Banish Fridge Smells with This Hidden Spot

A mysterious smell has invaded your fridge, and you're at a loss for what to do. You've tried cleaning the inside, tossing old food, and even leaving a bowl of baking soda to absorb the odor. But the smell persists. Don't worry, you're not alone. Many of us have dealt with this frustrating problem, and the solution is often hiding in plain sight.

## The Secret to Fridge Odors

The culprit behind your fridge smell is likely not what you think. It's not the food itself, but rather the molecules of "stuff" that are emitted from your food and float in the air. These molecules enter your nose and trigger receptors that make you say "ew." Your goal is to provide a place for these molecules to dock before they reach your nose.

## The Drip Pan: A Hidden Spot for Odors

The drip pan is a secret compartment in most refrigerators that can catch more than just drips. It's a pan located under your fridge that can collect foul-smelling water over time, leading to a persistent odor. The drip pan is likely the source of your smell situation.

To access the drip pan, check your manual or search online for your fridge's brand and model number. Once you've removed it, clean it with a sponge or rag and a good dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, or bleach solution. After cleaning and replacing the drip pan, the odor should noticeably improve.

## Keeping Fridge Smells at Bay

There are two basic tactics to solve a persistent odor problem: drowning it out with deodorants or taking it out of circulation with antiperspirants. Deodorants like coffee grounds, white vinegar, and gel odor eliminators can be cheap and easy to use, but they come with a few caveats. They can emit smells of their own and impart those smells to other foodstuffs in the refrigerator.

## A Better Odor Solution: Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a more effective solution for eliminating fridge odors. It has a huge ratio of surface area to volume, making it great at trapping odor molecules. Activated charcoal is available in brick form, sachets, or can be DIYed by pouring loose charcoal into small cloth bags or a clean sock. While it may be more expensive than other options, it's a cost-effective solution if purchased loose and transferred into sachets.

| Product | Price per Ounce | | --- | --- | | Activated Charcoal (odor eliminator) | $0.81 | | Activated Charcoal (aquarium filter) | $0.35 |

The bottom line is that folk remedies like baking soda may not work as well as you think, but activated charcoal is a more effective solution. With a small DIY effort, you can banish fridge smells and keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean.