How to wash the inside of the refrigerator from the smell: a complete guide with instructions

An unpleasant smell in the refrigerator is a problem that every home cook faces. Even with regular cleaning and proper storage of food, lingering odors of fish, onions, spoiled fruit or mustiness can develop over time. The reasons are varied: from improper packaging of food to bacterial contamination of seals. But how effectively eliminate odorwithout damaging the surface and without using aggressive chemicals?

In this article we will examine professional and home methods refrigerator cleaning, including step-by-step instructions for different types of coatings (plastic, stainless steel, enamel), and we will also tell you how to prevent the appearance of odor in the future. We will pay special attention hidden sources of unpleasant odorsthat many people forget about: the drainage hole, rubber seals and the back wall with condensation.

Why there is a smell in the refrigerator: 5 main reasons

Before you start cleaning, it is important to understand what exactly caused the problem. The most common culprits are:

• 🍎 Spoiled food —even a small piece of moldy cheese or sour milk can “flavor” the entire chamber.
• 🧊 Improper defrosting —if the ice melts naturally and is not removed manually, the remaining water flows into the drain, where bacteria multiply.
• 🧽 Dirty seals —crumbs, fat and microorganisms accumulate in the folds of rubber.
• 🔥 Electricity interruptions —if the refrigerator turned off and you didn’t notice, the food could go bad in a few hours.
• 🚰 Clogged drainage hole —the water does not drain, stagnates and begins to “bloom.”

Interestingly, in refrigerators with a system No Frost the smell appears less frequently, but if it does occur, it is more difficult to get rid of it due to hidden air ducts. And in models with drip defrosting (for example Atlant or Biryusa) the problem often lies in the condensate collection pan - it needs to be cleaned every 2-3 months.

⚠️ Attention! If the smell appeared after turning off the refrigerator for a long period (for example, during holidays), do not rush to load it with products. First, wash all surfaces with a solution of vinegar or soda and let the chamber ventilate for 12-24 hours with the door open.

Preparing the refrigerator for cleaning: 7 mandatory steps steps

For washing to be effective and not superficial, start with proper preparation:

1. Turn off the refrigerator plug. If the model is with No Frost, it is enough to move the thermostat to the “0” or “Off” position.
2. Take out all the products. Check the expiration dates - perhaps the source of the smell has already been found.
3. Take out shelves and containers. They need to be washed separately in warm water.
4. Remove visible debris: crumbs, sticky spots, leftover food.
5. Check the drainage hole (usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment). If it is clogged, clean it with a cotton swab or a special brush.
6. Give access to the seals —they need to be washed separately.
7. Prepare the means: gloves, sponges (soft and hard), microfiber rags, spray bottle.

For models with water dispenser (for example, Samsung RB37J5240SA or LG GC-B247JLVL) additionally rinse the tubes and liquid container - they often accumulate bacteria.

Top 5 folk remedies for cleaning the refrigerator from odors

If you prefer natural methods, these methods will help eliminate odor without chemicals:

For persistent odors (for example, rotten fish or garlic) combine soda and vinegar: first wash with soda solution, then rinse with vinegar. And if there is mold in the refrigerator, add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the water - it has an antifungal effect.

Chemical products: what can be used and what can’t

If traditional methods do not help, it’s the turn of professional chemistry. However, not all detergents are suitable for refrigerators:

• ✅ Specialized cleaners (for example, Topperr 3101, Sano Refrigerator Cleaner) - designed specifically for refrigerators, remove odors and disinfect.
• ✅ Dishwashing gels (for example, Fairy, AOS) - suitable for plastic surfaces, but do not cope well with strong odors.
• ✅ Chlorine-containing bleaches (for example, Whiteness) - dilute 1:10 with water, use only for enameled surfaces!
• ❌ Abrasive powders (type Pemolux) - scratch plastic and stainless steel.
• ❌ Concentrated acids (acetic essence, hydrochloric acid) - can damage seals and coating.

For refrigerators with antibacterial coating (for example, Liebherr Premium or Bosch Serie 6), avoid products with chlorine - they destroy the protective layer. Instead, use alcohol-containing solutions (for example, Miramistin or medical alcohol diluted 1:1).

⚠️ Attention! After using chemicals be sure to rinse surfaces with clean water and wipe dry. Residues of detergents can react with food and ruin their taste.

How to wash a refrigerator with a No Frost system: step-by-step instructions

Refrigerators with No Frost (for example, Samsung RL-34ECMS or Indesit DF 5200 W) require special attention, since they do not have visible ice, but the smell can penetrate the air ducts. Follow the algorithm:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and leave the door open for 30 minutes - this will allow the condensation to evaporate.
2. Remove the air filter (if your model has one). It is usually located on the back wall or top of the camera. Wash it under running water and a mild detergent.
3. Clean the air ducts with a cotton swab soaked in soda or vinegar solution. Do not use sharp objects!
4. Wash the shelves and walls soda solution (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water). For No Frost you cannot use a large amount of water - a damp cloth is enough.
5. Treat the seals with a toothbrush and soapy water.
6. Check the drainage hole —in systems No Frost it is often hidden behind the back panel. If access is difficult, use a syringe with warm water to rinse.
7. Dry the refrigerator for 1-2 hours with the door open, then turn it on.

