For many people, their fridge is an integral part of their kitchen, working tirelessly to keep their food fresh. But what if you are greeted by an unpleasant smell every time you open the fridge? This becomes even more frustrating after general cleaning, but the odor persists.
Refrigerator odors can originate from various sources, including hidden spills, improper storage habits, inadequate air circulation, and mechanical issues. Fortunately, there are easy ways to eliminate unpleasant odors using common household ingredients. Although some problems may require more attention, most can be remedied with simple DIY cleaning methods.
Read on to learn about common causes of refrigerator odor, how to eliminate them, and daily habits for keeping your fridge smelling fresh. We’ll also explore when to call in a professional to avoid further damage. Whether you’re facing a full-blown stench or you want to prevent it, this is your go-to guide for smarter refrigeration and an odor-free kitchen.
Why does your refrigerator smell bad
Spoiled or forgotten food
This is the most common cause of foul smells in your fridge. Yes, the cold environment of your fridge is supposed to keep foods fresh by limiting the activity of bacteria and fungi. However, some microorganisms can survive and continue to grow. Some foods, such as dairy products, meat, fish, or even vegetables, can spoil more quickly than expected, resulting in a foul odor.
When food spoils, it breaks down, releasing gases such as ammonia, sulfur, and organic acids. These gases emit a range of odors, from sweet and sour to putrid. Sometimes, you can tell which food has spoiled by its smell. For example, milk gives off a sour smell, vegetables emit an earthy or sulfurous smell, and meat or fish gives off the foulest odors. Besides the foul odor, other signs include visible mold on food surfaces, a slimy texture, and unsealed containers or bags with liquid.
Improper food storage
Food can be technically fresh but still smell because it has not been sealed or stored correctly. This is especially common with strong-smelling foods, such as onions, cooked eggs, cheese, or fish. The odors from these foods stick to fridge surfaces, plastic surfaces, and sometimes the air filter. If you have a lingering smell after food is removed or the smell intensifies every time you open your fridge, ensure none of these foods are left exposed.
Mold and mildew growth
Moisture and food particles are usually the culprits when mold or mildew develops inside your fridge. You may notice mold on hard-to-clean surfaces, such as rubber seals around your fridge door or drip trays. Mold has a musty or earthy smell similar to damp laundry. This smell can permeate food and containers stored in the refrigerator. It is especially true for products with high-fat content, such as butter, which easily absorbs odors.
Leaking spills and drips
Spills from soups, sauces, or juices can make your fridge smell bad. Sometimes, you may ignore small spills for another day, or they may go unnoticed if they get into cracks or trickle under drawers. Over time, fermentation or the formation of mold causes the refrigerator to smell. This may be the issue if there are sticky or crusty patches under the drawers or if the smell seems stronger near the bottom or back of your fridge.
Clogged or dirty drain pan
The drain pan is a feature in modern refrigerators that collects moisture. However, it should be cleaned regularly because stagnant water and food debris are breeding grounds for microorganisms. Since it’s usually found underneath the fridge, it’s easy to forget, allowing the stagnant mixture to develop an unpleasant odor. Check the drain pan if the bad smell persists after a thorough cleaning or if the odor seems to be coming from this area in your refrigerator.
Electrical or chemical smells
Electric or chemical odors are distinct from the odors of spoiled food. Burning plastic smells could indicate electrical issues or overheated plastic parts. On the other hand, your fridge may be emitting sharp, acrid, or metallic chemical odors, which often indicate refrigerant leaks. Other signs of malfunction include unusual noises, the fridge not cooling properly, or inconsistent temperature readings. If you notice these smells and signs, unplug the refrigerator immediately and call a qualified technician.
Absorbed odors in fridge liners or plastic
Porous refrigerator materials can absorb smells from strong foods or spoiled items, leaving the smell even after cleaning. This is most likely to occur if your fridge is old or has been exposed to repeated temperature fluctuations.
How to Get Rid of Fridge Smells Effectively
Once you’ve identified why your fridge has a pungent smell, it’s time to eliminate it. Sometimes, an air freshener, coffee grounds, or a box of baking soda may solve the issue, but they may not be enough if the problem runs deeper. Here are reliable ways to neutralize bad fridge odors and prevent them from returning.
Empty the fridge completely
This step involves going over everything in your fridge. Throw away any smelly, moldy, or expired food, and remember to perform the “sniff test” even on sealed containers or bags. Besides food, you should also remove drawers and shelves. Remember, never wash refrigerator parts in the dishwasher.
Clean all surfaces thoroughly
You don’t need industry-grade cleaners to remove grime and neutralize odors in your fridge. Homemade cleaning solutions work well, such as a mild paste made from baking powder or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water. Ensure you wipe your fridge’s doors, ceiling, and walls, and wash the drawers and shelves in your sink. Use a toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach corners and rubber gaskets. Also, pay attention to areas that are sticky or have seams. Remember, bleach and ammonia are too harsh for food-safe surfaces; you may not like the smell they leave.
