If your refrigerator always has a lingering smell that’s less than pleasant, it’s time to consider what might be causing it. A stinky fridge can lead to a foul-smelling kitchen, so it’s best to get ahead of any odorous issues before they get out of control. Usually, a smelly refrigerator is caused by specific foods inside it and how they’re stored. If you store those foods properly, though, foul food smells can be reduced or even eliminated. Read on for the most likely culprits behind your stinky fridge and tips on storing them correctly.

1. Onions & Garlic

The sulfur compounds in onion and garlic combined with the cold and humid environment of a fridge mean these common ingredients can get very stinky, very fast in the refrigerator. This is especially true when they are already crushed or chopped. Those smelly sulfur compounds can also be absorbed by other foods, causing them to smell, too. Furthermore, the fridge’s environment can speed up the aging process of these foods, leading to a mushy product and a poor taste.

To avoid these issues, always store onions and garlic in a cool, dry, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Never store them in plastic bags; use a mesh or paper bag instead. For cut onions, store in a glass airtight container or freeze them for long-term use.

2. Forgotten Leftovers

An obvious offender of a stinky fridge is forgotten leftovers. The aromas from the spices, garlic, meats, cheeses, veggies, and oil in your old takeout can be intensified the longer the leftovers are kept in the fridge. If they are from a restaurant and stored in a styrofoam or plastic container, the smells will escape more easily into your fridge and kitchen. To reduce smells, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container and try not to store them for longer than two to three days.

3. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, are all likely to cause odors in your refrigerator. Especially after they are cooked or chopped, these veggies can release sulfur compounds that smell similar to rotten eggs. The fridge’s humidity makes them decompose more quickly, only making the smell more intense—and bringing it on sooner.

To combat this issue, store raw cruciferous vegetables in a ventilated produce bag to allow air circulation. If you cooked them, let them cool completely before storing them in the fridge in an airtight container.

4. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs make for a quick, easy, and nutritious breakfast or snack, which is why many people boil them in bulk days in advance of eating them. Just like onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables, though, hard-boiled eggs contain sulfur compounds that release a rotten odor. Once the eggs are peeled, the sulfur smell spreads more quickly.

Avoid a rotten-egg-smelling refrigerator by keeping the boiled eggs’ shells on as a protective layer against the sulfur gas until you’re ready to eat them. If you do peel the eggs, rinse them under cold water before storing them in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container, and try to eat them within six to seven days of cooking.

5. Soft and Aged Cheeses

While it might come as no surprise that cheese can cause bad smells in your fridge and kitchen, it’s important to note that not all cheese smells are created equal. Soft and aged cheeses release the strongest odors due to the bacteria and mold used in their fermentation process. As some cheeses age, they will release foul-smelling ammonia as well.

The solution for storing cheeses is letting them breath while containing the odor. To do so, wrap the cheeses in parchment or wax paper before putting them in an airtight container. Also, make sure to place the container in the cheese drawer of your refrigerator, as it is usually warmer than the rest of the fridge and can make the smell less intense.

More Food Storage Tips for a Clean-Smelling Fridge

Use these general tips to avoid odors in your refrigerator, no matter what’s stored inside.

• Eat or throw away foods before their expiration date.
• Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors.
• Clean up any spills immediately.
• Avoid overcrowding your refrigerator to allow good airflow.
• Deep-clean the fridge monthly.
• Freeze what you don’t think you will eat soon to preserve it before it gets smelly.