:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2185188022-8d2f358bed4e4032a99c7bd114af83c2.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "Why Are People Leaving Coffee Grounds in Their Fridge? Pro Cleaners Weigh In")
Key Points
- Coffee grounds effectively absorb fridge odors thanks to their porous texture and nitrogen content, which neutralize smelly molecules.
- Use completely dry grounds in open containers or shallow bowls, and replace them every two to three weeks.
- This method offers a natural, chemical-free alternative to traditional deodorizers, making it a smart way to reuse waste.
A cleaning hack many homeowners and pros use is placing some coffee grounds into their fridge to deodorize bad odors. But does this tactic actually work, or are there better ways to tackle fridge odors?
We tapped pro cleaners to share their whether coffee grounds are an effective natural method to eliminate food odors, so you know if this hack is worth your time.
Why People Leave Coffee Grounds in the Fridge
Instead of throwing away old coffee grounds, consider using them in your fridge to help tackle bad odors.
Sofia Martinez, a cleaning expert and the founder and CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin, explains how coffee grounds are great at soaking up moisture and trapping bad smells because they are porous.
“The grounds have tiny nooks that absorb unwanted odors rather than simply masking them with a new scent,” Martinez says. “It’s an unintrusive and organic method of refreshing a fridge, without using any chemical products or sprays.”
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How It Works
Armando Calderon, owner of Joy’s Cleaning Services, explains how coffee grounds do work because they’re naturally absorbent and full of nitrogen, which helps neutralize odor molecules rather than just masking them.
“Unlike baking soda, which is purely absorbent, coffee grounds have an earthy scent that can subtly freshen up the refrigerator while also absorbing bad odors,” Calderon explains.
Martinez recommends placing them in a small open container or shallow bowl, and then putting it toward the back of the fridge so it won’t be bumped around. This will allow it to still have enough air circulation around it.
“If your fridge is bigger, or especially smelly, you could place a couple of small containers at different levels on shelves, to help it work better and evenly,” Martinez says.
Calderon agrees and also suggests setting your coffee grounds on a shelf if it’s secure enough not to be bumped around.
Tips for Using Coffee Grounds in Fridge
- Dry out the coffee grounds. Calderon emphasizes the importance of completely drying out the coffee grounds before placing them in the fridge, since wet grounds can create mold and more problems to deal with.
- Use a paper towel. Martinez suggests using some paper towels to spread the coffee grounds out before placing them in the fridge, so any residue is dried out.
- Change the coffee grounds out. Remember to change out your bowl of coffee grounds every two to three weeks, or even sooner, if you start to smell odors again.