Stinky Fridge Solutions: Eliminate Food Odors and Keep Your Refrigerator Fresh
Fridge-Foulers: Top Five Edibles That Leave Odors Lingering
Give your fridge a refreshing makeover and say goodbye to those pesky stinky smells. Here are some tips for managing common odor-causing foods and maintaining a fresh, odor-free fridge.
Top Culprits for a Stinky Fridge
- Onions & Garlic
- Why They Stink: Sulfur compounds intensify in the fridge's cold and humid environment.
- Storage Solution: Keep these ingredients in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard. Use a mesh or paper bag for better airflow. Store cut onions in an airtight glass container or freeze them for future use.
- Forgotten Leftovers
- Why They Stink: Intense aromas from spices, oil, and various food types can linger, especially if cooked foods are stored in styrofoam or plastic containers.
- Storage Solution: Transfer leftovers to airtight containers and consume within two to three days. Opt for containers that are food-safer, such as glass or stainless steel.
- Cruciferous Vegetables
- Why They Stink: Sulfur compounds, similar to rotten eggs, can be intensified by humidity.
- Storage Solution: Store raw vegetables in ventilated produce bags to promote airflow. Cooked vegetables should be cooled completely before storing in airtight containers.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Why They Stink: Sulfur compounds, which give off a rotten odor, are more noticeable once the eggs are peeled.
- Storage Solution: Keep the shells on to protect against sulfur gas until ready to eat. If peeled, rinse under cold water and store in an airtight container, aiming to consume within six to seven days.
- Soft and Aged Cheeses
- Why They Stink: The bacteria and molds used in their fermentation process create strong odors, with some cheeses even releasing foul-smelling ammonia.
- Storage Solution: Wrap these cheeses in parchment or wax paper, and store them in an airtight container in the cheese drawer for better airflow.
General Tips for a Fridge Makeover
- Eating and Discarding: Regularly check expiration dates and discard spoiled or rotten food.
- Air Fresheners: Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors. Alternatively, coffee grounds or salt may also be used.
- Cleaning: Clean the entire fridge, including the freezer section, monthly.
- Proper Storage: Ensure good airflow by avoiding overcrowding and using ventilated storage options.
- Freezing: Freeze foods you won't consume soon to preserve freshness.
- Alternative Odor Absorbers: Consider using a Freshflow™ Airfilter (if available) for more efficient odor removal.
Remember to Wrap it Up: Keep foods tightly wrapped or covered to prevent drying out and contain odors.
Spill Clean-up: Immediately clean up any spills to prevent them from becoming sources of odor.
Avoid Excessive Overcrowding: Provide enough space for good airflow throughout the fridge.
Don't let unpleasant odors dominate your fridge. By identifying common culprits and storing them properly, you can keep your kitchen smelling clean and fresh.
- To maintain a fresh refrigerator, follow Bhg's cleaning tips for housekeeping, which include regularly discarding spoiled or rotten food, cleaning the fridge monthly, and ensuring proper airflow.
- When it comes to house cleaning, minimize stinky odors by observing food storage safety recommendations, such as wrapping soft and aged cheeses in parchment or wax paper and storing them in the cheese drawer.
- If you're looking for how to cook recipes that won't contribute to food odors, avoid storing onions and garlic in the refrigerator and opt instead for a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard.
- In terms of minimizing odors, avoid excessive overcrowding in the refrigerator and immediately clean up any spills to prevent them from becoming sources of odor.
- Instead of using strong chemical compounds for air fresheners, consider using natural alternatives like an open box of baking soda, coffee grounds, or salt to absorb odors in the refrigerator.
- To make your fridge makeover ready, keep foods tightly wrapped or covered to prevent drying out and contain odors, and freeze foods you won't consume soon to preserve freshness.
