Our fridges have quite the work cut out for them, keeping our food stored and fresh. But they can also build up some serious dirt, especially if we don’t round to cleaning them out as often as we should. 

Spills and crumbs left behind, and food that’s gone off, can lead to a buildup of bacteria and odours from food decay. Giving shelves a weekly wipe with warm, soapy water can help prevent this, but our fridges should be given a proper clean every three to six months, especially to prevent any cross-contamination. 

It also helps the fridge function properly, avoiding any need to replace it. Debris from spills or food that builds up over the time can get trapped in the door seals, preventing it from closing properly, which can lead to problems with the temperature and food spoiling faster. 

Taking proper care of our fridge should be an essential part of our cleaning routine, and one expert has revealed an ingenious hack that will keep your fridge squeaky clean and get rid of any nasty odours.

Cleaning expert Nicola Rodriguez has shared her 30p trick for getting a fridge that looks and smells clean, using a lemon. She said: “The acidity in lemons can cut through grease and grime, without any pricey products.”

When it comes to using a lemon to clean your fridge and get rid of any bad smells, you can simply slice a lemon into thick wedges and place them on different shelves in an uncovered bowl. 

The lemon’s scent helps to absorb and neutralize any odours left over from spilt food, or products that have gone out of date, and will work for up to seven days. But if your fridge is in need of a deeper clean, you can simply mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a bowl, or spray bottle, and apply this to the entirety of your fridge. 

Use a damp cloth to apply the mix to shelves, drawers and the fridge walls, making sure to give each surface a proper wipe down, the citrus acid works as a natural disinfectant that will also leave your fridge smelling “fresh and zingy".