by Ruth Moran

Created on: March 25, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Ten top tips for preventing food smell in the refrigerator:

1. Keep a pot of baking soda at the back of the fridge with the lid off. This works wonders for absorbing nasty smells. A slice of lemon also does this. Be sure to change it every week or so.

2. Ensure that all cartons and containers are closed where possible, and wrap loose food, such a fruit and veg, in aluminium foil.

3. Clean the fridge about once a fortnight. It doesn't have to be a big clean. Just a quick wipe down of the shelves with some disinfectant spray on a cloth.

4. Wipe up spills instantly. You might be in a rush, but you'll be grateful for it later. Even just mopping them up with some kitchen towel and coming back to them later is better than nothing.

5. Keep an eye out for spills. When you get something out of the refrigerator, have a quick glance over it to make sure it's clean.

6. Try to keep as little as possible in there. If something doesn't need to be refrigerated, ten don't refrigerate it. In the winter months, some food can be kept in a container in an area of your house that isn't heated, or even outside.

7. Make sure that you clean old food out regularly. Don't let anything sit in there that is out of date.

8. Try to keep liquids in the bottom of the refrigerator, so that if they spill the damage will be kept to a minimum. Spilling milk from the top shelf creates a big mess, because it drips down the shelves and onto all the other food.

9. Keep your refrigerator at an optimum temperature. Make sure that it isn't to cold or too warm. If your food doesn't seem to be staying fresh, check that the temperature is low enough. Remember, hot weather can affect this.

10. Try not to leave things in there for too long. Aim to eat your food up quickly where possible, so that food smells aren't given a chance to develop.

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