The monsoon season, while bringing much-needed relief from the heat, also ushers in a period of high humidity that can wreak havoc in our homes, especially in the kitchen. One common issue is the build-up of moisture inside refrigerators, leading to unpleasant odours, mildew, and even affecting the freshness of food. But there’s a simple, cost-effective solution that has been passed down through generations: keeping a bowl of salt in your fridge.
The Science Behind It: Humidity Absorption
Salt is a natural desiccant, meaning it has hygroscopic properties – it readily absorbs moisture from the air. When you place an open bowl of salt inside your refrigerator, it acts like a sponge, drawing in the excess humidity that accumulates due to frequent opening and closing of the door, as well as the inherent moisture content in food items.
Benefits During Monsoon
During the monsoon, the air is naturally saturated with moisture. This higher external humidity means that when you open your fridge, more moisture enters. A bowl of salt helps combat this by:
- Preventing Condensation: Reducing moisture buildup on shelves and food packaging.
- Combating Odours: Excess humidity can contribute to the growth of bacteria and fungi, leading to foul smells. Salt’s drying action helps inhibit this growth and can also absorb existing odours, keeping your fridge smelling fresh.
- Preserving Food Freshness: By controlling humidity, salt can help extend the shelf life of certain fruits and vegetables that might otherwise spoil faster in damp conditions.
How to Implement This Simple Hack
It’s incredibly easy to implement:
- Choose a Small Bowl: Any small, open bowl will do.
- Fill with Coarse Salt: Coarse salt (like rock salt or sea salt) is often preferred as it has a larger surface area for absorption and doesn’t dissolve as quickly as fine salt.
- Place in Fridge: Position the bowl in an area where it won’t be easily knocked over, perhaps on an upper shelf or in a less-used compartment.
- Replace Regularly: The salt will eventually become damp and may clump together as it absorbs moisture. Replace it every 1-2 months, or more frequently if you notice it’s heavily saturated.
This age-old household tip is a testament to the power of simple remedies. Give it a try this monsoon season and notice the difference in your refrigerator’s freshness and cleanliness!