Effortlessly eradicate mold and odors in your refrigerator with minimal expense using this common household item as your secret weapon against unwanted smells.
In the quest to keep your refrigerator clean and fresh, paper towels can be a handy ally. One popular brand, Bounty paper towels from Walmart, is particularly effective at absorbing excess moisture that can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors. However, it's important to use them correctly to reap their benefits without introducing contamination risks.
Absorbing Excess Moisture
Placing fresh paper towels inside your fridge can help reduce condensation, mold growth, and odors. Position them on fridge shelves or beneath food containers to soak up moisture effectively.
Regular Replacement
To prevent paper towels from becoming a source of mold or bacteria, it's crucial to change them regularly. A moist, dirty towel can promote microbial growth if left too long.
Hygienic Handling
When handling paper towels, maintain cleanliness. Use clean hands or disposable gloves when placing or removing them to avoid introducing contaminants.
Cleaning the Fridge
Paper towels work best as an adjunct to good fridge cleaning habits. Maintain cleanliness of the fridge’s interior, especially draining holes and door seals, which can accumulate moisture and cause condensation that promotes mold.
Avoiding Contamination
Avoid direct contact of paper towels with ready-to-eat foods to prevent contamination. Use them mainly as a moisture barrier or absorber beneath wrapped or sealed foods.
Alternative Solutions
If you prefer eco-friendly options, consider using sponge cloths, which are plant-based and decompose in compost heaps in around 10 months. For a more natural approach, baking soda and white vinegar can help break down tough odors and kill mold spores, respectively. Desiccants like silica gel and Arm & Hammer Disposable Moisture Absorbers and Odor Eliminators are also effective at getting rid of fridge smells and keeping food fresh for longer periods.
Another alternative is activated charcoal, available on Amazon, which is known for its odor-absorbing properties. These alternatives are particularly useful when food is stored correctly in sealed containers.
Expert Advice
Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist, food industry consultant, and author of the book, 150 Food Science Questions Answered (2020, Simon & Schuster), shares his insights. He founded Mendocino Food Consulting, recently recognized as the 2024 Food Science Consulting Company of the Year.
In his advice, Dr. Le emphasizes the importance of regular cleaning, detail cleaning brushes for targeting small, hard-to-reach areas, and replacing damp towels regularly to avoid potential mold growth. If excess moisture is due to a fridge leaking water inside, it may be worth calling a service professional.
In summary, use disposable plain paper towels as moisture absorbers in the fridge, replace them frequently, combine this with regular cleaning of fridge parts prone to moisture, and avoid using damp towels repeatedly to minimize mold and odors while preventing contamination risks.
