How to Get Onion Smell Out of Your Fridge: Simple and Easy Ways

Onions are amazing in the kitchen, but when you store them in your fridge, their smell can quickly become a problem. If you’ve ever opened your fridge and been greeted by that strong onion odor, you know just how annoying it can be. Don’t worry, though—there are plenty of ways to get rid of that smell and keep your fridge smelling fresh! In this article, I’ll walk you through simple and effective methods to remove onion smell from your fridge and prevent it from coming back. Let’s dive right into how you can make your fridge smell fresh again.

Identify the Cause of the Onion Smell

Before jumping into how to get rid of the onion smell, it’s helpful to understand why it happens in the first place. When you store onions in your fridge, they can release a strong smell that spreads easily. The odor comes from the sulfur compounds in onions, which are known for their ability to create a strong scent when they are cut or stored improperly. The smell doesn’t just stay around the onion—it can also affect other items in your fridge and linger for days.

Improper Storage Leads to Stronger Smells

When onions are not stored properly, their odor is more likely to spread throughout your fridge. If you leave onions out in the open or don’t store them in an airtight container, they will release more odor. The fridge is a small, closed space, so the smell can travel quickly and stick to other foods, making the whole fridge smell bad.

Other Foods Absorb the Smell

Another thing to keep in mind is that your other foods in the fridge can absorb the onion smell. Certain foods, like cheese, fruits, and vegetables, can take on the onion odor if they are placed too close to the onions. This makes it even harder to get rid of the smell, as it may spread to multiple areas of your fridge.

Now that we understand the cause of the smell, let’s move on to how you can remove it from your fridge. Don’t worry, the solutions are much easier than you might think!

Effective Methods to Remove the Smell

There are several effective ways to get rid of the onion smell in your fridge. These methods are simple and don’t require any fancy tools or expensive products. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best solutions.

Baking Soda: The Ultimate Odor Absorber

Baking soda is one of the most popular and easiest ways to remove odors from your fridge. It works by absorbing the smell, neutralizing it, and leaving your fridge smelling fresh.

To use baking soda:

Open a box of baking soda and place it in the back corner of your fridge.
If the smell is really strong, you can place a small bowl of baking soda in the fridge instead.
Leave the baking soda in the fridge for a few days. It will help absorb the onion smell and any other odors in the fridge.

Baking soda is a natural, non-toxic option, and it doesn’t have a strong scent itself. This makes it ideal for removing unwanted odors without adding any new smells to the fridge.

Activated Charcoal: A Super Smell Absorber

Activated charcoal is another powerful odor absorber. It works by trapping the particles that cause the bad smell. Charcoal is often used in air purifiers and deodorizing products because it’s highly effective at removing odors. You can easily find activated charcoal in stores or online.

To use activated charcoal:

Purchase activated charcoal bags or buy loose charcoal and place it in a breathable bag.
Place the charcoal bag in the back of your fridge.
Leave it there for a few days to absorb the smell.

Activated charcoal is especially useful if you have a strong or stubborn onion smell. It can absorb not only the onion odor but also any other smells lingering in your fridge.

Coffee Grounds: A Natural Scent Neutralizer

Coffee grounds are another great way to fight off onion smells. They don’t just mask the odor—they neutralize it. The strong scent of coffee can overpower the onion smell and leave your fridge smelling fresh.

To use coffee grounds:

Place a bowl of fresh, unused coffee grounds in your fridge.
You can also place the coffee grounds in a mesh bag or a small container if you don’t want them to spill.
Let the coffee grounds sit in the fridge for a couple of days to absorb the onion odor.

This method not only works well for getting rid of onion smells but also makes your fridge smell like fresh coffee, which is a nice bonus!

White Vinegar: A Powerful Natural Cleaner

White vinegar is another natural remedy that works wonders for removing odors. It’s slightly acidic, which helps break down the sulfur compounds in onions and other food odors. Plus, vinegar is a disinfectant, so it can help clean your fridge as well.

