You’ve scrubbed the benches, taken out the rubbish, even lit a fancy candle — but somehow, your kitchen still smells a little…off.
It’s one of those small household mysteries that can quietly drive you mad if you let it. Surprisingly often, the problem isn’t obvious spills or rubbish bins. It’s hiding somewhere you probably check every day — your fridge.
Even with a premium Smeg fridge, regular maintenance is key to keeping odours (and the bacteria behind them) from building up unnoticed.
Luckily, freshening up your kitchen isn’t as complicated as it feels. You just need to know where to look and what habits to tweak.
Why Fridges Are Sneakier Than You Think
It’s easy to assume that cold environments are too harsh for smells to form.
But fridges are actually perfect breeding grounds for odour-causing bacteria — especially when spills, expired foods, or open containers are left unchecked.
Even small things like:
- Forgotten veggies hidden in a crisper drawer
- Cheese stored without a proper seal
- Spills that drip behind shelves
can create a subtle but persistent odour that seeps into the whole kitchen over time.
And because it happens gradually, you don’t notice it until it’s too late.
Quick Steps to Stop the Smell Before It Starts
Freshening up your fridge (and your kitchen with it) doesn’t have to mean a full scrub-down every week.
Simple, consistent habits make all the difference.
Here’s what helps:
- Weekly wipe-downs: A quick wipe with warm water and baking soda neutralises smells before they take hold.
- Use natural deodorisers: A small open box of baking soda inside the fridge absorbs odours quietly and effectively.Store food properly: Use airtight containers for everything from leftovers to cut fruit.
- Check expiry dates: It’s easy to forget about that sauce bottle at the back of the shelf regular checks avoid nasty surprises.
Use natural deodorisers: A small open box of baking soda inside the fridge absorbs odours quietly and effectively.
Taking just a few minutes each week can save you from a much bigger (and stinkier) job later.When It’s Time to Do a Deeper Clean
Here’s how:
- Empty the fridge completely: Yes, everything.
- Remove shelves and drawers: Soak them in warm soapy water.
- Wipe every surface: Use a mix of vinegar and water or baking soda paste.
- Dry thoroughly: Moisture can encourage odours to return.
- Restock smartly: Group like items together and avoid overstuffing shelves so air can circulate properly.
Doing a proper deep clean once every three to six months keeps smells (and stress) to a minimum.
Extra Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Smelling Fresh
It’s not all about the fridge — though it’s usually the biggest culprit.
Other easy wins:
- Empty the bin daily: Especially food scraps and packaging.
- Keep the sink clear: Leftover food particles in drains smell faster than you think.
- Ventilate: Open a window or use an exhaust fan when cooking strong-smelling foods.
These small habits make a big difference in keeping your whole kitchen feeling clean, fresh, and welcoming.Most lingering kitchen smells aren’t a deep mystery — they’re simply the result of small things building up over time.
By keeping an eye on your fridge and adopting a few simple habits, you can stop odours before they even start.
And when your kitchen feels fresh and clean every time you walk in?
Cooking, entertaining, and everyday life become that much more enjoyable.
