Commercial refrigerators, whether display chillers, chiller fridges, or chiller freezers, are essential for food storage in restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores. However, over time, unpleasant odors may develop inside the fridge due to spoiled food, residual spills, or accumulated bacteria.
If left untreated, these odors can contaminate fresh food, affect the overall hygiene of your refrigeration unit, and even create an unpleasant shopping or dining experience for customers. While many businesses use deodorizing boxes, there are additional effective and natural ways to remove bad smells from your commercial refrigerator.
Let’s explore three powerful methods to eliminate odors and maintain a fresh, hygienic refrigeration environment!
1. Use Citrus Peels for Natural Deodorization
Citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, and lemons contain natural essential oils that absorb and neutralize odors effectively. Here’s how to use them:
✅ Peel citrus fruits and distribute the peels evenly on different shelves of the chiller.
✅ For stronger results, slice lemons into thin pieces and place them in small bowls inside the fridge.
✅ Leave them for about 3 days, and they will absorb most of the unpleasant smells naturally.
This method is eco-friendly, chemical-free, and leaves a refreshing citrus scent in your display chiller or open showcase chiller.
2. Activated Charcoal – A Powerful Odor Absorber
Activated charcoal is widely used to eliminate moisture and absorb unwanted smells in various storage spaces, including cold rooms and commercial freezers.
How to use it:
✅ Crush some charcoal into small pieces and place them in breathable fabric bags.
✅ Position these bags on different shelves inside your commercial refrigerator.
✅ Replace the charcoal every 4 weeks for continued freshness.
For an even more effective solution, use activated charcoal instead of regular charcoal, as it has a higher absorption capacity and prevents bacterial growth.
3. White Vinegar – A Natural & Cost-Effective Solution
White vinegar is an excellent natural disinfectant and can effectively neutralize unpleasant odors in a chiller fridge or undercounter chiller.
Here’s how to use it:
✅ Pour white vinegar into a small glass jar.
✅ Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke a few small holes.
✅ Place the jar inside the commercial refrigerator to absorb strong odors.
The acidic properties of vinegar break down odor-causing bacteria without affecting the taste of stored food.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Commercial Refrigerator Smelling Fresh
💡 Regular Cleaning – Wipe down the interior of your refrigerator with a baking soda and water mixture to remove stains and bacteria buildup.
💡 Monitor Food Expiry Dates – Always check for expired products, as rotten food is the main cause of bad odors.
💡 Improve Air Circulation – Avoid overloading your chiller freezer to maintain proper airflow, preventing moisture buildup and odor retention.
Final Thoughts
A clean and odor-free commercial refrigerator ensures fresh food storage and enhances the reputation of your business. Whether you own a display freezer, chest freezer, or cold room, implementing these simple natural deodorization methods will help keep your refrigeration system fresh, hygienic, and food-safe.
If you are looking for energy-efficient, AI-powered commercial refrigerators with enhanced air circulation and temperature control, consider upgrading to Imax Refrigerator Malaysia’s AI+ Inverter Technology series, which provides 79% energy savings and superior freshness retention.
✅ Say goodbye to bad odors and keep your chiller fridge smelling fresh every day!
