Easy Ways to Deodorize a Refrigerator

How to Get Rid of Strong Food Odors

Crystal Ray
A refrigerator that smells bad inside can stink up an entire kitchen, even when the door is closed. This can ruin an appetite in seconds flat. Most of the time, the source of a bad odor in a refrigerator is a sliced raw onion, garlic or spicy foods. Do not bother with costly store-bought fridge fresheners. They are a waste of money since many home remedies work much better. Stop holding your breath every time you open the fridge, and give these simple home remedies a try. Get rid of odors that are turning heads and turning stomachs. These really work!

Begin with a Clean Refrigerator


Before attempting to deodorize a refrigerator, it must be clean. If the source of the odor is still in the fridge, by all means remove it or properly seal it. Store sliced onions in glass jars, and keep casseroles and other foods that contain garlic well-contained. Clean the refrigerator from top to bottom using baking soda and tepid water according to appliance directions. Rinse and dry it thoroughly before putting everything back. After this has been accomplished you can deodorize the refrigerator and keep it smelling good with one of the following easy options.

Deodorize the Fridge with Charcoal Briquettes

Charcoal briquettes like those used to grill foods outdoors will work to deodorize a smell refrigerator. After the fridge has been cleaned and dried, place a small cardboard container or a bowl of charcoal in the back. It will work to deodorize the refrigerator by neutralizing anything smelly. Change the briquettes once a month to keep it smelling fresh and clean.

Use an Activated Charcoal Aquarium Filter to Deodorize the Fridge

If an open bowl or container of charcoal is not something you want in the refrigerator, mount an aquarium filter on one side. It must contain activated charcoal to deodorize it. Attach peel and stick Velcro strips inside of the refrigerator and on the filter to keep it in place. Change it once a month to continually deodorize the refrigerator. Although this option is a little pricier than ordinary briquettes used from grilling, it will not be nearly as obvious.

Place an Open Spill-Proof Container of Vinegar Inside

If you need an immediate way to deodorize a smell refrigerator and do not have charcoal briquettes or a charcoal-filled aquarium filter, use white vinegar instead. Place an open bowl of white vinegar in the back of the refrigerator. It will immediately begin to deodorize the fridge by neutralizing bad odors. Change the vinegar once every two weeks. Use the old vinegar to deodorize and clean kitchen drains. Absolutely nothing will go to waste, and the fridge and drains will always smell clean and fresh.

Published by Crystal Ray - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Crystal Ray is an award-winning freelance writer and artist from the Chicago area. Her passion is interior design, but she also loves entertaining and crafting. She is continually developing unique and creat...  View profile

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