The Surprising Benefits of Placing a Bowl of Vinegar in Your Refrigerator

A simple bowl of vinegar in your refrigerator can bring remarkable benefits. Let’s explore why this small trick is so effective and how you can make the most of it.

The refrigerator is one of the most essential household appliances, found in nearly every home. It plays a crucial role in preserving a wide variety of foods — from fresh meat, fish, and seafood to fruits, vegetables, and cooked dishes. However, since so many different types of foods are stored together, odors can easily mix and linger over time, creating an unpleasant smell whenever you open the fridge door.

Fortunately, there’s a simple and natural solution — vinegar.

1. Deodorize Your Fridge Naturally with Vinegar

Place a small bowl or cup of white vinegar inside your refrigerator. The acetic acid in vinegar acts as a powerful natural deodorizer that neutralizes unwanted smells. Leave the bowl in the fridge for several days, and you’ll notice that the odors disappear completely, leaving your refrigerator smelling fresh and clean.

For an even stronger deodorizing effect, you can enhance the vinegar with citrus peels. Cut up a few pieces of orange or tangerine peel, place them in a small bowl, and pour in some white vinegar. Set this bowl in the fridge. The combination of vinegar’s cleaning power and the pleasant scent of citrus essential oils will help eliminate odors while adding a light, refreshing fragrance.

2. Use Vinegar to Clean and Disinfect the Fridge

Vinegar is also an excellent cleaning agent. Mix vinegar with clean water in a 1:1 ratio and use this solution to wipe down the shelves, drawers, and door seals. It not only removes stains and sticky residue but also kills bacteria and mold that may be growing inside. Cleaning regularly with vinegar helps maintain a hygienic environment for your food.

Another method involves soaking a clean cloth in a mixture of vinegar and water for about two minutes. Wring it out and use it to thoroughly wipe the fridge interior. After cleaning, rinse the cloth, soak it again in vinegar water, wring it out, and place it in one of the compartments. The damp cloth will continue to absorb odors for several hours. Once the fridge smells fresh again, simply remove the cloth.

3. Other Natural Ways to Remove Refrigerator Odors

If you don’t have vinegar on hand, there are several other natural ingredients that work just as well:

• Tea and Baking Soda:
Mix some dry tea leaves with a small amount of baking soda and place the mixture in a small fabric bag (or even in a single-use face mask tied securely). Put this bag in your refrigerator. The tea leaves absorb moisture and release a mild, pleasant aroma, while baking soda neutralizes unpleasant smells and keeps the air inside clean and fresh.

• Citrus Peels:
Fresh peels from oranges, lemons, or pomelos work wonderfully. Simply place a few peels on each refrigerator shelf. The essential oils in the peels naturally eliminate odors and leave behind a citrusy scent that’s both refreshing and energizing.

• Dry Toilet Paper Rolls:
This may sound surprising, but dry toilet paper is excellent at absorbing moisture and odors. Place a roll in your fridge, and it will gradually draw out excess humidity while trapping unpleasant smells. After a few days, your fridge will feel drier and smell noticeably cleaner.

Additional Tips for a Fresher Refrigerator

• Always store raw and cooked foods separately to prevent odor transfer.

• Regularly check and discard expired or spoiled food.

• Keep the refrigerator temperature stable to reduce bacterial growth.

• Clean the drip tray and door seals monthly, as these areas often harbor hidden grime.

By simply placing a bowl of vinegar in your refrigerator — or combining it with other natural ingredients — you can keep your fridge fresh, clean, and hygienic without using harsh chemicals. It’s an easy, eco-friendly method that costs almost nothing yet makes a big difference in your daily life.