Stop Odors when Your Refrigerator Is Switched Off

Written by Amy Gordon (last updated January 7, 2019)

Has the power ever gone off in your home for an extended period of time? Or have you had to turn off your whole refrigerator to defrost your freezer (see our article about defrosting freezers to make this happen far less often)? If you have had to do this or any other thing that requires you to turn off your fridge for any long period, you must know of the horrors that will await you when you finally have to open up the refrigerator door.

Keeping the refrigerator off creates several problems. The first and most obvious one is that any food inside that needs to be refrigerated will go bad. Unless you live in an area where the temperature outside is constantly at or below refrigerator level, which would allow you to just put your food outside, there is not much you can do to stop your food from spoiling. You will probably have to throw that all away. Another problem that is created is that the inside of the refrigerator is dark and probably damp, and once it warms up, it becomes very prone to mildew. This smell can be awful, and it can be very difficult to remove once it has started.

Fortunately, you do not have to face this horrible problem when you turn off your fridge. To easily stop it, simply put some newspaper inside before you have to turn of the fridge, or at least shortly afterward. This newspaper will absorb any leftover moisture from the refrigerator before it has time to mold. This will also banish those musty odors from your fridge even before they happen.

So next time the power goes out, run for your newspaper and throw it in the refrigerator. Even though you might lose some food, at lease the fridge will smell good.

Author Bio

Amy Gordon

Amy Gordon loves keeping things simple, natural, and safe so she can spend more time having fun. Every day she learns new things about making life at home easier and she loves to share it with you! ...

MORE FROM AMY

Clean and Care for Your Carpets

Instead of renting an expensive carpet-cleaning machine, try these simple and inexpensive methods to save your carpet. ...

Discover More

Removing Stains from Mattresses

Stains on mattresses may be covered with sheets, but they can still damage the mattress and should be removed to extend ...

Discover More

Control Aphids Naturally

Aphids are tiny bugs that can sap the life out of your plants. Most aphid infestations can be washed off with water, but ...

Discover More

Tough Cleaning Jobs Require Brawny! Brawny paper towels provide the versatility you need: the strength for demanding jobs and the softness to clean up your child's messy face. This 24-roll pack of pick-a-size sheets can handle just about every cleaning task in your home. Check out Brawny 24-Pack Giant Paper Towels today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning the Fridge

Are you running away from that neglected fridge? Have the leftovers taken over and you feel that it is time to reclaim ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Odors in Your Refrigerator

Have you ever noticed just how easy it is to have your refrigerator collect odors? While you may think that getting rid ...

Discover More

Cleaning Wood Paneled Refrigerators

With wood paneling, a refrigerator can blend in to the rest of the kitchen. When cleaning the surface of this appliance, ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is one less than 9?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.