Coffee grounds, do not throw them away: drain them and put them in the refrigerator

The refrigerator, this essential appliance in our daily life, can sometimes play tricks on us by giving off bad odors. Whether it's because of the food in it or simply because it needs a good cleaning, a smelly refrigerator can quickly become unpleasant. Fortunately, there are simple and natural solutions to remedy this problem, notably through the use of coffee grounds. In this article, we explain why your refrigerator may smell bad and how to remedy it effectively.

Your refrigerator, despite its undeniable usefulness for preserving your food, can quickly become the source of bad odors. Indeed, the combination of different types of food, humidity and low temperatures creates an environment conducive to the development of bacteria and mold, responsible for these unpleasant odors.

The most common causes are:

• Expired or decomposing foods: damaged fruits and vegetables, leftover dishes left too long, dairy products or meats whose use-by date has passed.
• Lack of airtight packaging: food that is poorly packaged or in non-airtight containers can spread its odor throughout the refrigerator.
• Insufficient cleaning: Food residue, stains and spills that accumulate on the walls and shelves can end up giving off an unpleasant odor if the refrigerator is not cleaned regularly.

So, to prevent your refrigerator from becoming a source of bad odors, it is essential to clean it frequently and thoroughly, while ensuring that you wrap your food well and throw away any that are damaged or expired. In the rest of this article, we give you practical advice for effective cleaning and a natural tip for absorbing bad odors using coffee grounds.

Regular cleaning of your refrigerator is essential to prevent the proliferation of bad odors. Here are the steps to follow and the natural solutions to use for optimal results.

Cleaning steps

• Start by unplugging your refrigerator to avoid any risk of electrocution.
• Remove all food and place it in a cooler or other refrigerator to keep it cool while cleaning.
• Remove shelves, drawers and removable door bins, then wash them in hot, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them before putting them back in place.
• Clean the inside of the refrigerator with a sponge or soft cloth dampened with a natural cleaning solution (see 3.2).
• Don't forget to clean door seals, which can accumulate dirt and bacteria.
• Once you're done cleaning, put the shelves, drawers, and food items back in place, then plug your refrigerator back in.

For effective and ecological cleaning, choose natural solutions based on:

• Baking soda: Mix two tablespoons in a quart of hot water to make a mildly abrasive paste that will remove stains and odors.
• White vinegar: dilute it with water (60% water and 40% vinegar) to create a disinfectant and degreasing solution.

These solutions are 100% natural, economical and do not risk damaging your refrigerator or leaving chemical residues on your food.

Coffee grounds are a surprising ally to combat bad odors in your refrigerator. Thanks to its absorbent properties, it effectively captures unpleasant scents, leaving your device fresh and odor-free.

How to proceed

• Take a cup or small bowl and fill it with fresh or used coffee grounds.
• Place the container in your refrigerator, preferably on the top shelf for best diffusion.
• Leave on for at least 24 hours.
• If necessary, you can replace the coffee grounds approximately every 15 days to maintain their effectiveness.

The coffee grounds act quickly: you should notice a clear difference the day after installation. This method is particularly effective for neutralizing stubborn odors, such as those of fish or cheese.

However, remember that coffee grounds are not a substitute for a thorough cleaning. This is an ideal addition to keep your refrigerator fresh between cleanings.

In addition to regular cleaning and disposing of coffee grounds, here are some additional tips to prevent bad odors from developing in your refrigerator.

Too high a temperature can accelerate food deterioration and encourage the development of odorous bacteria. Make sure your refrigerator is set between 2 and 5°C for optimal food preservation and to limit the risk of unpleasant odors.

Good air circulation in your refrigerator is essential to maintain an even temperature and avoid the accumulation of humidity, which encourages mold and bad odors. Be careful not to overcrowd your refrigerator and leave space between foods to allow air to circulate freely.

Use airtight containers or waterproof packaging to store your foods, especially those with strong odors like cheese, garlic or onions. Also remember to place foods in the appropriate areas of the refrigerator: dairy products on the upper shelves, meats and fish in the coldest part, and fruits and vegetables in the vegetable drawers.

Regularly inspect the contents of your refrigerator to spot damaged or expired foods. Throw them away immediately to prevent them from contaminating other products and giving off bad odors. Get into the habit of sorting weekly to ensure only fresh, healthy foods are in your fridge.

A smelly refrigerator can quickly become a real nightmare, but fortunately, there are simple and natural solutions to remedy it. By regularly cleaning your appliance with natural products such as baking soda or white vinegar, you will limit the proliferation of bacteria responsible for bad odors. The coffee grounds tip, for its part, will allow you to effectively absorb stubborn odors and keep your refrigerator fresh between two cleanings.

Also don't forget to adopt good daily habits, such as setting the correct temperature, wrapping your food well and regularly checking its freshness. By following these tips, you will enjoy a healthy, hygienic and odor-free refrigerator, to the delight of the whole family.

So, ready to adopt these simple actions for a refrigerator that is always fresh and welcoming? Let us know your personal tips for saying goodbye to bad smells in your fridge!