An unpleasant smell inside the refrigerator can ruin the mood of any home cook and, more importantly, affect the taste of stored food. This often happens after a power outage, when frozen food has had time to thaw, or because of accidentally spilled soup that has flowed into hard-to-reach places. The problem cannot be ignored, as bacteria begin to actively multiply, creating a threat to the health of household members.
Before running to the store for expensive household chemicals, you should pay attention to time-tested home methods. Folk remedies They are often no less effective than aggressive chemicals, and at the same time they are safe for food containers. In this article, we will analyze in detail what ingredients can be found in every kitchen and will help restore freshness to the unit.
It is important to understand that simply spraying an air freshener is only a temporary solution. In order eliminate odor forever, you need to find its source and carry out a full sanitary treatment of all surfaces, including rubber seals and a drainage hole.
Preparation for general cleaning
Effective fight against odors begins long before applying the cleaning agent solution. The first and most important step is to completely defrost and disconnect the device from the power supply. You cannot wash a running refrigerator, as water can damage electrical components, and temperature changes will negatively affect the compressor.
After the unit has defrosted, it is necessary to remove all the contents. Carefully inspect the food: spoiled vegetables, sour dairy products or stale meat often become the epicenter of stench. Remove all shelves, vegetable drawers and egg containers. It is better to wash them separately in a bathtub or large basin in order to have access to all edges.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to chip the ice inside the chamber. Damage to the internal coating or evaporator tubes will lead to freon leakage and costly repairs.
Now that the chamber is empty, dry clean. Pick up crumbs, pieces of food and other debris. Pay special attention to the corners and places where the shelves are attached. Only after removing the main debris does it make sense to move on to wet processing using special solutions.
Baking soda: universal absorbent
One of the most affordable and safest means of cleaning a refrigerator is regular baking soda. This substance has the unique ability to neutralize acidic and alkaline odors, and not just mask them. The solution is prepared in the proportion of two tablespoons of powder per liter of warm water.
The resulting liquid is thoroughly wiped with all internal surfaces, shelves and doors. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, helping to remove stubborn dirt without scratching the plastic. After treatment, the surfaces do not require thorough rinsing with a large amount of water; it is enough to wipe them with a damp, clean cloth.
In addition to washing, soda can be used as an odor absorber. To do this, place a small open container with powder on one of the shelves. It is recommended to change this “trap” once a month. This is especially true for older models, where rubber seals can absorb aromas.
Acetic acid against bacteria
If the source of the unpleasant amber is bacteria or mold, then table vinegar will be your best ally. An acidic environment is harmful to most microorganisms. To prepare the solution, mix water and 9% vinegar in equal proportions. To enhance the effect, you can add a little lemon juice.
A soft rag or sponge is generously moistened with the solution and the insides of the chamber are wiped. Pay special attention rubber seals to the door, where black deposits most often accumulate. Vinegar perfectly disinfects these folds without destroying the rubber structure, unlike some aggressive alcohols.
The only disadvantage of the method is the pungent smell of the vinegar itself during cleaning. However, it quickly disappears after airing the chamber. Do not be afraid of this smell, it indicates that an active disinfection process is underway. After treatment, be sure to leave the doors open for 2-3 hours.
☑️ Rules for safe cleaning
Ammonia for difficult cases
When the smell is so persistent that neither soda nor vinegar helps, ammonia (ammonia) comes to the rescue. This is the “heavy gun” in the world of cleaning products. It can even remove the smell of burnt wiring or an old meat leak. However, it must be used with extreme caution.
The solution is prepared at the rate of one tablespoon of ammonia per liter of water. It is necessary to work with rubber gloves and, preferably, a mask, since ammonia vapor is toxic if inhaled in high concentrations. Wipe all surfaces thoroughly, being careful not to wet the back wall too much.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to mix ammonia with chlorine-containing products (for example, “White”). As a result of the reaction, chlorine is released, which is dangerous for the respiratory system and can cause a chemical burn.
