How to Neutralize Garlic Odor in a Fridge

Odor-Absorbing Materials

• 1

  Place fresh, unused coffee grounds in a large, shallow container in the fridge. Lay the grounds out in an even layer. Put the container of grounds near the bottom of the fridge, for example, on the bottom shelf. The grounds must be exposed to the air to have odor-absorbing effect; do not place them in the crisper.

• 2

  Lay an even layer of baking soda in a shallow container and place it in the fridge. After the garlic odor has subsided, you may replace the used baking soda with fresh soda and place it back in the fridge as a preventive measure. Change the soda every few months.

• 3

  Soak a cotton ball in vanilla. Place the vanilla in an open container, such as a cereal bowl, and place it in the fridge. Close the fridge door and let it remain shut for 24 hours. Remove the cotton ball and clean the entire fridge if the garlic odor remains.

• 4

  Add crumpled newspapers and activated charcoal to the fridge. Place a few balls of newspaper and a shallow container of charcoal in the fridge. If you can pinpoint a section of the fridge where the garlic odor is particularly strong, target that area with the paper or charcoal.

Full Fridge Cleaning

• 5

  Empty the fridge of its contents. Place items in a cooler to keep them cool while the fridge is being cleaned. To do a thorough cleaning, empty the freezer as well, placing frozen items in a cooler with ice packs.

• 6

  Remove shelves, ice cube trays and drawers from the fridge. Wash each piece in hot, soapy water using dish soap. Rinse each piece in a sanitizing solution made from 1 tbsp. of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Let stand to dry.

• 7

  Combine 1 cup of hot water with 2 tbsp. baking soda in a small container. Using a soft cloth, wipe down the inside of the fridge and freezer. Include the door and its rubber seal, called a gasket. Rinse the fridge interior with the chlorine bleach sanitizing solution.

• 8

  Allow the door to stand open for approximately 15 minutes. The free flow of air will allow any additional odors to escape.