How To Use Old Newspaper To Get Rid Of Stinky Fridge Odors

A clean, fresh-smelling refrigerator is a cornerstone of any well-functioning kitchen. Unfortunately, unpleasant odors can often find their way into our fridges, leaving us wrinkle-nosed and desperate for a solution. Luckily, a simple, eco-friendly solution may already be sitting in your recycling bin. Newspaper might not be the first thing that comes to mind when tackling fridge odors, but its absorbent properties make it an effective and natural remedy.

Over time, various factors contribute to the accumulation of unpleasant smells, including food spoilage, spills, bacteria growth, and even humidity. As a result, these odors not only affect the overall freshness of your food, but also have the potential to mingle and create an unpleasant aroma that permeates everything inside the fridge. Newspaper is highly absorbent, capable of soaking up and neutralizing odors effectively. And compared to other commercial odor absorbers, newspaper is a cost-effective alternative that can save you money in the long run.

To harness the power of old newspapers in eliminating stinky fridge odors, you can follow a simple yet effective technique, as documented in a TikTok video by Christina Dennis of The DIY Mommy. First give your refrigerator a good deep cleaning. Then, collect several sheets of old newspaper and crumple them into loose balls or wads. The size of the balls can vary but aim for them to be small enough to fit comfortably within your fridge. Once you have balled up the sheets, place them throughout your refrigerator. Distribute them on different shelves and in compartments. You can also stash a couple of the newspaper balls in the crisper drawer or any areas where odors tend to linger.

Allow the newspaper balls to sit in the fridge for a few days or longer to absorb the unwanted odors. Newspaper will naturally draw in and neutralize unpleasant smells, leaving your fridge fresher and more pleasant. Depending on the severity of the odors, you may need to replace the newspaper weekly for a few weeks. Then, dispose of the newspaper and wipe out the refrigerator with equal parts vinegar and water.

In addition to using old newspapers to eliminate stinky fridge odors, you can follow several other tips to maintain a fresh-smelling refrigerator. For instance, take the time to clean your fridge regularly, removing any food residues, spills, or expired items. Wipe down the interior surfaces with a mild detergent or a mixture of water and vinegar to keep them clean and odor-free. Also, store food in airtight containers to prevent strong smells from spreading and mingling with other items in the fridge. This particularly applies to foods such as onions, garlic, and strong cheeses.

Another great method is placing an open box or a small bowl of baking soda on one of the shelves in your fridge, as baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors. Replace it about every month to ensure its effectiveness. Some vanilla extract on a cotton ball is another way to freshen the fridge.