Your refrigerator arguably works harder than any other tool in your kitchen. By plugging away 24/7, this often-underappreciated appliance is able to preserve a wide variety of perishables for long periods. In light of the large volume of foods and beverages stored in most refrigerators, there’s little wonder as to why fridges frequently find themselves beset by bad smells. Fortunately, keeping your refrigerator aroma-free isn’t nearly as difficult as many of us make it look. In the quest to keep your fridge safe from bad smells, the following tips are sure to prove useful.

1. Absorb the Odors with Baking Soda

Having something in place to absorb any unpleasant odors is among the most effective ways to protect your fridge from bad smells. This is where baking soda enters the picture. Keeping an opened box of baking soda in your fridge can soak up and neutralize a wide variety of odors. The frequency with which the box should be replaced depends on how much food you typically store in your fridge, but as a general rule of thumb, a fresh box of baking soda should go in every one to three months.

2. Have Your Fridge Serviced Annually

Some bad smells have nothing to do with food. There are a wide variety of odor issues that stem from internal problems with your refrigerator. Fortunately, you can nip these issues in the bud by having the device serviced annually. A seasoned pro will give your refrigerator a thorough inspection and promptly identify any prospective problems. When searching for dependable refrigerator technicians, you can’t go wrong with a Sub Zero repair service.

3. Regularly Clean Your Fridge

Regular cleanings can also go a long way in keeping your fridge odor-free. Every few months, remove all the food from your fridge, unplug the device and wipe it down with a water-and-baking-soda solution. Once the fridge is completely dry, you’ll be able to plug it in and put the food back. Regular cleanings and odor-absorption work in hand-in-hand to keep bad smells out of your fridge.

When many different foods are stored in a confined space, it’s only natural for a few bad smells to spring up. However, this isn’t to say that you should resign yourself to a foul-smelling fridge. By putting the previously discussed pointers to good use, you can keep your fridge smelling fresh and free of pungent aromas.