After treatment with ammonia, the refrigerator needs to be ventilated much longer than after vinegar - at least 5-6 hours. Only after making sure that the smell of ammonia has completely disappeared can you load the food. This method is effective, but requires time and compliance with safety precautions.
Comparison of the effectiveness of folk remedies
To make it easier for you to choose what is best to wash the refrigerator in your situation, we have compiled a comparison table of popular methods. It will help evaluate the pros and cons of each approach.
| Medicine | Efficacy against odor | Disinfection | Safety for plastic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking soda | Average | Low | High |
| Table vinegar | High | High | High |
| Ammonia | Very high | Medium | Medium |
| Lemon juice | Low (masks) | Medium | High |
As can be seen from the table, vinegar is the most balanced choice for regular cleaning. It combines good disinfectant properties and safety. Ammonia should be saved for emergencies when other methods have not worked.
Why does the smell come back?
If after a thorough wash the smell returns after a few days, the problem may lie in the drainage hole. It is located on the back wall inside the camera. A clogged drain accumulates dirty water and mucus, which becomes a source of stench. You can clean it with a cotton swab or a special wire brush.
What should not be used for washing
The desire to quickly get rid of the smell sometimes forces people to use inappropriate substances. This may lead to equipment damage. First and foremost, avoid using abrasive powders when cleaning bathtubs or stovetops. Microparticles scratch smooth plastic, and dirt then gets clogged into these grooves, which can no longer be washed out.
It is also not recommended to use chlorine-containing bleaches in their pure form. Chlorine tends to absorb into plastic and rubber parts. Subsequently, this chemical odor can be transferred to products, especially dairy and bakery products, making them unfit for consumption.
Hot water is another enemy of the internal chambers of the refrigerator. A sharp temperature change can lead to the formation of microcracks in the plastic or deformation of the shelves. Use water at room temperature or slightly warm, but not higher than 40 degrees.
Prevention of odors
The best way to deal with odors is to prevent them. Following simple rules for storing food will help maintain freshness in the chamber for a long time. Always close food containers tightly, especially with strong-smelling foods such as fish, smoked meats or onions.
Check your refrigerator regularly. Get into the habit of checking once a week and throwing away expired products. Do not place hot dishes inside - this creates condensation and an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, which accelerates the deterioration of neighboring products.
To maintain freshness, you can use natural odor absorbers that do not require chemical treatment. Once a month, wipe the shelves with a weak solution of soda, even if there is no visible dirt. This will help neutralize bacteria at an early stage.
Additional care tips
Caring for your refrigerator is not limited to just washing the interior walls. The external surface also requires attention, especially if there are children or animals in the house. For (stainless steel), use special sprays or a soap solution to avoid streaks and greasy marks.
Do not forget about the rear grill of the refrigerator. Dust accumulating there interferes with heat transfer, causing the compressor to work harder. This not only increases energy consumption, but can also shorten the life of the unit. It is recommended to vacuum the grill once every six months.
How to quickly eliminate the smell of fish?
If fish has been in the refrigerator for a long time, and the smell has ingrained itself in the plastic, use a mixture of soda and lemon juice. Apply the paste to problem areas, leave for 15-20 minutes, then rinse. Citric acid neutralizes trimethylamine, the substance responsible for the fishy smell.
What to do if the smell appears after defrosting?
Often the smell after defrosting comes from the drainage hole. Pour some warm water and baking soda into it, and then clean it with a brush. If the water drains slowly, repeat the procedure. Also check the water collection tray under the refrigerator - sometimes it requires washing.
Can you wash the refrigerator with soap?
You can use laundry soap, but with caution. It degreases well, but it is difficult to completely rinse it out of the pores of the plastic. Soap residue can give food an unpleasant aftertaste. If you choose this method, wipe the surfaces with clean water 3-4 times.
Why does a new refrigerator smell like plastic?
The smell of new plastic is normal. It is caused by residual substances from production. Before first use, a new refrigerator must be washed with a soda solution and ventilated open for at least 24 hours. You can load food only after the smell has completely disappeared.