by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: May 30, 2007

STINKY FRIDGE

My fridge is filled with take-out plates;
The stench, it simply infiltrates.
My kitchen has a funky scent
Of pizza, way past its descent.
I must defrost and wipe it down
Before they throw me out of town!

REFRIGERATOR, SCENT CREATOR

A refrigerator is handy for keeping food fresh and preventing spoilage. An airtight fridge keeps cold food items cold and seals them against the elements.

Unfortunately, the refrigerator can also be a breeding ground for odors and germs. How can you prevent icebox odors and keep your fridge clean and fresh?

TOSS THE TAKEOUTS.

Those restaurant take-out boxes have got to go. If you must keep the contents, repackage them in sealed plastic or glass containers, or put them in zippered plastic bags before placing them in the refrigerator. Keep an eye on those leftovers. Eat them or throw them away before they get fuzzy and funky and stink up the fridge.

BRING ON THE BAKING SODA.

Purchase a box of basic baking soda. Remove the top, and place the entire box in the back of your refrigerator to absorb odors. Some brands of baking soda offer vented boxes, with spaces for writing dates on the outside.

Replace the baking soda in your refrigerator every two to three months. Placing additional boxes inside crisper, meat, and deli bins can prevent odors from brewing in there too, keeping the entire refrigerator fresher.

Pour used boxes of baking soda down the kitchen sink, with the water running, to keep drains and disposal units fresh as well!

SORT OUT THE SPOILAGE.

Keep track of the food in your fridge. Spoiled foods can stink up a refrigerator in no time at all. Pick a day of the week, and faithfully sort through the contents of the fridge. Check expiration dates on salad dressings, yogurt, and other items. Toss out any mushy, moldy fruit or vegetables.

SPONGE UP SPILLS.

Foods and beverages can leak or spill inside the refrigerator, causing sticky and stinky messes. Meat packages are notorious for leaking. (To prevent this, I wrap each meat package in a plastic grocery bag and put it on a paper plate before I even put it in the fridge.

Clean all refrigerator spills up promptly, to prevent staining, odors, and mold problems! Spray these with glass cleaner, and wipe clean with paper towels.

Check the condiment racks in the refrigerator door, as these are common locations for unspotted spills. (Prevent these by cleaning the outside of ketchup, jams, ice cream toppings, and other containers before replacing them in the fridge.)

DO A DEEP CLEANING.

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