Opening up the fringe to a foul odour is enough to put you off your food, but Mrs Hinch’s cleaning enthusiasts have shared a nifty trick for eliminating the unpleasant smells quickly
There’s nothing worse than being greeted by foul fridge odours, but shocking research has revealed that the average kitchen appliance hasn’t been properly cleaned for 87 days.
A study of 2,000 British adults found that almost one in 10 can’t remember the last time they cleaned their fridge, while more than 10 percent are convinced that the task is unnecessary because the appliance is temperature controlled. According to Good Housekeeping, fridges demand a deep clean every three to six months to prevent the transfer of food bacteria and to eliminate unwanted smells.
The main culprits of repulsive odours are spoiled foods, pungent leftovers, and a dirty drip tray, but Mrs Hinch fans have shared their simple tricks for banishing unpleasant scents swiftly. Taking to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, one user posted: “Advice please. One of the unopened cartons of milk had been leaking in back of fridge.
“I’ve emptied fridge and give it a good clean. Kitchen and around the fridge still stinks of off milk five days on. I’m now wondering if some of the milk had went down that little drainage hole in bottom of fridge.
“How can I clean behind this drainage hole? I hope you understand what I mean. Thanks in advance for any advice.” Fortunately, cleaning enthusiasts were quick to respond with their helpful advice, as one user penned: “I find with fridge smells if I put a small dish full of coffee. It does the trick.”
Experts have also backed-up this recommendation, as the Food Republic hails coffee as a “remarkably effective and chemical-free way” to neutralise strong, pungent smells. The website suggests placing coffee grounds in a bowl or wide-mouthed jar and leaving it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Another Mrs Hinch fan shared: “Cut a fresh lemon in half and put it in the fridge for a few hours, it makes a massive difference,” while a third wrote: “Raw onion absorbs it.”
Another member advised looking at the dip tray at the back of the fridge. This should be cleaned regularly – even if you haven’t spilt milk or another similar food item in your fridge – to prevent your fridge from smelling.
Another user expressed: “There will be a tray on the back you can take out. There will be milk in it. I’ve had this happen a few times.” While a second echoed: “Check the drip tray at back if fridge just above motor usually.”
One cleaning fan commented: “I give the little hole at the back a little clean with a cotton bud.” When cleaning a fridge, “soapy water” also helps, according to another member of the page. One person added: “Use a sponge to soak it up.”
