Having a clean and odor-free refrigerator is important for food safety and an enjoyable cooking experience. But over time, fridge odors can build up from spills, old food, and storage containers. Rather than using harsh chemical cleaners, you can make an easy DIY magic spray that helps eliminate smells in a safe and natural way.
The main ingredients in this homemade fridge spray are simple household staples you likely already have on hand. All you need is water, vinegar, and vanilla extract. The spray helps absorb and neutralize odors while leaving behind a light fresh scent. It’s an affordable and effective solution for fridge cleaning between deep cleans.
Below is more detail on how to mix up a batch of DIY magic fridge spray and how to use it to banish odors and keep your fridge smelling clean.
The DIY Magic Fridge Spray Recipe
The magic spray contains just three basic ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make the spray:
- Add 1 cup of warm water to a spray bottle. Heating the water slightly helps the vanilla extract blend in smoothly.
- Next, pour in 1/4 cup white vinegar. White vinegar is a natural deodorizer that helps absorb unpleasant fridge odors.
- Finally, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and shake the bottle to fully mix the ingredients. Vanilla leaves behind a light, sweet scent.
Be sure to use pure vanilla extract rather than artificial vanilla flavoring for the best effect. Shake the bottle before each use to combine the ingredients. The spray will last for up to 2 months stored at room temperature.
How to Use the DIY Fridge Spray
Cleaning with the natural DIY fridge spray is very simple:
- Remove all food and shelves from the fridge. Having an empty space makes it easier to thoroughly clean all surfaces.
- Spray the magic solution onto the interior walls, shelves, drawers, and door. Focus on any areas that are prone to spills or stains.
- Let the spray sit for 5-10 minutes so the vinegar and vanilla can work to neutralize odors.
- Wipe down all surfaces with a soft microfiber cloth, towel, or sponge.
- Replace the shelves, drawers, and food items.
- Shake bottle and spray the magic solution into the air inside the fridge before closing the door. This leaves a light air freshening effect.
For best results, repeat the cleaning process weekly. Also spray inside before placing any stinky foods like fish in the fridge. The natural ingredients help absorb and mask food odors.
Extra Tips
- For tough odors, let the spray soak for 10-15 minutes before wiping down.
- Use a toothbrush or Q-tip to scrub the door gaskets.
- Focus on glass shelves, plastic bins, and drawers where smells linger.
- Spray diluted vinegar in the drain beneath produce drawers.
- Air out the fridge for 10 minutes after cleaning before restocking food.
Benefits of Using a Homemade Fridge Spray
There are many advantages to using a natural DIY magic spray rather than commercial cleaners:
- Inexpensive: Ingredients are cheap and commonly found in most pantries already. A bottle costs just a few cents to make.
- No harsh chemicals: Does not leave any chemical residue on surfaces that could touch food. Safe even for plastic components.
- Natural scent: The light vanilla provides a fresh scent without artificial fragrances. Easily customize the smell with different extracts.
- Non-toxic: The vinegar and vanilla extract are both food-safe ingredients. Much safer for family use compared to commercial cleaners with unknown effects.
- Effective: The natural deodorizers in vinegar absorb and eliminate odors rather than just masking them.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredient ratios to create your own preferred formula.
- Sustainable: Avoid single-use wipes and plastic spray bottle waste with a reusable spray container.
Tips for Keeping a Fresh Smelling Fridge
The DIY magic spray helps quickly eliminate odors for a clean fridge. But there are also small daily habits that can prevent smells from building up:
- Wipe up food spills immediately before they have time to sour.
- Store leftovers in airtight glass or plastic containers, not just on a plate covered in foil.
- Regularly check for old or expired foods and throw away anything rotting.
- Allow hot foods to fully cool down first before storing in the fridge.
- Place a small open box of baking soda or activated charcoal bag inside the fridge to absorb funky odors. Replace monthly.
- Clean interior surfaces with warm soapy water every couple of months.
- Replace old worn out gaskets that may allow odors to seep in.
- Organize similar food items together so you can clearly see everything that needs to be used up.
- Avoid overstocking the fridge which reduces airflow.
Recommended Supplies for a Fresh Smelling Fridge
Having the right tools makes it easier to keep fridge odors at bay. Here are some recommended supplies:
- Glass spray bottles – $8.99 for 4 bottles
- Microfiber cloths – $11.97 for a 24-pack
- Vanilla extract – $8.48 for 8 oz bottle
- Distilled white vinegar – $14.97 for 128 oz
- Fridge baking soda – $7.85 for 3.5 lbs
- Fridge odor absorbers – $19.99 for 2-pack
- Airtight food containers – $39.99 for 14 pc set
With a little effort, you can keep your refrigerator clean, fresh, and odor-free using safe homemade cleaners like a simple magic spray. Whip up a bottle and stash it in your fridge to help banish smells naturally.
Make Your Own Fridge Magic Spray Today!
With some simple ingredients and a little time, you can easily make a DIY magic spray that helps keep fridge odors away. Spray it on interior surfaces and in the air to leave your fridge clean and refreshed. Be sure to combine the spray with good storage habits to maintain freshness. Keep your fridge a pleasant smelling place by making your own magic cleaning solution.