Bay Leaves in the Refrigerator: A Simple Household Tip

In France, a household tip suggests putting bay leaves in the refrigerator to improve its smell and upkeep.

Published on 3 June 2025, the original post presents bay leaves as an easy way to scent the inside of a refrigerator. Best known as a culinary herb, this aromatic plant can also feature in everyday cleaning routines, provided it is not credited with benefits it cannot guarantee.

An aromatic herb used beyond cooking

Bay laurel is widely used to flavour stocks, sauces, slow-cooked dishes and marinades. Its dried leaves release a distinctive warm, woody scent. That fragrance is exactly why they appear in certain household tips.

The idea is straightforward: placing a few leaves in a small fabric pouch or a clean dish allows their scent to spread gradually through the enclosed space of the refrigerator. This can make the air inside more pleasant when strongly smelling foods are being stored.

“Bay leaves can add an aromatic note to the refrigerator, but they are no substitute for cleaning or proper food storage.”

Cheese, cooked leftovers, fish, onions and some vegetables can all leave lingering smells. Bay leaves do not remove the source of these odours. Their role is mainly that of a mild air freshener, which may conceal a temporary nuisance.

What this refrigerator bay leaf tip can actually do

The original publication refers to historical uses of bay leaves to reduce unpleasant smells and protect stored supplies. In a modern kitchen, their main benefit remains practical: they are an inexpensive option, found in many cupboards, that does not require an industrial scented diffuser.

The leaves should be clean and dry, and kept away from unpackaged food. A cotton or lightweight fabric bag prevents them from becoming scattered across shelves or in vegetable drawers.

• Put a few dried leaves in a small clean dish;
• Place it in a secure corner of the refrigerator;
• Keep the leaves from touching food directly;
• Replace them once they no longer give off a scent;
• Clean the refrigerator if the smell remains.

No special product is needed for this method. It may suit people who prefer not to use fragranced deodorisers in an area used for food storage.

Bay leaves do not clean the refrigerator

A strong, lasting smell should be treated as a warning sign. It may be caused by forgotten food, leaking packaging, a dirty vegetable drawer or residue trapped beneath a shelf. In such circumstances, adding bay leaves is not enough.

Any spoiled food should be removed, use-by and storage dates checked, and removable surfaces washed with hot water and a suitable product. Drying everything thoroughly also helps prevent moisture-related odours from returning.

The refrigerator must stay at a sufficiently low temperature to keep perishable foods safe. Organisation matters too: raw food should be kept separate from ready-to-eat dishes, while leftovers need to be properly covered.

Claims about food preservation require caution

The source publication states that bay leaves might help fruit and vegetables stay fresh for longer by absorbing some ethylene. Ethylene is a gas naturally produced by certain plants, and it plays a part in ripening.

Apples, bananas, tomatoes and pears, for example, can speed up the ripening of other sensitive fruit and vegetables when they are stored together. Separating the relevant produce remains a practical, easy measure for slowing this process.

Bay leaves are not a recognised way of controlling ethylene in a domestic refrigerator. Nor can they make food that has already deteriorated safe to eat. Appearance, smell, texture and storage conditions remain the main factors to check.

“To cut waste, organising food, checking products regularly and maintaining refrigeration are more reliable than a scented tip.”

Bay leaves are sometimes linked with antimicrobial or antifungal properties. However, this does not mean that a leaf placed in a household appliance should be regarded as a disinfectant. It does not protect food from contamination or replace food hygiene rules.

France: recommended steps for a hygienic appliance

In France, food safety relies first on maintaining the cold chain, following the dates shown on packaging and observing good kitchen hygiene. A clean, well-organised refrigerator lowers the risks associated with perishable food.

The most delicate foods, including raw meat, fish and prepared dishes, should be kept in the coldest part of the appliance, in line with the manufacturer’s guidance. Vegetables can go into the designated drawer after damaged sections have been removed, as these may speed up deterioration.

An unusual smell should prompt you to find its source. Opened foods can be moved into sealed containers. Leftovers should be cooled and refrigerated without being left unnecessarily at room temperature. These habits are more useful than the scent of a plant for keeping a refrigerator pleasant.

Bay leaves, bicarbonate of soda and citrus: different uses

The original publication also mentions bicarbonate of soda for odours. Its use is different from that of bay leaves: bicarbonate of soda can be placed in an open container to reduce certain smells, whereas bay leaves primarily release their own fragrance.

Citrus peel and rosemary can also add a plant-based scent. They should be replaced promptly, however, because fresh matter left in a damp setting can itself start to deteriorate. Properly dried bay leaves are easier to keep.

A straightforward use without exaggerated promises

Putting bay leaves in the refrigerator can be a pleasant small step for anyone who enjoys their scent. The tip can accompany normal cleaning, but it cannot replace it. If the smell continues after cleaning, it may be worth checking the door seals, drawers, packaging and foods that have been stored for a long time.

Bay laurel remains, above all, an aromatic herb. Whether in the refrigerator or in a recipe, its appeal lies in its characteristic fragrance and ease of use.