There is nothing worse than opening your fridge for a snack and being hit with a stench of forgotten food rotting somewhere within it. The smell sends you reeling, and even after scrubbing your fridge, it can remain. It’s enough to put you right off your dinner.
While some people might reach for the white vinegar or the fancy and expensive fridge deodorisers, there is a better option. Cleaning expert Nigel Bearman from Daily Poppins says the simple and effective method is something you probably already have in the cupboard — oats.
He said: “Dry oats are brilliant at absorbing odours and excess moisture.
“They act like a natural sponge, trapping smells within them and stopping the fridge from being musty. It’s a chemical-free way to keep it fresh, and it costs next to nothing.”
A survey from Cinch Home Services revealed that fridge cleaning is one of the most put-off household chores, with 21.3 percent of people saying they avoid it at all costs. So, having a low-effort solution like this can make a big difference in keeping your fridge clean between deep cleans.
If you want to use this trick to keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean between scrubs, it’s simple. Take a small amount of oats and place them in a bowl or ramekin. Put the bowl in the middle shelf of your fridge or the vegetable drawer, and let the oats work their magic.
Replace them once a week to keep them working as they should.
For an extra boost, you can add a few drops of essential oil — something like lemon or peppermint will work well.
This same trick also works well in cupboards, under the sink or shoe drawers. Once you’ve finished with the oats, pop them into your compost so there’s no waste.
