المصدر 24 - A refrigerator is supposed to smell fresh and clean — but sometimes lingering food odors take over, even if you regularly wipe the shelves. Strong smells from spoiled food, spills, bacteria growth, or even poorly sealed containers can spread quickly inside the fridge and make everything inside smell unpleasant.

The good news?

You don’t need expensive cleaning products or harsh chemicals to deodorize your fridge. With a few simple steps and natural household items, you can eliminate bad odors completely and keep your fridge smelling fresh for weeks.

Here are five effective ways to clean your refrigerator and get rid of bad smells for good.

1. Deep Clean the Entire Fridge — Remove Everything, Not Just the Smelly Items

If your refrigerator has a strong smell, the first step is a complete deep clean. Most people simply remove the item they think caused the smell — but odors linger in tiny spills, sticky shelves, and hidden corners.

How to deep clean properly:

Empty the fridge completely

Discard expired or questionable items

Remove shelves, drawers, and side compartments

Wash everything with hot water and dish soap

Wipe the walls with a vinegar-and-water solution

Let all parts air-dry fully before reassembling

Why this helps:

Bad smells don’t just come from one item — they seep into:

Plastic shelves

Drawer corners

Rubber door seals

Small, unnoticed spills

Cleaning every surface removes bacteria, mold, and odor-causing residues.

Pro tip:

Use equal parts water and white vinegar for wiping — vinegar neutralizes odors better than most cleaners.

2. Use Baking Soda — The Most Effective Natural Fridge Deodorizer

Baking soda is a classic fridge deodorizer, and it works for a reason.

It neutralizes acidic and alkaline smells by absorbing the odor particles instead of covering them.

How to use baking soda correctly:

Place an open box of baking soda on the middle shelf

Replace it every 30–60 days

For strong odors, spread baking soda on a plate for greater surface area

You can also sprinkle it on shelves, leave for 10 minutes, then wipe clean

Why baking soda works:

It traps bad odors coming from:

Spoiled food

Onions, garlic, and strong-smelling leftovers

Moldy drawers

Stale moisture

Bonus method:

Add a few drops of lemon essential oil to your baking soda for extra freshness.

3. Clean With Lemon and Vinegar — The Duo That Kills Odor-Causing Bacteria

If you want your fridge to smell clean and fresh, lemon and white vinegar are your best combination.

Lemon does:

Fights smells naturally

Leaves a fresh citrus scent

Cuts through grease and sticky spills

Vinegar does:

Kills odor-causing bacteria

Removes stains

Breaks down tough food residues

How to clean with lemon & vinegar:

Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of warm water

Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Wipe shelves, walls, drawers, and door seals

Dry with a microfiber cloth

Why this combination works:

Lemon handles the smell while vinegar handles the bacteria — a perfect duo for a fresh refrigerator.

4. Use Natural Absorbers Like Activated Charcoal or Coffee Grounds

If your fridge has a stubborn, deep odor that doesn’t go away easily, natural absorbers like activated charcoal or coffee grounds can do wonders.

Activated charcoal:

Absorbs strong odors extremely quickly

Works faster than baking soda

Great for lingering smells (fish, spoiled meat, mold)

Place a small bowl of charcoal briquettes on a shelf for 5–7 days.

Coffee grounds:

Absorb and mask smells

Leave a mild, pleasant aroma

Work well for mild to moderate odor problems

Spread used or fresh coffee grounds in a bowl and leave for a week.

Why these work:

They pull odor molecules from the air, making hard-to-remove smells gradually disappear.

5. Prevent Smells From Returning With Smart Storage Habits

Cleaning is one thing — keeping the fridge fresh is another.

A big part of odor prevention is storing food properly and keeping airflow inside the fridge clean and stable.

How to prevent odors long-term:

Store leftovers in airtight glass containers

Keep raw meat well-sealed on the lowest shelf

Throw out expired food weekly

Wipe small spills immediately

Keep strong-smelling foods (like onion or fish) covered

Check vegetables regularly to avoid hidden rot

Avoid overcrowding the fridge — odors spread faster in tightly packed areas

Extra tips:

Place a lemon half with cloves inside the fridge for a natural fresh scent

Keep a small container of oats to absorb humidity

Use refrigerator-safe odor absorbers for persistent issues

Why prevention matters:

Most bad smells come from neglected spills, forgotten vegetables, poorly sealed foods, and hidden moisture.

???? Bonus Trick: The Cotton Ball Hack

Dip a cotton ball in vanilla extract or lemon juice, place it in a small bowl, and keep it on the top shelf.

It releases a natural, gentle fragrance that keeps the fridge smelling fresh.