Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a dairy product that can produce a strong odour and leave a lingering smell in your fridge. Whether it's Camembert, mouldy leftovers, or a forgotten block of cheese, there are several ways to prevent and get rid of these smells. Here are some methods to tackle the issue of a stinky fridge and restore it to a pleasant-smelling space.
How to get cheese smell out of the fridge
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preventative measures | Store cheese in an airtight container or cheese paper |
| Don't wrap cheese directly in plastic | |
| Store cheese away from the fridge door | |
| Ensure the fridge is not too tightly packed | |
| Clean the fridge regularly | |
| Remedial measures | Place a bowl of baking soda in the fridge |
| Clean the fridge and check the drip tray | |
| Use specialised fridge deodorisers |
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What You'll Learn
Use baking soda to absorb the smell
If you're dealing with a cheesy fridge, baking soda is a great, inexpensive way to absorb the smell. Simply place some baking soda in a cup or pot, cover it with a lid or some cling film, and put it in the fridge. The lid or cling film needs to have some holes in it so the powder can work its magic and absorb those unwanted odours. You can also add some vanilla or lavender to the powder to create a pleasant smell when you open the fridge.
You can also use an open bowl of baking soda to prevent smells from developing in the first place. This should last up to three months before you have to replace it. Try dating the container so you remember when to change it. If you'd rather save your baking soda for baking, you can buy specialised fridge deodorisers, such as the Acana Fridge Odour Absorber.
Of course, it's always a good idea to give your fridge a deep clean to prevent smells from lingering or returning. This includes taking everything out of the fridge and washing all the drawers, bins, and shelves. You can also wipe down all inside surfaces with a damp cloth, then dry the fridge with a soft cloth.
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Wrap cheese in paper, then a plastic bag
If you're looking to prevent cheese from stinking up your fridge, wrapping it in paper and then placing it in a plastic bag is a good option. This method avoids the issue of wrapping cheese directly in plastic, which can cause the cheese to absorb the odours of other foods in the fridge. It also prevents the cheese from taking on a “stale refrigerator” smell.
To wrap your cheese in paper, place the cheese on a flat sheet of parchment or waxed paper. Bring the edges of the paper up and around the cheese, creasing as you go to make neat, clean folds. You can use tape to secure the paper if you like. Then, place the wrapped cheese into a plastic bag or wrap it in loose plastic wrap to keep things tight and prevent fridge odours from penetrating the cheese.
It's important to note that this method is best for firmer cheeses. Additionally, it's recommended to label the paper with the cheese variety and date. This practice helps you keep track of your cheese's freshness.
While wrapping cheese in paper and then a plastic bag can help prevent strong cheese smells from permeating your fridge, it's still important to clean your fridge regularly. Deep cleaning your fridge can help eliminate any lingering odours and prevent them from returning.
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Clean the fridge with vinegar and water
To clean your fridge with vinegar and water, start by unplugging the appliance. This helps prevent energy waste and is a safety precaution, as electricity and wet hands don't mix. Remove all food and any removable drawers and shelves. Then, wash the drawers and shelves with hot water and dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
Next, create a vinegar mixture using equal parts water and vinegar. Distilled white vinegar is best, as it has no colourants and won't stain surfaces. Spray or apply generous amounts of your vinegar mixture all over the inside of your fridge, including the side of the fridge door and the door gasket. Leave for about 5 minutes, and then try wiping away any hardened build-up. If it doesn't come off, spritz some more of your vinegar solution and let it sit for another 5 minutes.
Wipe the interiors using a clean towel dampened with plain water, working from the top and moving from side to side. Then, use a fresh towel to dry the surfaces thoroughly. Spritz or apply your vinegar solution on all sides of the fridge, including the back and the top. It’s safe to use the mixture on condenser coils, but don’t let it sit for too long.
Finally, clean the drip pan at the bottom of the fridge with warm water and dish soap. Make sure to thoroughly rinse and dry it before putting it back.
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Store cheese in an airtight container
If you're a cheese lover, you'll know that it doesn't take much for a strong cheese odour to fill your fridge. While cheese is unlikely to absorb other food odours, dairy products can "catch" odours from other food in the fridge. So, if you're storing cheese in the fridge, it's best to keep it in an airtight container.
Firstly, don't wrap your cheese directly in plastic. Cheese bags are highly recommended by America's Test Kitchen. You can also use butcher paper or waxed paper. Place the paper flat on your counter, with the cheese wedge on top, and bring the edges of the paper up and around the cheese, creasing as you go to make neat, clean folds. You can use tape to secure the paper if you like. Then, place the wrapped cheese inside an airtight container.
If you don't have cheese bags or waxed paper, you can wrap firmer cheeses in a paper towel and then place them into a plastic bag or wrap them in plastic wrap. You can also try a Tupperware-style container with an airtight seal. Make sure to pack everything else in the fridge so that odours don't mingle, and don't keep anything open inside.
If you're storing cheese for a week or longer, it may be better to use permeable packaging, as airtight packaging can make the cheese wet enough for mould or bacteria to grow, and it can also change the texture of the cheese. Cheese is optimised for storage in a root cellar at 12-15 Celsius, with sufficient air movement.
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Avoid storing cheese in the fridge door
It's no secret that cheese can be a pungent food, and when stored in the fridge, it can quickly fill the entire space with its strong odour. While cheese lovers may not mind this, for others, it can be overwhelming and off-putting. To prevent this, it is important to avoid storing cheese in the fridge door.
The fridge door is not an ideal place to store cheese or any other dairy products. This is due to the temperature fluctuations that occur each time the door is opened and closed. These fluctuations can cause food to spoil and decay more rapidly. Therefore, it is best to find another spot in the fridge for your cheese.
So, where should you store your cheese? Firstly, it is recommended to wrap cheese in paper towels, butcher paper, or special cheese paper before placing it in a plastic bag or an airtight container. This helps to regulate moisture and prevent the cheese from directly absorbing other odours in the fridge. Additionally, ensure that your cheese is stored in an area of the fridge with good airflow, allowing it to "breathe."
To further combat cheese odours, you can also utilise baking soda. Place a small dish of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odours, or create a simple absorber by putting baking soda in a cup, covering it with cling film, and poking a few holes in the lid. This will help neutralise any strong cheese smells.
By following these simple steps and avoiding the fridge door, you can effectively reduce the impact of cheese odours in your fridge and enjoy your cheese without overwhelming your senses every time you open the fridge door.
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Frequently asked questions
To get rid of cheese smells from your fridge, you should first take everything out and give the space a thorough clean. Wipe down all inside surfaces with a damp cloth, then dry it with a soft cloth. You can also use a solution of white vinegar and water to gently wipe down the shelves.
To prevent cheese smells, avoid wrapping cheese directly in plastic. Instead, use a paper towel, cheese paper, or waxed paper, and then place the cheese in a plastic bag or airtight container. You can also store cheese in the main body of the fridge, rather than the door, to avoid temperature fluctuations that can cause food to decay quickly.
Baking soda is great for absorbing unwanted smells. Leave a bowl of baking soda in the fridge to prevent and remove odours. You can also add vanilla or lavender to the powder to create a pleasant smell.
