One person has been left feeling ‘nauseated’ and ‘insane’ over the powerful smell of their pre-prepared meals – but cleaning enthusiasts have shared their top tips for removing bad odours
A student residing in university accommodation is becoming exasperated by the overpowering stench of batch-cooked meals that fills their entire living quarters each time the fridge door is opened. In reaction, cleaning enthusiasts have offered their top remedies for eliminating the unwelcome odour.
Meal preparation has become integral to many people’s routines nowadays, particularly when the pressures of full-time employment or studies can feel daunting. In an effort to save time daily, some individuals opt to batch cook and prepare all their meals for the coming week. This can prove an excellent time-saving strategy, though it’s not without its drawbacks, as one student has found out.
Despite utilising airtight glass containers for storing their meals, the aroma remains exceptionally potent and leaves them feeling “nauseated”.
They approached Reddit seeking guidance and recommendations, in a post simply entitled “Get Rid of Food Smell in Fridge”.
The person subsequently elaborated: “I have a small fridge in my dorm, and I keep pre-prepared meals in it. They’re in airtight glass containers. However, the smell is still really strong.
“Whenever I open my fridge, I’m nauseated by the smell of food. It’s driving me insane. All of it is really seasoned and has garlic/onion, so I imagine this may be why, but I can’t deal with it much longer.”
They requested methods to “minimise” the smell, then continued: “I hate feeling like I can’t open my fridge without spraying half a bottle of perfume.”
In the comments section, people were eager to share their suggestions – with many proposing leaving sliced lemons or bicarbonate of soda in the fridge to combat unpleasant odours.
One individual suggested: “Try putting baking soda and changing it every few weeks. Also cut up some lemons and put them in the fridge overnight.”
Another concurred: “Known this since I was a kid in the 70’s, my grandmother did it. Good old school life hack.”
A third shared: “My mother always did this and, now after 20 years I just discovered why.”
A fourth remarked: “Put a cup of coffee grounds in your fridge. Dry not brewed. I’ve had good luck with that killing bad odours. Then take it out after a week or so.”
Someone else echoed this sentiment and shared: “Coffee or charcoal always works for me. I clean up, throw old stuff, wipe down. Make sure everything’s covered. There’s always coffee beans or charcoal somewhere in my fridge.”
And another added: “They make ‘rechargeable’ charcoal bags. Lasts a month or so then you leave it in the sunlight for a day to recharge.”
Another person chimed in: “Cut a lemon in half or quarters and leave it in the fridge. Change it out every week. It does wonders for getting rid of that ‘fridge’ smell”.
Lemons are effective in eliminating odours because their acidity can help to neutralise bad smells, while their fresh, clean scent offers a naturally pleasant fragrance.
Likewise, baking soda is a handy tool for eliminating unpleasant fridge odours due to its impressive absorption capabilities and knack for neutralising smells.