Eliminate Odor In Your Camper Fridge: Effective Strategies

A camper van or RV is prone to pungent and unwelcome odours due to its small interior space. The fridge is a common source of these smells, whether from old food, mildew, or simply mustiness from not being used for a while. To get rid of the smell, you must first identify its source and then take the necessary steps to eliminate it. This may involve deep cleaning the refrigerator, leaving it open to dry, or using natural deodorisers such as baking soda, coffee grounds, lemon peels, or activated charcoal. Maintaining a consistent temperature and regular cleaning schedule can also help prevent fridge odours.

Deep clean the fridge and leave it open to dry

To get rid of a smell in your camper fridge, you'll first need to identify the source of the odour. Once you've done that, you can take the necessary steps to eliminate the smell. If the smell is coming from your camper fridge, give it a deep clean and leave it open to dry.

First, remove all food items, shelves, and drawers from the fridge. Then, create a mixture of one cup of baking soda and one gallon of water. Use this mixture to wipe down the interior of the fridge, including the shelves, walls, crispers, and drawers. Pay special attention to any residue or spills that may be causing the odour. You can also use a paste made of baking soda and water to scrub away any stubborn residue.

After cleaning, leave the fridge door open and allow it to air out for an extended period, ideally for a day or a few days if possible. This will help to eliminate any remaining odours and ensure that the fridge is completely dry before you plug it back in and start using it again.

To prevent smells from occurring in the future, it's important to maintain a regular cleaning schedule for your camper fridge. Wipe up any spills immediately and clean the fridge at least once a month, removing all food items, shelves, and drawers. You should also keep a box of baking soda in the fridge at all times to absorb odours and maintain freshness.

Use baking soda to absorb odours

Keeping a box of baking soda in the refrigerator is a great way to minimise food odours. Baking soda is a deodoriser and can absorb fridge odours.

There are several types of baking soda you can use, including baking soda refrigerator air filter discs or baking soda boxes designed to remove fridge smells. You can also place an open box of baking soda or a small dish of it on a fridge shelf.

If you're dealing with stubborn odours, you can make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the residue, and let it sit for at least five minutes. Then, scrub with a sponge and wipe with a cloth.

You can also use baking soda to clean your camper's kitchen and bathroom drains. Pour a few tablespoons of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar, to create a fizzing reaction that helps clear out the gunk. Run some water down the drain to rinse when you're done.

Additionally, if your camper has a grey water tank, you can pour in a mixture of a cup of baking soda and a gallon of water, along with some cleaning product and water, to clean it out.

Clean the fridge regularly

To prevent your camper fridge from smelling, it is important to clean it regularly. This means wiping it down and disinfecting it after every trip. Leaving the fridge door slightly ajar will also allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.

It is also a good idea to leave a box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb any lingering odours. Baking soda is a deodorizer and a fantastic, natural way to get rid of fridge odours. You can also place an open box or a small dish of baking soda on a fridge shelf.

If you are experiencing more stubborn odours, you can make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the residue, then let it sit for at least five minutes. Then, scrub with a sponge and wipe with a cloth.

Another method is to wipe down the interior with equal parts water and white vinegar. This will help to eliminate any bacteria, mould, or food that has gone bad.

It is recommended that refrigerators be cleaned at least once a month to prevent smells. This includes removing all food items, shelves, and drawers, as well as promptly cleaning any spills.

Leave the fridge door slightly ajar when not in use

Leaving the fridge door slightly ajar when not in use is a great way to prevent smells from building up in your camper fridge. This simple action allows air to circulate and moisture to evaporate, which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould that can cause unpleasant odours.

When your camper is not in use, it's a good idea to leave the fridge door open a little, especially if it will be sitting for long periods. This will ensure that any trapped moisture can escape and prevent that musty, stale smell from developing. It's a simple, yet effective, way to maintain a fresh-smelling fridge and avoid the build-up of bacteria and mould.

Additionally, this method allows any cleaning products used to air out. For example, after a deep clean, leaving the door ajar ensures the fridge is completely dry before use, as recommended by Hunker. This is a crucial step to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria, which thrive in damp environments.

It is worth noting that this method should only be used when the camper is not in use and the fridge is switched off. When the camper is occupied, it is important to keep the fridge door closed to maintain the temperature and ensure food safety.

By incorporating this simple step into your routine, you can effectively reduce unwanted smells and create a pleasant environment in your camper.

Use an air purifier or air freshener

Using an air purifier or air freshener is an effective way to get rid of smells in your camper fridge. However, it is important to first identify the source of the odour and address the root cause. While air purifiers and air fresheners can help neutralise and eliminate odours, they are not a long-term solution if the source of the smell is not removed.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters are a good option for campers as they can be easily moved around and do not require the use of chemicals or sprays, which can be toxic and unhealthy. If you opt for a portable air purifier, make sure it is small enough to fit in your camper and has the capacity to cover the area you need.

Natural air fresheners, such as essential oil diffusers, are another option. Essential oils can help eliminate odours and leave your camper smelling pleasant. However, if you have pets, be cautious as some essential oils can be toxic to animals.

Another natural alternative is to use activated charcoal, which is highly effective at absorbing and neutralising odours. Activated charcoal bags can be placed in your camper fridge or freezer to absorb any remaining odours.

While air purifiers and air fresheners can help eliminate odours, it is important to combine them with proper cleaning and maintenance of your camper fridge. This includes regularly cleaning spills, checking expiration dates, and maintaining a consistent temperature to prevent food spoilage and bacterial growth, which can cause odours.

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