When preparing for a vacation, it’s easy to forget about the fridge. While you’re busy cleaning the house, taking care of plants, and making sure your pets are looked after, the fridge can be left to its own devices.
However, failing to properly prepare your fridge before leaving for an extended period can result in a less-than-pleasant surprise when you return—namely, unpleasant odors caused by moisture and leftover food. Fortunately, there’s an easy, natural solution that can help: baking soda.
Baking Soda: A simple, natural odor neutralizer
Baking soda is widely known for its odor-neutralizing properties. Unlike many commercial products that simply mask odors, baking soda works by neutralizing the molecules responsible for bad smells. It’s a safe, eco-friendly solution that’s effective in absorbing excess moisture and preventing the growth of bacteria and mold, which are often the culprits behind bad odors in a closed fridge.
To use it, simply place an open container with a few spoonfuls of baking soda inside your fridge before you leave. It can help prevent your fridge from developing any musty smells that might linger long after you’ve returned from your holiday.
“Baking soda ‘attacks’ the molecule responsible for the smell. In doing so, it steals away an atom, thus chemically changing the structure of the odor molecule into one that smells differently,” explained Anthony Rojas, a Georgia Institute of Technology chemistry professor. And for optimal results, make sure to replace the baking soda every month.
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How to prepare your fridge for vacation
Before you rely on baking soda to keep your fridge fresh, there are a few essential steps to follow. First, it’s crucial to empty your fridge of all perishable items. Go through your shelves and consume or dispose of any food that will spoil in your absence.
Next, use a mixture of warm water and either baking soda or white vinegar to scrub down each compartment, including the shelves, vegetable drawers, and corners. This cleaning step will help eliminate any lingering residues or bacteria that could cause odors while you’re away.
For those with a freezer, remember to defrost and empty it. Leaving the door ajar will prevent the buildup of stagnant water. Some modern fridges come equipped with a “vacation mode” that turns off the fridge while keeping the freezer running, helping you save energy while you’re gone. Be sure to check if your fridge has this feature and take advantage of it if possible.
Other natural solutions for a fresh fridge
While baking soda is an excellent choice for maintaining a fresh fridge, it’s not the only natural solution available. Other options, like coffee grounds, can also help absorb odors. Simply place a small container of coffee grounds in the fridge, and replace it every couple of weeks to maintain freshness. Also, both lemon and white vinegar can be used to clean and deodorize your fridge, leaving it smelling fresh.
Good fridge organization is another key factor in preventing odors. Store foods according to their expiration dates, and place more fragile items in the coldest parts of the fridge. Avoid overstuffing the fridge to ensure proper air circulation, which will help keep everything cool and fresh.