To use white vinegar:

Pour some white vinegar into a bowl and place it in your fridge.
You can also soak a cloth or sponge in vinegar and wipe down the surfaces inside the fridge.
Leave the vinegar in the fridge for several hours to let it absorb the smells.

If the smell is very strong, you can also try a vinegar and water solution. Just mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly spray the inside of your fridge.

Lemon: A Fresh, Natural Scent

Lemon is not only great for freshening up your fridge, but it also helps neutralize the strong onion smell. The citrus scent can overpower the onion odor and leave a fresh, clean fragrance behind.

To use lemon:

Cut a lemon into slices and place them in a small bowl or on a plate inside your fridge.
You can also place lemon peels or rub lemon juice on a cloth to wipe down the shelves.
Let the lemon sit for a few hours to help remove the smell.

Lemon works especially well in fridges that need a little extra freshness. Its natural cleaning properties can also help remove stains and bacteria.

Preventing Future Onion Smells in Your Fridge

Now that you know how to get rid of onion smells, let’s talk about how you can prevent them from coming back. It’s always better to prevent the smell from happening in the first place, rather than having to deal with it later.

Store Onions Properly

Proper storage is key when it comes to preventing onion smells. Always store your onions in a way that minimizes their ability to spread odor. Here are some tips:

Use airtight containers: Store cut onions or whole onions in sealed, airtight containers to prevent their smell from escaping.
Keep them in the vegetable drawer: The vegetable drawer in your fridge is typically the best place to store onions, as it can help keep the smell contained.
Separate strong-smelling foods: Keep onions away from foods that easily absorb odors, like cheese and fruits.

Regularly Clean Your Fridge

Cleaning your fridge regularly will help ensure that there’s no lingering onion smell. Wipe down the shelves and clean spills as soon as they happen to prevent odors from building up.

Use warm soapy water or a vinegar-water solution to clean the surfaces of your fridge.
Make sure to clean the fridge every few weeks to prevent smells from taking over.

Use Odor Absorbers

Keeping a natural odor absorber in your fridge can help prevent any smell from building up. Baking soda, activated charcoal, and other odor absorbers are great to have on hand. Just place one in the back of your fridge, and it will help keep the air fresh.

Keep Your Fridge at the Right Temperature

Maintaining the right temperature in your fridge is essential for preventing odors. If your fridge is too warm, it can cause food to spoil more quickly, leading to stronger smells. Make sure your fridge is set to 37–40°F (3–4°C) to keep things fresh.

I hope this article helped you find a simple solution to getting rid of that onion smell in your fridge! By following these easy tips, you can enjoy a fresh-smelling fridge and keep your food smelling great.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use essential oils to remove the onion smell?

Essential oils can help mask odors, but they don’t eliminate them. If you want a stronger, long-lasting solution, consider using baking soda or activated charcoal.

Is it okay to store onions in the fridge?

Yes, you can store onions in the fridge, but they should be in an airtight container. This will help prevent the strong smell from spreading.

Do I need to clean my fridge every time I store onions?

It’s a good idea to clean your fridge regularly, especially after storing strong-smelling foods like onions. This will help prevent odors from building up.

Is there a way to remove onion smell from plastic containers?

To remove onion smell from plastic containers, wash them with a vinegar-water solution or baking soda paste, then let them air dry.

Can I store onions in the freezer to avoid the smell?

Freezing onions can prevent their smell from spreading in the fridge, but they may become mushy once thawed. Consider freezing them in an airtight bag or container.

How long does it take for baking soda to remove onion smell?

Baking soda usually takes a few days to absorb odors. For stronger smells, you may need to replace the baking soda after a week.

Is it safe to use vinegar in the fridge?

Yes, white vinegar is safe to use in the fridge. It’s a natural cleaner and deodorizer that can help keep your fridge smelling fresh.

Can I use lemon juice to clean my fridge?

Yes, lemon juice is a great natural cleaner for your fridge. It not only neutralizes odors but also leaves a fresh scent behind.