How to Get Rid of a Cauliflower Odor in the Refrigerator

Cooked cauliflower emits foul-smelling gas.

Opening your fridge to a wave of foul-smelling cauliflower can send your appetite packing. Depending on the severity of the stench, you might not be able to eliminate the odor by simply tossing out the offensive cauliflower. If the stink has absorbed into other food items in your fridge, everything will have to go.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Coffee grounds
• Lemon juice

Instructions

1. Remove all the contents from your refrigerator. Check expiration dates on packaged foods and inspect leftovers to determine whether food is still fresh. Wrap expired items in plastic before throwing them away to keep the smell from seeping into your garbage.

2. Clean your refrigerator thoroughly with a mixture of bleach and hot water, or baking soda and water. Use a clean rag or sponge to wash all your interior surfaces, shelves and drawers. Once the surfaces have been cleaned, dip a fresh cloth or sponge in clean, warm water and wipe down the interior of your fridge once more.

3. Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and wipe down the inside of the fridge. If the smell remains, leave a small, open dish of vinegar inside the fridge to dissipate residual odor.

4. Place a small, open container of fresh coffee grounds on the bottom of your refrigerator to overpower any lingering odors. If the problem persists, soak a cotton ball in vanilla extract and let it sit in your refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Unplug your fridge and prop the door open for as long as it takes for the odor to air out.

5. Plug in your refrigerator and replace the contents. Keep a small, open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb future odors. Replace the box of baking soda at least once a month to maintain freshness.

6. Prevent excessive odor the next time you cook cauliflower by adding a bit of lemon juice to your cooking water. Cook the vegetable for the shortest time possible to lessen the amount of sulfur compounds released into the air. Store cooked cauliflower in an airtight container for a maximum of three days; throw it away after that. Store uncooked cauliflower in your refrigerator for a maximum of one week.

References

• Housecleaning Central: How to Remove Refrigerator Odors
• United States Department of Agriculture: Removing Odors from Refrigerators and Freezers
• The World's Healthiest Foods: Cauliflower