Instead of using deodorizing chemicals, many experts recommend taking advantage of lemon - an available, safe and effective ingredient.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, natural cleaning methods such as using mild acid from fruits can help neutralize odors without leaving chemical residues in closed spaces such as refrigerators. Lemons contain citric acid, which has the ability to deodorize and inhibit odor-causing bacteria.
The method is quite simple: cut a few slices of fresh lemon, place them in the corners of the refrigerator or squeeze diluted lemon juice to wipe the inside surface. After about 24-48 hours, the odor will decrease significantly. To increase effectiveness, you should clean the cabinet periodically and remove spoiled food.
Ms. Mary Gagliardi - Clorox's hygienist - said: "Natural ingredients like lemon can help control odors in small spaces, especially when combined with keeping the refrigerator clean and dry.
However, lemon only helps to deodorize to a certain extent. If the smell originates from spoiled food or bacteria accumulated for a long time, cleaning the entire refrigerator is necessary. Users should store food in a sealed container to limit the spread of the smell.
