Why is it good to put a wine cork in the refrigerator?

After a night of conversation and glasses of wine, both the bottle and the cork can seem like disposable items that have served their purpose.

However, this small element made of bark It can be of great help to preserve one of the most important appliances in a home, the refrigerator.

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This is because cork, despite appearing to have a single use, its components have properties that are useful for combating everyday problems such as humidity.

Why should corks be reused?

The corks that keep wine bottles closed, according to the specialized site Amorim Cork, are an element of the packaging of these drinks and are made from the Cork oak bark, a natural raw material that offers sealing benefits because it is light, impermeable to liquids and gases, elastic and compressible.

In addition, it provides thermal and acoustic insulation, is slow-burning, and is resistant to friction.

This site explains that 340,000 tons of cork are produced worldwide each year , 55% of which comes from countries such as Portugal, Italy, France, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria.

While the manufacture of this element favors the regeneration of trees (from which its raw material comes) since it does not require felling them, this industry—like many others—can leave an ecological footprint that is reduced by reusing the cork.

Giving it a second life is possible thanks to its composition. For example, due to its Porosity and impermeability can be exploited in other areas of the kitchen, such as the refrigerator.

Why put a cork in the refrigerator?

This appliance, essential for food preservation due to its constant use, can present variations in temperature and humidity that favor the appearance of bad odors.

In this regard, the kitchen and home specialist site Farmingdale Observer mentions that cork can be an ally in combating this problem. It allows for the natural and effective absorption of excess moisture.

By trapping moisture, and thanks to its antifungal properties, this trick helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria that accelerate food spoilage.

For its part, the lifestyle portal Vegetarians adds other functions of cork, such as:

It repels mosquitoes, as it absorbs the odors that attract them, especially if placed in a fruit bowl. If sovereignty has been added to its composition, it emits an unpleasant odor for flies and mosquitoes.

It absorbs the ethylene gas released by ripe fruits, slowing down their decomposition process.

How to avoid bad odors in the refrigerator?

While putting a cork in the refrigerator is an effective trick, keeping it clean and performing regular maintenance prevents the appearance of unpleasant odors.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that refrigerator odors are caused by food spoilage, whether due to electrical failures, improper handling of expiration dates, or poor hygiene.

Thus, the USDA recommends keeping the inside of the refrigerator tidy and discarding products that show signs of spoilage.

Likewise, it suggests Clean shelves, vegetable drawers, and ice cube trays frequently; they will need to be washed with hot water and detergent. A disinfectant solution can also be added, which will help prevent bacterial growth.

Other recommendations, if bad odors persist, are:

Clean the inside of the unit with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water , as the acid in the vinegar helps to eliminate mold.

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Place a cotton swab soaked in vanilla extract inside the refrigerator and the freezer, which will keep the aroma fresh.

Sprinkle freshly ground coffee or baking soda in an open container at the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer.

If unpleasant odors persist despite cleaning, call a technician to check your appliance. Keeping it in good condition ensures food quality and safety.

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