Clean the drain hole and drain pan
Most modern fridges have a drain hole that drains excess condensation to a drip pan. As mentioned, food particles may combine with the accumulating water to form a breeding ground for microorganisms, so clean and dry these parts regularly before returning them. Use a cotton swab or pipe cleaner to clear the drain hole. For the drip pan, remove it and clean it with mild soap and warm water. You should consult the fridge’s manual or online tutorials to learn how to remove and replace it.
Use natural odor absorbers
Once your fridge is clean, you can use natural odor absorbers to keep the foul odors at bay. Some of these options include:
- Baking soda: Leave an open box or bowl in the back of the fridge.
- Coffee grounds: Absorbs odors and leaves a pleasant aroma.
- Citrus peels with salt: For a natural, fresh scent, place orange or lemon peels filled with salt in a bowl.
- Cotton or newspaper balls soaked in vanilla extract: Great for a warm, clean-smelling fridge.
If these options don’t work, try activated charcoal, which has a greater surface area than most other options. It’s excellent for persistent odors. Also, remember to change the odor absorbers often to maintain freshness.
Air it out
Sometimes, the smell persists even after cleaning. If this is the case, unplug your refrigerator and leave the doors open for a few hours to allow the air to circulate. This may allow odors to air out, especially from plastic and rubber linings.
Deodorize with DIY steam treatment
Place a bowl of boiling water with lemon slices inside the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. The steam will help loosen any stubborn grime, while the lemon will leave a fresh fragrance. You can then wipe the interior to remove the loosened dirt.
Replace the fridge filter
Modern fridges have air or odor filters that need to be replaced regularly, preferably every six months. A clogged filter will not only accentuate the bad smell but may also affect your refrigerator’s cooling system. Refer to the manual to learn how to replace it correctly, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Use a fridge deodorizer
This is an optional solution, as homemade odor absorbers are effective. Still, you can buy non-toxic, safe-for-food fridge deodorizers that absorb various odors.
Tips to store food in your fridge to prevent odors
Now that you’ve removed the foul odor from your fridge, the next step is keeping it that way. Here’s how to turn your fridge into an odor-free, well-organized space.
Use airtight containers
Strong-smelling foods, leftovers, and chopped produce should be stored in airtight bags or containers to prevent odors from permeating. This is recommended for marinated meats or fish, cooked meals and sauces, as well as garlic, onions, or cut fruits and vegetables. Covering open bowls with plastic wrap and foil doesn’t completely stop the smell from escaping. For foods like cheese, double-wrap them in wax paper before placing them in airtight containers. For cured meats and fish, use odor-blocking storage bags to prevent spoilage.
Label and date everything
Label and date items in your fridge to keep track of what’s inside. You can use masking tape and a permanent marker to write these details and stick them in a visible location. Additionally, utilize the “first in, first out” system, where newer items are placed behind older ones. This helps you avoid forgetting older meals, especially when meal prepping.
Clean up spills immediately
That small spill can wait until the next general cleaning, right? Wrong. Even small spills can ferment quickly. So, clean the spill immediately, remove all items around it, and remember to clean the bottom of the containers before putting them back.
Designate zones in your refrigerator
Different parts of your fridge have various levels of coldness. You can use this to your advantage by storing your food in zones. For example, you can designate the top shelf for leftovers and ready-to-eat foods, the middle shelves for beverages and dairy products, and the lower ones for poultry, raw meat, and fish (as they may drip with juices). For fruits and vegetables, use the crisper shelves, while condiments can be stored on the door shelves.
Check freshness regularly
Labeling things is not enough; you also need to regularly check for freshness. You can have a weekly checkup where you remove expired or wilted items, check for spills or leaky bags, or do a “sniff test.” Also, check for freshness before adding other items after grocery shopping.
Avoid overpacking your fridge
The fridge environment is designed to keep things cool, but a crowded one may restrict airflow. This may increase the chances of spills going unnoticed, food spoiling more quickly, and odors lingering for longer. Leave some space around containers and avoid stacking them against the back wall, as this can block cold airflow.
When to call in the pros
Sometimes, DIY odor-removing hacks aren’t enough. If so, it may indicate deeper issues that require professional attention. It’s time to call in the professional if:
- The odors persist even after deep cleaning
- The foul smells resemble chemicals or burning plastic
- There are malfunctioning components, and the fridge isn’t cooling properly
- There are unusual noises
- There’s been a flood or a lengthy power outage
- There’s visible black mold or rusty interior parts
Sometimes, you need a pro to disassemble and clean internal components to fix persistent issues.
Final thoughts
An unpleasant refrigerator smell is a sign that something is off. It may be spoiled food, poor cleaning, or improper storage. However, with the right strategies, you can eliminate any foul odors and prevent them from returning. Remember, our lives may be busy, but consistency is key. Regular upkeep every week will help keep your fridge clean, organized, and odor-free.
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