How to banish fridge smells for ‘up to 1 month’ with 65p natural item

Deep cleaning a fridge can be quite the task, but it’s necessary to keep bacteria and nasty smells at bay. Many homeowners tend to put off the task until the smells become almost unbearable.

Luckily, there is a quick, easy, and surprisingly affordable cleaning hack for that. Jamie Cooper, senior product manager for refrigeration at Hotpoint, shared his go-to trick, explaining: “Your fridge freezer works around the clock to keep food fresh, but dirt, ice or blocked vents can make it less efficient and even affect food safety. Giving it a regular deep clean not only improves hygiene but can also extend the life of your fridge freezer and help save energy over time.”

According to the expert, an open tub of baking soda in the fridge “will absorb unwanted smells for up to one month.”

This everyday kitchen item works quietly in the background, neutralising odours without chemicals, and for those who prefer a touch of fragrance, there’s another natural option.

Jamie said: “You can also pop a few drops of vanilla extract on a cotton ball to give a sweet scent. Both cost around £1.50 and are safe to keep near food.”

Baking soda can be found in supermarkets like Tesco and ASDA for as little as 65p, while prices for vanilla essence start at 59p.

When it comes to deep cleaning a fridge, there are a number of essential steps to take into account, from defrosting and washing shelves to checking seals, vents, and drainage holes.

“Door seals are especially important, as they can trap crumbs and moisture, which may lead to mould,” Jamie advised.

For this area, the specialist recommends natural solutions like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.