On models s Low Frost (for example, Beko GNE 114620 X) ice is formed in a minimal amount, but the drainage system still needs to be cleaned once every 6 months.

What will happen if you do not clean No Frost?

In No Frost systems, contaminants accumulate in the air ducts and on the fan. This leads not only to an unpleasant odor, but also to an increase in energy consumption (up to 15–20%), as well as the risk of compressor failure due to overheating.

Hidden sources of odor: where you didn’t look

If the smell remains after general cleaning, check these places:

• 🔍 Drainage hole and tray - dirt accumulates there and bacteria multiply. The tray is usually located at the back of the refrigerator (you will have to move the equipment).
• 🧲 Magnetic seals —crumbs and grease can get stuck in their folds. Wash them with a toothbrush and soda.
• ❄️ Freezer compartment - even if it is empty, ice with a smell could remain on the walls. Defrost and wash with a vinegar solution.
• 🔌 Ventilation grilles (in models with No Frost) - dust and grease settle on the fan blades.
• 📦 Boxes for vegetables and fruits —they need to be washed separately, since juices from food are absorbed into the plastic.

In refrigerators with freshness zones (for example, BioFresh in models Liebherr) pay special attention charcoal filters - they need to be replaced every 6-12 months, otherwise they themselves become a source of odor.

How to prevent the appearance of odor: 8 rules of prevention

To avoid having to deal with unpleasant odors, follow these tips:

1. Store food in airtight containers. This is especially true for fish, meat, cheeses and onions.
2. Check expiration dates regularly. Inspect once a week.
3. Use odor absorbers:
   • 🧂 Soda in an open container (change once a month).
   • ☕ Coffee beans (absorb odors, but can impart their own aroma).
   • 🍋 Citrus peels (refresh the air).
   • 🧅 Onion, cut in half (neutralizes bacteria).

Wash the refrigerator once every 1-2 months, even if there is no smell.

Thaw the freezer compartment when ice forms more than 5 mm thick.

Check the seals for tightness. If they are cracked, replace them.

Do not put hot foods in the refrigerator —steam accelerates the formation of condensation and odor.

Use flavors (for example, vanish sachet or special magnets with activated carbon).

For refrigerators with air ionizer (for example, Panasonic NR-BN30AW1) additional absorbers are not needed - just change the filter on time.

Common mistakes when cleaning the refrigerator

Some actions may not only not help, but also aggravate the problem:

• 🚫 Using hot water - from a sharp temperature change, the plastic can be deformed, and the glass shelves can crack.
• 🚫 Treatment of seals with aggressive chemicals (for example, Domestos) - the rubber will lose elasticity and stop sealing tightly.
• 🚫 Washing the refrigerator without unplugging it - risk of short circuit, especially if water will get on electrical elements.
• 🚫 Ignoring the freezer compartment —the smell from it can spread throughout the entire refrigerator.
• 🚫 Blow-drying —hot air can damage plastic parts.

If a chemical smellappears after washing, it means you didn’t rinse off the detergent properly. In this case, wash the refrigerator again with clean water and ventilate with the door open for 6-12 hours.

⚠️ Attention! In refrigerators with electronic control (for example, Samsung Family Hub), do not allow water to get on the display and buttons. To clean the panel, use wet microfiber without detergents.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to wash the refrigerator with bleach?

Yes, but only in a diluted form (1:10 s water) and for enameled surfaces. Bleach is not suitable for plastic and stainless steel - it can cause yellowing or corrosion. After treatment, be sure to rinse the surfaces with clean water.

How to remove the smell of plastic in a new refrigerator?

This typical for new models (for example, ATLANT XM 4021-000To eliminate the “factory” smell:

1. Rinse all surfaces with a solution of vinegar (1:1).
2. Place a container with activated coal or soda.
3. Ventilate the refrigerator for 24 hours with the door open.

Usually the smell disappears after 1-2 weeks of use.

How to wash a refrigerator with an antibacterial coating?

For such models (for example, Liebherr CBNes 5155) do not use chlorine, abrasives and acids. Optimal means:

• A weak solution of vinegar (1:3).
• Special sprays for antibacterial coatings (for example, Sano Antibac).
• Alcohol-containing solutions (70% alcohol diluted with water 1:1).

After washing, wipe the surfaces with dry microfiber.

Why did the smell return after washing after a couple of days?

Most likely, you did not eliminate source the smell. Check:

• Drainage hole and pan.
• Seals for mold.
• Products - perhaps one of them has begun to deteriorate.
• Ventilation grates (in models with No Frost).

If the problem recurs, try ozonator - it destroys bacteria and odors at the molecular level.

Is it possible to use a steam generator to clean a refrigerator?

Yes, but with caution:

• Do not direct the steam jet at seals and electronic elements.
• After treatment, wipe the surfaces dry with a cloth.
• Do not use a steam generator for the freezer - a sudden temperature change can damage it.

Steam removes grease well and disinfects, but does not replace manual cleaning of hard-to-reach places.