'I'm a fridge expert - this 65p hack will keep it smelling fresh for a month'

If you're planning to give your fridge a deep clean then make sure to follow this cheap experthack that will have it smelling fresh for ages.

A fridge freezer is one of the most-used appliances in any home, yet just one in five of us admit to only cleaning it twice per year, according to a 2024 report. Aside from allowing grime to build up, not cleaning your fridge can even put you at risk of foodborne illnesses and cross-contamination.

Jamie Cooper, senior product manager for refrigeration at Hotpoint, explained: "Your fridge freezer works around the clock to keep food fresh, but dirt, ice or blocked vents can make it less efficient and even affect food safety. Giving it a regular deep clean not only improves hygiene but can also extend the life of your fridge freezer and help save energy over time."

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Luckily, there is an incredibly affordable and simple way to keep your fridge fresh. Even better, it’s an item you likely have in your kitchen.

Of course the first step to cleaning your fridge is to clear it out. Jamie advised that if your freezer has built-up frost, you should switch it off, unplug safely, and allow the ice to melt, using old towels to soak up any excess water.

Though, he warned: "Warm water can help speed things up, but never use boiling water as this could damage your appliance." He added that it’s a good opportunity to check for any maintenance issues, as well as to check if any of your food items are out of date.

Once you’ve done that, take out all the removable parts such as shelves, drawers, and racks. Now it’s time to put the simple hack to work – using none other than baking powder.

Jamie said: "These can be washed in warm soapy water, or for a simple, chemical-free alternative, mix one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda into half a litre of warm water. This natural cleaner gently removes grime without scratching surfaces and is completely safe to use where food is stored."

He continued: "Bicarbonate of soda is one of the most affordable and versatile cleaning ingredients to keep in your home, making it a brilliant option for maintaining your fridge freezer." Plus, that's not all. Baking soda can also be used to absorb unwanted smells in between deep cleans.

According to Jamie: "An open tub of baking soda in the fridge will absorb unwanted smells for up to one month. You can also pop a few drops of vanilla extract on a cotton ball to give a sweet scent."

While you likely have baking soda at home, no need to fret if not. You can pick up 200g of baking soda from Asda for just 65p.