How to clean a fridge that smells?

Author: Quinn Kerluke MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Remove paper and clean with vinegar and water. Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer. Place a cotton swab soaked with vanilla inside the refrigerator and freezer. Close door for 24 hours.

How do you deep clean a smelly fridge?

Clean Thoroughly Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar or a mild dish soap to clean the interior of your fridge. Wipe down all the shelves, drawers, and walls. Pay special attention to spills, stains, and any food residue. This step is essential to eliminate any lingering odor-causing bacteria.

What causes bad smell in the fridge?

  • Spoiled Food: The most common cause is food that has gone bad.
  • Spills: Liquids that have spilled and not been cleaned up can also create odors.
  • Clogged Drain: Many refrigerators have a drain for condensation.
  • Old Ice: If your fridge has an ice maker, old or contaminated ice can also produce bad smells.

What cleaning agent will you use if your refrigerator has a bad odor?

Generally speaking, baking soda is recommended for cleaning and deodorizing the fridge. You do not want to use harsh cleaners as they tend to leave their odor inside and they may harm the plastic and rubber. My friend uses laundry detergent but it is hard to rinse the suds out completely, so stick with the baking soda.

What is the best thing to clean the inside of a fridge with?

You can clean your fridge with a solution of warm water with a mild detergent or a mixture of equal parts of water and vinegar. You can use this solution to clean the interiors. Pay special attention to areas where spills or stains are present. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub away any residue.

How to Clean a Smelly Fridge | PartSelect.com

What should you not clean a fridge with?

Don't use bleach

It can harm the materials of the fridge interior and pose a risk for our health when transferred to food. Should you look for a strong alternative that breaks down stuck-on food, you can make your own cleaning solution. Add one part white vinegar and three parts water in a spray bottle.

Can I use Clorox wipes to clean the inside of my fridge?

Yes, Clorox wipes can be used for quick cleaning, but ensure the surfaces are food-safe by wiping them down with water afterward.

What is the best odor remover for refrigerator?

To naturally get rid of fridge smells, use baking soda, vinegar, or activated charcoal. Baking soda absorbs odors, vinegar neutralizes them, and activated charcoal eliminates them with its porous structure.

How do you make a fridge odor eliminator?

You can also create a quick natural air freshener by combining baking soda, any essential oil, and water, simply placing a small bowl of it in your fridge. If none of these steps do the trick, your fridge may need a deep clean. The inside of most refrigerators are made of plastic, and plastic absorbs smells easily.

Does baking soda remove odors from the refrigerator?

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb and neutralize mild odors inside the refrigerator. Adding an open box of baking soda to one of the interior shelves of the refrigerator can minimize unwanted odors. Depending on what's causing the smell, baking soda may take up to three days to remove odors.

What absorbs bad smell in fridge?

Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer. Place a cotton swab soaked with vanilla inside the refrigerator and freezer. Close door for 24 hours. Check for odors.

Why is there a funky smell coming from my refrigerator?

Poorly sealed containers: If food is not stored in airtight containers, smells can escape and permeate the fridge or freezer. Faulty defrost system: If the freezer's defrost system is not working properly, frost can build up and cause odors.

Does a lemon get rid of a smelly fridge?

Yes, you can. To clean the fridge shelves, you can squeeze lemon juice onto a cloth or towel and wipe them down. Alternatively, you can place a few citrus slices in a bowl and leave them in the fridge for greater absorption power. It usually takes a few hours before you notice the odors have dissipated.

How long does it take to deodorize a fridge?

The length of time it will take to deodorize your fridge depends on the cause of the smell and your method for eliminating it. The baking soda method can take about three days to eliminate refrigerator odors, while cleaning your fridge of spills or spoiled food could remove the odors immediately.

Should you turn off the fridge when cleaning?

Either switch off or unplug the fridge and freezer. This is especially important for the freezer, since cleaning it while it is running could damage the unit and turning it off will give it a chance to defrost.

How do I get rid of a bad smell in my fridge fast?

How to get rid of smell in refrigerator with 9 eco-friendly odour removers
  1. Lemon. ...
  2. Used tea bag. ...
  3. Baking soda. ...
  4. Ground coffee. ...
  5. Oatmeal. ...
  6. Vanilla extract. ...
  7. Vinegar. ...
  8. Potatoes.

What is the best product to clean a refrigerator with?

A mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing soap will give you a gentle yet effective cleaning solution for the fridge's interior. Soak a clean dish rag or a soft sponge in the solution, and wipe down the inside of the refrigerator, focusing on areas with spillage and stains.

What is a deodorizer in a refrigerator?

Built-in Natural Fiber Deodorizing Filter: A filter made of natural fibers that helps remove unpleasant smells from the air inside the refrigerator. This keeps the food's original taste and smell for a longer time by keeping strong odors away.

What freshens the fridge?

After giving your fridge a deep clean, place a box of baking soda on one of the shelves to help keep things fresh. This natural deodorizer will help absorb and eliminate lingering smells, and the same goes for your freezer, too. If you notice the smells returning, you can replace the baking soda with a fresh box.

How long will a bowl of vinegar absorb odors?

A bowl of vinegar can start absorbing odors almost immediately and is typically adequate for up to 24 hours. When left out in a room, the acetic acid in vinegar neutralizes alkaline odors, such as those from smoke, cooking, or pet accidents, by binding with the odor molecules and neutralizing them.

How to make a fridge deodorizer?

Add 2 – 3 tablespoons of baking soda and table salt onto the lemon slices. Place the lemons onto a shallow, uncovered plate. Keep the plate in your refrigerator for up to 6 days. Lemons usually take a couple hours before you notice the smell in your fridge is getting fresher.

How to deep clean a fridge?

Wipe the inside of the empty refrigerator with hot, soapy water, then wipe with clean water to rinse off soap. Dry with a clean towel. DON'T FORGET TO WIPE INSIDE THE DOORS AND ANY DRAWERS THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED. USE A SOLUTION OF 1 TABLESPOON OF LIQUID BLEACH IN 1 GALLON OF WATER TO SANITIZE YOUR REFRIGERATOR.

What should be avoided in cleaning of refrigerator?

8 Things You Should Never Do When Cleaning the Fridge
  • Don't procrastinate. ...
  • Don't skip the deep clean. ...
  • Don't let expired stuff stay in there. ...
  • Don't put hot shelves back in. ...
  • Don't use harsh cleaners. ...
  • Don't use bleach. ...
  • Don't clean the coils when your fridge is plugged in. ...
  • Don't use soap and water on stainless steel.

Does vinegar disinfect refrigerator?

This article has been viewed 43,892 times. How long has it been since you deep cleaned your refrigerator? Luckily, you can clean and disinfect both the exterior and interior pretty quickly with white vinegar and a little elbow grease.

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