£1 item banishes fridge smells and keeps it away for month

With fridges, washing machines and dishwashers working overtime over Christmas, January is seen as the ideal opportunity to clean, organise and restore them for the year ahead. According to appliance experts, neglecting routine maintenance can reduce performance, increase energy bills and lead to costly repairs.

Fridges in particular are put under heavy strain during the festive season, often packed with leftovers, party food and drinks. By January, shelves can be sticky, seals clogged and unpleasant odours lingering.

Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko UK recommends wiping spills with a simple solution of distilled vinegar and water, which costs less than 50p to make. To tackle smells, he suggests placing an open container of baking soda inside the fridge, a trick that costs around £1 and can keep odours at bay for months.

Fridges should be kept at 5°C or below to limit bacterial growth, but Sun warned that temperature alone is not enough. “Take everything out, check use-by dates and clean shelves with warm soapy water,” he said.

“Door seals are often forgotten, but crumbs and residue here can stop the door closing properly and make the fridge less efficient.”

Organisation also plays a vital role in food safety. Raw meat and fish should always be stored on the bottom shelf to prevent drips, while ready-to-eat foods belong higher up.

“This small step massively reduces cross-contamination and helps the fridge run smoothly for the year ahead,” Sun said.

Sun said poorly maintained appliances often work harder than necessary, driving up running costs.

“Appliances clogged with grease, food debris or detergent residue use more energy to do the same job,” he explained. “Repair costs for neglected washing machines or dishwashers can range from £50 to £150.”

Health risks can also arise from a lack of cleaning. “A fridge that hasn’t been cleaned properly can harbour bacteria like Listeria, while a washing machine with a damp drum can encourage mould,” Sun added.

“A January reset helps maintain appliance performance and keeps your home running smoothly.”

With a few low-cost cleaning tricks and better organisation, experts say households can improve appliance performance, cut energy costs and keep kitchens fresher well beyond January.