Fridge will smell fresh for a month by using this one 65p hack

A fridge freezer is something nearly everyone in the UK has in their household, but cleaning it can be a bit of a pain. Despite the near constant use, many people neglect its upkeep-surprisingly, one in five admit to cleaning it just twice a year.

This lack of regular maintenance can lead to unpleasant odours, reduced efficiency, and even potential hygiene issues. However, an expert has suggested a cleaning hack that will leave the kitchen appliance fresh for a month. Jamie Cooper, Senior Product Manager for Refrigeration at Hotpoint, explained: "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."

To help households keep on top of the task without breaking the bank, Mr Cooper shares expert-approved, budget-friendly cleaning hacks, from using bicarbonate of soda to clean shelves (65p a tub) to using distilled vinegar (35p a bottle) for door seals.

He said: "Door seals are especially important, as they can trap crumbs and moisture, which may lead to mould. A soft toothbrush dipped in a mix of equal parts white vinegar and warm water is an effective solution.

"Distilled vinegar, which costs around 35p for a 500ml bottle, has natural antibacterial properties that make it ideal for cleaning."

Mr Cooper also suggested that one can empty and defrost the refrigerator to make it clean.

He added: "If your freezer has built-up frost, switch it off, unplug safely, and allow the ice to melt, using old towels to soak up any excess water. Warm water can help speed things up, but never use boiling water as this could damage your appliance.

"This isn't just about keeping your freezer clean - it's also a chance to check for performance issues, like worn seals or frost build-up, before they turn into bigger problems."

"It's also the perfect time to check food expiry dates, especially on those items tucked away at the back of the freezer, helping you stay organised and cut down on food waste."