A dry bay leaf placed in the refrigerator for about an hour can help mask unpleasant smells, a trick that experienced homemakers say has been in use for decades and is especially useful in summer when food spoils faster.
According to Blikk, the leaf does not absorb odors. Instead, the essential oils it contains gradually evaporate and help cover strong smells such as garlic, fish, or cabbage.
How to use it
Homemakers advise placing one dry bay leaf on the top shelf, closing the door, and leaving it for about an hour before removing it. They caution against leaving it in for several days in a row, as its scent can transfer to food.
Other uses around the home
- In a potato storage box to repel insects
- At the bottom of a rubbish bin to reduce odors
- In a wardrobe to provide a light scent and protect clothes from moths
Not a substitute for cleaning
Homemakers note that if bad smells return quickly, it is worth checking expiry dates, making sure containers are properly sealed, and thoroughly washing the refrigerator itself. The bay leaf is a temporary fix, not a replacement for regular cleaning.
Compared with lemon zest and ground coffee, two other popular home remedies, the bay leaf acts more gently during short-term use and does not affect the taste or smell of stored food if removed promptly, the source notes.
