup of water);
- lemon juice, diluted 1: 1 (or citric acid solution 2 teaspoons per cup);
- ammonia solution (it is ammonia) in dilution of 1 ml of liquid per 100 ml of water.
All of these tools not only perfectly wash plaque and dirt, but also kill bacteria and mold, and also eliminate unpleasant odors. With a faint odor, ordinary soda will suffice, the strong ones can beat vinegar, lemon juice, or in extreme cases you can resort to the use of ammonia.
Particular attention should be paid to the corners. All shelves and drawers should be removed and washed separately. Do not lose sight of the rubber gasket on the door: it often accumulate crumbs. After processing, it is also necessary to thoroughly rinse, wipe and air the refrigerator.
Use adsorbents to eliminate unpleasant odors in the refrigerator
In the shops you can find adsorbents (substances that pick up an unpleasant smell) finished production. They take over the smell for some time, after which they need to be changed. Among these absorbers are popular balls with selikogel.
In order not to spend extra money, you can use the fact that there is in every home. In the refrigerator can be placed in canvas bags or plates:
- salt;
- soda;
- Activated carbon;
- tea bags.
Mask the smell
As deodorizing agents, you can use natural flavors, such as freshly ground coffee, orange peel, lemon slices. They should be placed on a saucer at the bottom of the refrigerator, but care should be taken: lemons and oranges themselves can deteriorate and become moldy, so they should be changed every few days.
The house spices are perfectly suited for this purpose: cinnamon, thyme, cloves will give a pleasant aroma, but you should not rely on them if a strong and persistent odor has developed inside the chamber.
We clean the drain
In modern refrigerators, a drainage system is provided: condensate that forms on the back wall gradually flows down and goes into a special hole. In water, bacteria often begin to multiply, forming a bloom that blocks the exit of this system. Periodically the drain needs cleaning:
- remove the plug from the hole;
- carefully wipe the groove in which condensate accumulates;
- Using cotton buds, clean the hole itself from plaque.
A working drain will allow liquid to drain and excess moisture will not accumulate in the refrigerator.
Prevent unpleasant odor
The appearance of an unpleasant odor in the refrigerator is much easier to prevent than to get rid of it: plastic elements perfectly absorb all the flavors, so if you forget a piece of meat, having gone on a business trip, you will have to repeatedly wash and air the refrigerator.
It is much easier to prevent its occurrence. To do this, it is enough to follow certain rules;
- Do not put open products, cover them with cling film or place them in containers;
- remove spoiled food on time;
- at least once a month to wipe all the internal surfaces of the refrigerator with a damp cloth;
- periodically check and, if necessary, clean the drain;
- at least 2 times a year to defrost and wash the entire refrigerator;
- use adsorbents.
At observance of all given recommendations, you can always brag of ideally pure refrigerator without unpleasant smell. In addition, products will be stored better in a clean chamber, more slowly exposed to bacteria and mold.
