The 65p household hack that will keep your fridge smelling fresh

Keeping your fridge clean is crucial in your kitchen and it could be easier than you think with this item. A fridge freezer is one of the most-used appliances in any home, yet one in five of us admit to only cleaning it twice per year, according to Hotpoint.

Jamie Cooper, Senior Product Manager for Refrigeration at Hotpoint, explains: "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."

He says you should first empty and defrost your freezer before thoroughly washing its shelves and drawers.

Once your fridge freezer is empty, take out all the removable parts such as shelves, drawers, and racks, he says.

Jamie adds: "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."

"At around 65p for a 200g tub, 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."

Bicarbonate of soda is an essential cleaning product to have in your home - you can use it time and time again in other ways while cleaning your home.

Using natural cleaners is budget-friendly and helps you avoid harsh chemicals in areas where you store food, giving you a safe and effective clean.

It's easy to focus only on the inside of your fridge freezer, but the exterior plays an important role in hygiene and efficiency too, says Jamie.

Jamie Cooper recommends simple, low-cost tricks to keep fridge odours at bay. "An open tub of baking soda in the fridge will absorb unwanted smells for up to 1 month," he explains.

"You can also pop a few drops of vanilla extract on a cotton ball to give a sweet scent. Both cost around £1.50 and are safe to keep near food."

By following this easy tip, you can ensure your fridge will stay in great condition.