65p ingredient will keep your fridge smelling fresh for a month

Maintaining your fridge freezer with regular deep cleans is crucial for hygiene, efficiency, and even reducing energy bills. Recent research has shown that one in five Brits only clean their fridge freezer twice a year, which can lead to numerous problems later on.

Jamie Cooper, Senior Product Manager for Refrigeration at Hotpoint, explains: "Your fridge freezer works around the clock to keep food fresh, but dirt, ice or blocked vents can make it less efficient and even affect food safety. Giving it a regular deep clean not only improves hygiene but can also extend the life of your fridge freezer and help save energy over time."

To assist households in managing this task without breaking the bank, the refrigeration expert has shared budget-friendly cleaning hacks - including one that costs only 65p and another unique one that will only set you back around £1.50 and keep your fridge freezer smelling fresh.

The refrigeration expert suggests a simple, low-cost trick to keep fridge odours at bay: "An open tub of baking soda in the fridge will absorb unwanted smells for up to 1 month."

Sharing another unique hack to keep the refrigerator smelling fresh, Cooper reveals: "You can also pop a few drops of vanilla extract on a cotton ball to give a sweet scent. Both cost around £1.50 and are safe to keep near food."

For optimal results, Cooper advises: "Do a quick weekly wipe-down of visible spills and expired items, and aim for a deep clean every three months. This routine makes the task easier and keeps your fridge freezer working at its best."

Empty and Defrost

Cooper advises: "The first step is to remove all food. If your freezer has built-up frost, switch it off, unplug safely, and allow the ice to melt, using old towels to soak up any excess water. Warm water can help speed things up, but never use boiling water as this could damage your appliance. This isn't just about keeping your freezer clean - it's also a chance to check for performance issues, like worn seals or frost build-up, before they turn into bigger problems."

The expert further comments: "It's also the perfect time to check food expiry dates, especially on those items tucked away at the back of the freezer, helping you stay organised and cut down on food waste."

Wash Shelves and Drawers

Once your fridge freezer is empty, take out all the removable parts such as shelves, drawers, and racks.

Cooper suggests: "These can be washed in warm soapy water, or for a simple, chemical-free alternative, mix one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda into half a litre of warm water. This natural cleaner gently removes grime without scratching surfaces and is completely safe to use where food is stored."

At around 65p for a 200g tub - bicarbonate of soda is one of the most affordable and versatile cleaning ingredients to keep in your home, making it a brilliant option for maintaining your fridge freezer.

Wipe the Interior

Next, it's time to clean the interior of your fridge freezer. The senior product manager recommends starting from the top and working your way down, making sure to focus on corners and door seals.

"Door seals are especially important, as they can trap crumbs and moisture, which may lead to mould. A soft toothbrush dipped in a mix of equal parts white vinegar and warm water is an effective solution. Distilled vinegar, which costs around 35p for a 500ml bottle, has natural antibacterial properties that make it ideal for cleaning," Cooper explains, adding, "Using natural cleaners is budget-friendly and helps you avoid harsh chemicals in areas where you store food, giving you a safe and effective clean."

Clean Vents and Drainage Holes

Vents and drainage holes are frequently neglected areas in the refrigerator that are vital for efficiency.

Cooper warns: "A blocked vent or drain hole can lead to bad smells and water pooling inside of your fridge. A quick clean with a cotton bud or small brush can remove debris in minutes, and this simple five-minute task can make a big difference to performance."

It's also worth checking for any deeper blockages in the drain. Pouring a combination of warm water and washing-up liquid down the hole can eliminate any remaining bits of debris. Once that's completed, inspect the drain tray and empty it if necessary to prevent any overflow.

Reassemble and Organise

Once the crucial tasks listed above are done, it's time for the fun part - reassembly and organisation. Creating a system and placing items according to usage and usability within the fridge freezer is imperative.

Cleaning the Exterior

It's easy to concentrate solely on the interior of your fridge freezer, but the exterior also plays a significant role in maintaining hygiene and efficiency.

Cooper advises: "The outside, especially the door handles, is one of the most touched areas in the kitchen, so keeping it clean is essential. Warm water and a little dish soap is usually all you need. If you have a stainless steel fridge freezer, always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks and keep it looking its best."

It's vital not to overlook the condenser coils. Hoovering away dust every six months can help the fridge freezer operate more efficiently, saving both energy and money in the long run.