How to Freshen the Refrigerator

Cleaning Tip of the Day

Keep a refrigerator smelling fresh and clean with any of these simple, inexpensive tricks.

Baking soda is the traditional refrigerator freshener, but other everyday kitchen items are also helpful. These items do a great job of removing odors, not simply covering them up.

Place a small dish or jar of white vinegar in the back of the refrigerator. Another way is to soak a paper towel, or a small washcloth, with vinegar. Place it in the back of the fridge and renew the towel when it dries out.

Fill a half rind of orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit with salt. Place the hull in the back on a shelf and replace it when the salt becomes saturated with moisture.

A shallow dish of dry oats or dry coffee grounds will work the same as baking soda.

A small amount of vanilla extract poured into a bottle cap and placed in the back on a shelf will freshen the refrigerator.

Charcoal is an old favorite for eliminating odors in refrigerators and around the house and home.

For more information on using vanilla extract read:

Tips to Freshen a Microwave Oven
Vanilla Hints and Tips
Vanilla Tips and Tricks
Using Vanilla as an Air Freshener
Vanilla Extract to Remove Odor
What Can Vanilla Be Used For