An unpleasant odor in the refrigerator can spoil the impression of any, even the most exquisite dish. Often we notice the “aroma” of spoiled food or spilled milk too late, when the smell has already ingrained itself into plastic walls and rubber seals. This problem cannot be ignored, since pathogenic microorganisms they actively multiply in a warm environment, causing spoilage of fresh products.
Before running to the store for expensive chemicals, you should turn to time-tested home methods. They not only effectively remove extraneous odors, but are also safe for food storage, as they do not contain aggressive synthetic fragrances. In this article, we will look in detail at how to clean the inside of the refrigerator from odors, using ingredients that can be found in every kitchen.
The first step to cleanliness is to completely defrost and empty the chamber. Even if your model supports the system No Frost, for deep cleaning you will need to unplug the device and remove all shelves. This is necessary to gain access to hard-to-reach corners where the source of the stench could accumulate. Only after this can you begin to directly treat the surfaces.
Primary preparation and defrosting of the unit
High-quality washing is impossible without proper preparation. Many housewives make the mistake of starting to wipe the walls while there is still food or ice inside. This not only reduces the effectiveness of cleaning products, but can also damage thermal insulation layer during mechanical chipping of ice.
A completely defrosted refrigerator should be thoroughly wiped with a dry cloth, removing any remaining moisture. Pay special attention to the drain hole on the back wall - this is where mucus often accumulates, which is the source. You can clean it with a special brush or soft wire wrapped in cloth. musty smell. You can clean it using a special brush or soft wire wrapped in cloth.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a knife or sharp objects to chip ice. Damage to the inner surface of the chamber can lead to refrigerant leakage and equipment failure.
After removing ice and water, it is necessary to remove all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers, bottle holders and vegetable rack. It is better to wash them separately in a bathtub or large basin using warm water and the chosen cleaning product. While they dry, you can focus on the inner walls of the case.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator for washing
Soda: a universal absorbent and cleaning agent
Baking soda is perhaps the most popular and affordable remedy for combating odors. Its uniqueness lies in its dual action: it works as a soft abrasive to remove dirt and as a powerful absorbentneutralizing acidic and alkaline odors.
For preparing a cleaning solution Dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 liter of warm water. Moisten a soft sponge generously with the resulting liquid and thoroughly wipe all internal surfaces, including the ceiling of the chamber. Don’t be afraid to leave a light white coating - after drying, it can be easily removed with a dry cloth, and along with it the unpleasant aroma will go away.
If the smell is very persistent, for example, after defrosting meat or fish, you can use dry soda. Pour the powder onto a damp sponge and gently, using circular movements, treat problem areas. Small particles of soda will penetrate into the micropores of the plastic and pull out odor molecules from there.
Acetic acid: disinfection and mold removal
Table vinegar (9%) is a powerful weapon against bacteria and mold, which often cause an unpleasant odor. An acidic environment destroys the cell walls of microorganisms, providing deep disinfection surfaces. This is especially true for old refrigerators or after storing spoiled food.
Use vinegar carefully, observing the proportions, so as not to damage the rubber door seals. Optimal recipe: mix vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio. If the smell is very strong, you can increase the concentration to 1:1, but after treatment, be sure to wipe the surfaces with clean water.
Wipe all the walls, shelves and, most importantly, the rubber seal around the perimeter of the door with the solution. It is in the folds of rubber that black mold most often hides, emitting a damp smell. To clean the folds, it is convenient to use a cotton swab, generously soaked in a vinegar solution.
⚠️ Attention: Vinegar has a pungent odor of its own. After processing, be sure to ventilate the room and the refrigerator itself, leaving the door open for 30-60 minutes.
Is it possible to mix vinegar and soda?
The chemical reaction between vinegar and soda causes abundant foam (carbon dioxide). It makes no sense to mix them in one washing solution, since they neutralize each other, turning into ordinary salt water. Use them sequentially: first wash with soda, rinse, then treat with vinegar to disinfect.
