Placing a small container of salt inside a refrigerator can help absorb unwanted moisture and reduce unpleasant smells, according to Gazeta.pl.
The simple household method requires placing two to three tablespoons of fine or coarse salt into a small open bowl or dish on one of the refrigerator shelves, kept away from unpackaged food items.
Salt possesses natural hygroscopic properties, meaning it can absorb ambient moisture from its surroundings under specific conditions. However, the report noted that salt does not absorb every compound responsible for bad odors, so the trick is not guaranteed to solve all smell problems.
Householders are advised to replace the salt whenever it becomes damp or contaminated with food debris. The container must also be placed securely on the shelf to prevent crystals from spilling between stored items.
Identifying odor causes and safety risks
If strong odors persist, Gazeta.pl advised checking product expiration dates, clearing out drawers, and inspecting areas beneath storage containers and near appliance walls. Leaking food packages should be removed, and strong-smelling items like sliced onions, cheeses, and prepared meals should be stored in airtight containers.
The report warned against scattering loose salt directly onto refrigerator shelves or using it on ice inside the freezer compartment. Loose salt crystals can fall into narrow cracks, leave a white residue, and damage mechanical components. Using a container or washing surfaces with a mild salt solution is a safer alternative.
Salt will also not fix mechanical appliance failures. If water regularly collects inside the cabinet, or if the unit fails to cool properly or forms excessive frost, the appliance requires technical inspection.
Understanding home refrigeration and maintenance
Refrigerators work by pumping heat out of an insulated cabinet, which lowers internal temperatures and slows bacterial growth on fresh food. Hygroscopic substances like sodium chloride naturally attract water molecules from the air, a property widely utilized in food preservation and basic climate control. Gazeta.pl is a major Polish news website that frequently publishes lifestyle and domestic advice guides for readers.
Additional kitchen cleaning recommendations
The report also referenced domestic cleaning advice previously published by the Ukrainian news agency UNIAN. That guidance detailed methods for removing grease from kitchen surfaces without needing a stiff brush.
Professional cleaners cited by UNIAN also recommended regularly cleaning the narrow gap between kitchen stoves and countertops. Food scraps and moisture easily accumulate in this tight space, making it difficult to wash and potentially attracting household pests.
