Foods with strong odours such as onions, garlic, cheese or fish can have a rather unpleasant effect on the smell of a refrigerator. The odour often lingers long after the odorous goods have been removed. Strong odours in the refrigerator can be neutralised with acidic and absorbent materials.

 

Slight odours can often be removed simply by rubbing the compartments with a cloth dipped in vinegar. The acetic acid destroys many odour-causing bacteria. After wiping with vinegar, leave the fridge to dry and then put some almond oil or vanilla oil on a cotton wool pad and place it in the fridge, preferably one on each shelf. Keep the fridge door closed, of course, so that the aroma of the oil can spread and mask other odours.

More stubborn odours require a little more work. To do this, empty the fridge completely and spread baking soda on the shelves. After about 30 minutes, wipe off the powder with a damp cloth and rub the shelves dry. Baking soda is alkaline and absorbs odours that come into contact with it. You can then place a bowl of activated charcoal (available in aquarium shops) in the fridge. Activated charcoal removes unpleasant odours and lasts for up to three months.

Strong odours must be removed by washing the shelves thoroughly with detergent. Add chlorine bleach to the detergent and water. After drying the shelves, you can fill a nylon stocking with fresh coffee powder and hang it up in the refrigerator. The oils released by the coffee powder bind odour-causing bacteria and thus remove strong odours. You can also add a few drops of vanilla oil to the coffee powder.

How to avoid odours in the refrigerator
To avoid unpleasant odours in the fridge, it should be cleaned out once a week. Expired and old food should be removed immediately, especially vegetables. If liquids are spilt in the fridge, they should be wiped away immediately. An older refrigerator should be switched off for a day so that it can be aired out and all surfaces inside can be thoroughly scrubbed.