Natural fresheners: lemon, mustard and ammonia
If you don’t like chemical odors (vinegar or soda), natural flavors will come to the rescue. Citric acid or fresh lemon juice not only removes greasy deposits, but also leaves a pleasant citrus aroma. In addition, lemon has a light whitening effectthat will help remove yellowness from plastic.
Mustard is another underrated remedy. Dry mustard powder is diluted with water to a paste and applied to contaminated areas. Mustard perfectly breaks down fats and eliminates odors, while being completely safe for food chambers. After treatment, the surface is easily washed off with warm water.
Ammonia (ammonia) should be used only in extreme cases when other methods are powerless. This is a very aggressive product with a pungent odor, so you need to work with it wearing a mask and with the window open. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of ammonia in 1 liter of water and wipe the camera. After such treatment, the refrigerator should “stand” with the door open for at least a day.
Table for comparing the effectiveness of folk remedies
To make it easier for you to choose the appropriate option, we have systematized data on popular cleaning methods. Please note that the effectiveness may depend on the material of the internal surfaces of your model Indesit, Atlant or Bosch.
| Remedy | Main action | Smell after treatment | Safety for plastic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking soda | Absorption, soft cleaning | None | High |
| Vinegar 9% | Disinfection, mold removal | Sharp (weathers) | Medium (requires washing) |
| Lemon juice | Degreasing, aromatization | Pleasant citrus | High |
| Ammonia | Removal of persistent odors | Very sharp (takes a long time to erode) | Medium (requires ventilation) |
When choosing a product, focus not only on the strength of the odor, but also on the type of contamination. For greasy deposits, mustard or soda is better, and to eliminate biological odors (meat, fish), vinegar is indispensable.
Prevention of unpleasant odors
To prevent the question “how to clean the refrigerator” from coming up too often, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regularly check expiration dates on food items and throw away spoiled ones immediately. Even a small piece of rotten vegetable can become a source of problems after a few days.
Use the correct packaging. Store liquid foods (soups, sauces) in containers with tight-fitting lids. It is better to keep meat and fish in closed containers on the bottom shelf to eliminate the risk of juice leaking onto other products.
Wipe the shelves with a damp cloth once a month with a cloth, even if there is no visible dirt. It is also useful to keep an open bag of activated carbon, lemon zest or black bread in the refrigerator - these natural absorbers will neutralize odors in the background.
Special odor absorbers: store-bought or homemade?
The modern market offers many special balls and boxes for the refrigerator. They contain activated carbon, silica gel or special chemical compounds. Their efficiency is high, but they require regular replacement or “recharging” (calcination in the oven).
Homemade analogues work no worse. Activated carbon (10-15 tablets) can be crushed and poured into an open container. Rice poured into a bowl also perfectly absorbs excess moisture and odors. The main thing is to change such absorbers every 2-3 weeks.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use chlorine-containing products (for example, “Beliznaya”) or abrasive powders to clean the refrigerator. They can damage the plastic coating and make it porous, which will allow odors to be absorbed even faster.
If after all the procedures the smell does not disappear, the problem may lie deeper - in the drainage system or the engine compartment. In this case, it is recommended to call a technician for diagnostics, since the source of the smell may be associated with a technical malfunction.
How often should you wash the inside of the refrigerator?
It is recommended to carry out general cleaning with defrosting once every 3-4 months. However, if you spill a product or notice an unpleasant odor, cleaning should be done immediately, without waiting for the scheduled date.
Can you wash the refrigerator with soap?
Using regular toilet or laundry soap is not recommended. It is difficult to wash out from plastic and can leave an odor that will be transferred to products. It is better to use products that do not require thorough rinsing, or those that are easily removed with water (soda, vinegar).
What to do if the smell remains after washing?
Try leaving the refrigerator turned off with the door open for a day. If this doesn't help, check the drainage hole to see if dirt has accumulated there. You can also wipe the walls with a solution of hydrogen peroxide.
Is it safe to use a steam cleaner?
Using a steam cleaner for interior plastic surfaces is not recommended. Hot steam can warp thin plastic or damage seals. Steam can be carefully used only for external metal surfaces.