How to Store Food So Odors Don’t Spread Inside the Refrigerator

Odors Spread from Food Left Exposed

Most refrigerator odors come from “exposed foods,” such as kimchi tossed in while still in a plastic bag, side dishes with loose lids, or cut onions. Odor molecules from one food travel through the air and seep into other ingredients, which is why milk can end up smelling like kimchi. About 80% of the solution is proper airtight storage.

Airtight Storage by Ingredient

• Kimchi and salted seafood: since they have the strongest odors, double-seal them with an airtight container plus one layer of plastic.
• Cut onions and garlic: press plastic wrap tightly against the cut surface and store separately in an airtight container.
• Side dishes: use lidded containers for anything with broth or sauce, and divide into smaller containers if possible.
• Butter and cheese: they absorb odors easily, so store them away from other strongly scented foods.

Shelf Placement to Keep Odors from Mixing

1. Group strongly scented kimchi and salted seafood together in one zone on a lower inner shelf, not in the door.
2. Keep odor-absorbing items such as milk and butter on an upper shelf as far from kimchi as possible.
3. Put mild-smelling vegetables in the crisper drawer, lined with 1 sheet of paper towel to absorb moisture and stray odors.
4. Label leftovers with the date they were made on masking tape so they do not sit too long.

Natural Deodorizers Are Enough

You can control odors with ingredients you already have at home, without buying expensive products. However, if you place different types of deodorizers such as baking soda and vinegar together in one bowl, they can reduce each other’s effect, so it is better to place them separately in different compartments.