Banish bad fridge smells with £1.25 hack experts swear by – no vinegar

There’s nothing quite like opening your fridge in search of a snack and being met with an unpleasant odour that seems to come from nowhere. Even after a thorough clean, that stubborn musty smell can linger. While most people turn to vinegar or pricey deodorisers, cleaning experts have revealed a far simpler, cheaper alternative that may already be in your kitchen cupboard.

According to Nigel Bearman, cleaning specialist and founder of Daily Poppins, plain, dry oats are remarkably effective at absorbing fridge odours and excess moisture. “Dry oats are brilliant at absorbing odours,” Bearman explained.

“They act like a natural sponge, trapping smells within them and stopping the fridge from being musty. It’s a chemical-free way to keep it fresh, and it costs next to nothing.”

Fridge cleaning is one of the most avoided household chores, with a survey from Cinch Home Services revealing that over 21% of people actively put it off.

For those looking for a low-effort, low-cost way to maintain a clean-smelling fridge between deep cleans, Bearman’s oat trick could be a game-changer.

The method is refreshingly simple. A small handful of plain, dry oats placed in an open jar or ramekin and set on a fridge shelf or in the salad drawer will quietly work over the course of a week or two.

As the oats sit, they gradually absorb moisture and neutralise strong food odours, such as those from cheese, leftovers, or lingering vegetables.

Once they’ve done their job, the oats can be tossed into the compost bin, making the hack not only effective but also zero waste.

For those who want a scented boost, Bearman suggests adding a few drops of essential oils, such as lemon or lavender, to the oats. Beyond the fridge, the same trick can be used in cupboards, under sinks, or in shoe drawers to tackle smells elsewhere in the home.

“Oats are underrated natural cleaners,” Bearman added. “They’re gentle, absorbent, and completely safe to use around food, making them ideal for the fridge where you want to avoid harsh chemicals.”