Running a household with a kitchen fridge can be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping the food fresh and odor-free. With leftovers, fresh fruit, and other food items, it’s easy to end up with unwanted smells in the fridge. These odors not only make the environment unpleasant, but they can also cause food to spoil faster.
To keep your fridge smelling fresh, it’s crucial to eliminate odors as soon as they emerge. While a plate of baking soda or coffee grounds can help, a long-lasting solution is to invest in a refrigerator deodorizer. A leakproof deodorizer can neutralize odors and keep food fresh for longer, making life in the kitchen much easier.
In this article, we will be reviewing the best refrigerator odor eliminators to try today. Here’s a list of the top five products:
1. NonScents Refrigerator Deodorizer
The NonScents refrigerator deodorizer is our pick for the best fridge deodorizer, thanks to its ability to eliminate unpleasant smells and keep food fresh for up to two times longer. The deodorizer uses zeolite, a microporous mineral with excellent adsorbent qualities, to draw hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and excess moisture from the fridge. It’s natural, non-toxic, and long-lasting, making it an essential tool for managing unpleasant smells.
Pros:
- Zeolite mineral is excellent at adsorbing gasses and excess moisture
- One deodorizer lasts up to 6 months
- Can extend food shelf life up to two times
- Compact size saves valuable fridge space
Cons:
- May give off a strong initial scent
- Not refillable
2. Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag
The Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag is a simple and effective solution to keep your fridge smelling fresh. The mesh bag is filled with activated bamboo charcoal, which removes moisture and odors from the fridge, keeping your produce fresh for as long as possible. The bag comes with a metal grommet and suction cup hook, making it easy to position anywhere in the fridge or freezer. One bag can last for up to two years, making it a cost-effective solution.
Pros:
- Bamboo charcoal removes odors, ethylene gas, and moisture to keep food tasting fresher for longer
- Rechargeable in sunlight for several years of use
- Charcoal can be recycled into the garden after use
- Hanging hook allows you to position the pack anywhere in the refrigerator
Cons:
- Not refillable
3. Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator Air Filter
The Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator Air Filter is a convenient solution to neutralize unpleasant odors in the fridge or freezer. The filter is made of 100% baking soda, which safely and effectively neutralizes fridge odors and absorbs moisture. It comes with a suction cup backing, allowing you to place it anywhere in the fridge or freezer. An added replacement indicator tells you exactly when it’s time to change the filter, ensuring your fridge air is always clean.
Pros:
- Replacement indicator tells you when it’s time to change the filter
- 100% baking soda safely and effectively neutralizes fridge odors and absorbs moisture
- Suction grip backing allows you to place it anywhere in the fridge or freezer
Cons:
- Baking soda may give off a strong initial scent
4. Fridge Ninja Natural Bamboo Activated Charcoal Fridge Deodorizer
Fridge Ninja is a reusable and natural deodorizer made of bamboo charcoal that absorbs odors, gasses, and moisture to maintain freshness in the fridge. With one purchase of a two-pack, you get a deodorizer for the main fridge section and another for the crisper to keep vegetables fresher. If you recharge it in direct sunlight for an hour every month, one pack can continue absorbing odors for up to two years.
Pros:
- Natural bamboo charcoal eliminates odors, gasses, and moisture effectively
- Rechargeable in direct sunlight
- Comes with a thermometer to help maintain the optimal fridge temperature.
Cons:
- Only lasts about 30 days
- Not refillable.
5. TRILINK Smart Mini Odor Eliminator
TRILINK Smart Mini Odor Eliminator is a USB rechargeable and reusable deodorizer that can effectively reduce unpleasant odors in closed environments like fridges, cars, and wardrobes. Unlike baking soda and bamboo charcoal bags which only absorb smells, the ozone machine circulates active oxygen to eliminate odors. With a single button, it has two modes – standard mode with a battery life of 30 days and strong mode with a battery life of 72 hours.
Pros:
- Quickly eliminates odors within 24 hours
- Long-lasting, 5 weeks later the fridge is still odorless
- Comes with two modes for different levels of maintenance
- Quick and easy to charge
- Lightweight and compact size for easy movement.
Cons:
- Causes headaches in some people due to strong ozone smell
- Loud buzzing noise is noticeable from a distance
- Vibration causes buzzing sound that cannot be reduced
- May cause discomfort or anxiety to pets
Eliminating Refrigerator Odors
A refrigerator deodorizer can help remove unpleasant smells and prevent mold growth by using natural materials that either neutralize odors or reduce humidity. Baking soda is a popular choice as it absorbs moisture and neutralizes acidic gases. On the other hand, activated charcoal and zeolite can capture moisture and odors on their surface.
Removing Rotten Smells from the Fridge
A build-up of bacteria, yeast, mold, and mildew is often the cause of foul odors in a refrigerator. To get rid of the smell, it is necessary to eliminate both the source and the odor. While bleach is highly effective in killing odor-causing microorganisms, it may leave a strong cleaner smell in the sealed space. An alternative is to use vinegar to clean the refrigerator and remove harmful microbes, followed by a refrigerator deodorizer to neutralize any remaining odors.
Quickly Deodorizing the Fridge
To quickly deodorize a refrigerator, the source of the odor must first be found and removed. Cleaning with vinegar or bleach can help prevent the odor from worsening. A refrigerator deodorizer or baking soda can also help to reduce the unpleasant smells. However, it may take several days or even weeks for odor eliminators to make a noticeable difference if the odor is from spoiled food.
Preventing Refrigerator Odors
To prevent refrigerator odors from returning, it is important to maintain fresh air by keeping the fridge at the proper temperature, between 37°F and 40°F. Good food handling practices, such as keeping expiration dates in check and using airtight containers for leftovers, can also help keep the fridge odor-free. Using crisper drawers correctly, such as keeping fruits in a low-humidity drawer and vegetables in a high-humidity one, can also prevent unwanted smells.
Professional Deep Cleaning
If all other methods of removing fridge odors have failed, a professional deep cleaning may be necessary. By contacting a specialty cleaning service, such as Anita’s, you can quickly eliminate the odor and have a fresh and clean refrigerator.
