How to Keep Hard-Boiled Eggs From Smelling Up the Fridge

Are you fed up with the strong odor of hard-boiled eggs dominating your refrigerator?

Here’s my advice to keep your eggs from smelling bad in the fridge.

In this quick guide, let’s learn how to keep hard-boiled eggs from smelling up the fridge.

We’ve provided a detailed look at why boiled eggs smell bad. You’ll also find tips to get rid of the odor. Let’s start.

5 Ways to Keep Hard-Boiled Eggs from Smelling Up the Fridge

1. Use an Airtight Container

I often use an airtight container for hard-boiled eggs. This helps prevent odors in the fridge. I keep it on the middle shelf.

It can stop bacteria from growing. This prevents the bad smell of hard-boiled eggs and keeps their taste fresh.

“Good eggs have a neutral odor, while bad ones will smell sour or gassy,”

Melanie Marcus, RD, Culinary Dietitian

2. Cover With Water

You can keep eggs from smelling by covering them with cold water (one to two inches high). After you boil eggs using a saucepan, remove them from the boiled water. Plunge them into a bowl of cold tap water (or ice water).

Let them cool until you get your desired temperature, then dry the eggs with a paper towel. This is to prevent mold growth and lessen the foul odor.

Note that cool water also keeps the yolks from turning grayish-green or darkening. Discolored yolks are caused by a chemical reaction that intensifies the odor. 

3. Add Vinegar Before Keeping

If possible, open your windows while peeling the eggs. Place shallow bowls with vinegar throughout your kitchen.

The eggs’ scent will be reduced by air movement. Vinegar absorbs and neutralizes any lingering egg smell or food odors.

Note: Bring a pot of diluted vinegar to a boil if the odor persists. Add essential oils or spices like cinnamon (a few teaspoons) to the boiling water. Also, you can use white distilled vinegar for better results.

4. Keep the Shell

My research shows that the shells keep moisture in. They also stop the eggs from absorbing other smells and flavors in the fridge. So it’s best to keep this protein-rich ingredient unpeeled.

Another reason to keep eggs unpeeled? Hard-boiled eggs are much easier to peel after they’ve been chilled. You can store unpeeled hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator for up to a week. But can you eat an ostrich egg?

5. Wrap in a Damp Cloth or Napkin

To peel hard-boiled eggs before storing, you need to wrap the top and bottom in a damp cloth or napkin.

Then, place the eggs in a properly sealed container. This will keep their natural moisture, making hard-boiled eggs fresh when in storage. Also, this will help keep the bad odor in your ref.

Culinary Tip: Place the cooked hard-boiled eggs on the refrigerator shelves. We suggest that you use a cardboard container or airtight boxes. You can keep them like this for a week.

Check out: Why Does My Steak Smell Like Eggs?

Why Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Smell Bad? The Science Behind It.

Hard-boiled eggs smell bad because of the formation of hydrogen sulfide. Iron is released when egg yolk is cooked, whereas hydrogen and sulfur are released when an egg white is cooked.

When hydrogen, sulfur, and iron react, they create hydrogen sulfide. This substance gives off a terrible rotten-egg smell  [1]..

And this is especially true when raw eggs are overcooked [2] or exposed to too much heat or temperature.

How Do You Get Rid of Egg Smell in the Fridge?

From my experience, if the hard-boiled eggs are peeled, don’t let them sit for more than two hours after cooking. Otherwise, they can spoil quickly.

Get them out of the saucepan, then place eggs in a bowl of cold water right away before storing them in your refrigerator.

This will not only keep the eggs fresh but also get rid of the egg scent in your refrigerator. The moisture content will be maintained, and the temperature will remain stable. Change the water once a day to keep the hard-boiled egg fresh.

“No more egg odors; keep your fridge fresh and clean!”

–Eat Gap Restaurant & Food Advice

Pro Tip: You can use vinegar or baking soda to remove the egg scent (or food odors) inside your fridge.

Read: How to Get Garlic Smell Out of Plastic Containers

Organizing Your Fridge for Freshness

To keep your fridge fresh, focus on organization. It’s not just about storing hard-boiled eggs. By keeping foods separated, you reduce the risk of odors transferring from one item to another. Store your eggs in the crisper drawer. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic.

Use your fridge shelves and bins to make specific spots for items. Also, remember to check expiration dates often. It’s easy to overlook leftover takeout in the back corner. But that forgotten food can cause a bad smell. Organizing your fridge and removing expired items often will help stop unwanted odors.

Cleaning Your Fridge: A Necessary Step

No matter how well you store your eggs, a clean fridge is essential for keeping things fresh. I use a mix of water and baking soda to clean shelves and drawers. It helps get rid of smells and bacteria. You don’t need to deep clean every week, but it’s good practice to clean your fridge every few months or so.

For a more thorough cleaning, you can use white vinegar or a commercial fridge cleaner. Remember to clean the rubber seals around the fridge door. They can collect grime and cause bad smells. Keeping your fridge clean is the best way to ensure that your hard-boiled eggs—and all your food—stay fresh.

FAQs on Hard-Boiled Eggs Smelling Up

Conclusion

To keep hard-boiled eggs from smelling up the fridge, put them in an air-tight container and place them in the middle of the fridge’s shelf.

Follow these simple steps to say goodbye to the smell of hard-boiled eggs in your fridge.

To keep your fridge fresh, store food properly. Use odor-absorbing agents, too. Also, get creative with your food storage!

Enjoy your eggcellent culinary creations without any lingering scents. Bon appétit!

References:

1. https://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-how-to-hard-boil-eggs-story.html
2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/what-happens-when-you-overcook-eggs/articleshow/70191466.cms