Why You Should Put Salt in the Fridge: A Smart Kitchen Hack

Use this simple tip to keep your fridge fresher, cleaner, and more efficient.

Salt is a staple found in nearly every kitchen, known for enhancing the flavor of dishes, regulating the body's electrolyte and fluid balance, supporting digestion, and aiding muscle and nerve function. But salt has many other practical uses beyond cooking. It can be used to remove red wine stains, clean baking trays, and, surprisingly, improve the efficiency of your refrigerator.

Most people store salt at room temperature in a kitchen cabinet, but placing it in the fridge offers several benefits. Salt is a natural moisture absorber, capable of drawing in and binding excess moisture from the air inside the refrigerator. This helps reduce condensation and prevents the formation of mold and bacteria, which can spoil food more quickly. By lowering the humidity, salt helps keep fruits, vegetables, and other moisture-sensitive foods fresher for longer.

Additionally, salt can neutralize unpleasant odors from foods like fish, cheese, or onions, improving the overall smell inside the fridge and preventing odor transfer between different foods. How to Use Salt in Your Fridge To reduce humidity and extend the shelf life of sensitive foods, place one to two tablespoons of salt in a small bowl and set it near moisture-prone areas, such as the vegetable compartment. To tackle specific smells, place the bowl of salt directly next to the odor-causing food. Replace the salt every three weeks to maintain its effectiveness.

Adding salt to your fridge is not only a cost-effective solution but also an environmentally friendly one. Unlike chemical deodorizers or moisture absorbers, salt is a natural, non-toxic substance that doesn't release any harmful compounds into the air. It is safe to use around food, children, and pets, and doesn't contribute to household waste since it can be easily disposed of or repurposed for other uses. This simple, natural approach helps reduce the need for artificial products while still achieving a clean, fresh-smelling fridge. By choosing salt, you opt for a sustainable and budget-friendly method to enhance your kitchen environment.