An unpleasant smell in the refrigerator is a common problem that every home cook faces, and it can ruin the taste of even the freshest food. The source of the stench is often spilled liquids that have flowed under the shelves, or a forgotten piece of meat that has begun to decompose in the far corner of the freezer. To restore freshness to the equipment, it is not enough to simply wipe the shelves with a damp cloth, as this will only mask the problem, but will not eliminate its cause.
In this article we will analyze in detail, how to wash a refrigerator so that it does not smell, using both proven folk methods and professional household chemicals. You will learn about the correct algorithm of actions that will help avoid damage to plastic surfaces and rubber seals. A competent approach to cleaning will not only rid the chamber of odors, but will also extend the life of the unit.
Primary preparation and defrosting of equipment
Before looking for an effective detergent, it is necessary to prepare the equipment itself for the procedure. The first step should always be to completely disconnect the appliance from the mains, which will ensure your safety and prevent the compressor from breaking down during defrosting. After this, you need to take out absolutely all the products, sort them out and throw away the spoiled ones, since they are most often the source of the problem.
If your refrigerator is not equipped with a system No Frost, it will take time to completely defrost, which can take from 4 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the ice. During this period, the doors should be open to ensure air circulation and accelerate the melting of ice. For models with automatic defrosting, this step can be skipped, but it is still worth checking for ice in the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects or a knife to chip ice, as you risk damaging the evaporator, which will lead to a freon leak and costly repairs.
After the ice has melted, you need to collect all the water and remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg trays and bottle stands. It is best to wash these parts separately in the bath or shower using warm water and regular dishwashing detergent. While the removable parts are drying, you can begin to treat the inner walls of the chamber.
Folk remedies for eliminating odors
Home recipes are often more effective than store-bought chemicals, since they are safe for products and do not contain aggressive fragrances. One of the most popular and affordable products is baking soda, which perfectly absorbs odors and gently cleans plastic without scratching. To prepare the solution, you need to dilute two tablespoons of powder in a liter of warm water, mix thoroughly until the crystals disappear.
Table vinegar has also proven itself as a powerful fighter against bacteria and fungus, which often cause a musty aroma. The solution is prepared in a ratio of one to two (one part vinegar to two parts water), after which all surfaces inside the chamber are wiped. After treatment with vinegar, a specific smell of acid may remain, but it will completely disappear within 15-20 minutes after airing.
Laundry soap is an excellent option for severe dirt, as it contains alkali, which breaks down fat and organic residues. A bar of soap is grated and dissolved in hot water to obtain a soap solution, which is then used to wash the inner walls. It is important to thoroughly rinse off the soap suds with clean water to avoid streaks and sticky residue.
Professional household chemicals
If traditional methods do not seem effective enough to you or you prefer ready-made solutions, the market offers a wide range of specialized products. Refrigerator cleaning sprays often contain antibacterial ingredients that kill germs and create a protective film that prevents future bacterial growth. Such products are convenient to use, as they do not require preparing solutions and rinsing with water.
When choosing a chemical, pay attention to the “biodegradable” label and the absence of chlorine, since aggressive components can destroy plastic and rubber seals. Foam cleaners are good because they better penetrate hard-to-reach places and pores of plastic, drawing out contaminants from there. Gel products for removing old stains from berries or meat, as they remain in contact with the surface longer.
The use of professional chemicals requires compliance with the instructions on the packaging, especially regarding exposure time and the need for ventilation. Some concentrates need to be diluted with water, others are applied neat, and failure to do so may reduce effectiveness or damage the finish. Always check the composition for the presence of allergens if there are people in the house who are sensitive to household chemicals.
Washing technology and treatment of hard-to-reach places
The process itself washing should be systematic so as not to miss a single source of odor. You should always start on the top shelf and work your way down, wiping down the ceiling of the chamber, the sides and the back panel. Particular attention should be paid to corners and joints where dirt and mold most often accumulate, using a soft sponge or microfiber for this.
Deserves special attention sealing rubber band on the door, which is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria due to constant contact with moisture and food. The elastic should be carefully pulled back and the inner fold should be washed with a cotton swab dipped in a vinegar solution or a special cleaner. If a black coating of mold has formed on the rubber band that cannot be wiped off, the seal may need to be replaced.
In systems No Frost it is important to clean the drainage hole through which condensate flows into the evaporator. A clogged duct often results in water appearing at the bottom of the refrigerator and an unpleasant odor. To clean, you can use a special brush or soft wire, carefully inserting it into the hole and making rotational movements.
☑️ Refrigerator cleaning algorithm
Comparison table for cleaning products
To make it easier for you to choose what to wash To prevent the refrigerator from smelling, we have prepared a comparison table of popular products. It will help you evaluate the effectiveness, safety and cost of each method, based on your preferences and type of contamination.
| Remedial | Efficacy against odor | Safety for plastic | Necessity of rinsing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solution soda | Medium | High | Desirable |
| Acetic acid | High | High | Required |
| Special. spray | Very high | Average | Depends on the composition |
| Lemon juice | Average | High | Not required |
How to remove the smell after defrosting and storage
Sometimes even after thorough washing, a slight smell of dampness or old plastic remains in the refrigerator, especially if the equipment has been turned off for a long time. In such cases, natural adsorbents will help, absorbing residual odors from porous surfaces. Place open containers with activated carbon, ground coffee or citrus zest on the shelves, leaving them for a day.
If the smell appeared after storing food in the turned off refrigerator, there may be bacteria in the drainage system or thermal insulation. In this case, it is recommended to wipe the inner walls with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, which has a powerful oxidizing effect and destroys organic matter. You can also use an ozonizer, if available, by running it inside the chamber for 10-15 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store the refrigerator closed without ventilation if it does not contain odor absorbers, as this promotes the development of mold and mustiness.
To prevent the appearance of foreign odors in the future, try to store products in airtight containers and regularly check expiration dates. Once a month, it is recommended to wipe the shelves with a damp cloth, without waiting for general cleaning, which will only take a couple of minutes.
What to do if the smell does not go away?
If after all the procedures the smell persists, it may have penetrated into the thermal insulation layer of the foam. In this case, only long drying with open doors in a warm room or calling a technician to check the condition of the insulation will help.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to wash a refrigerator with soap?
Yes, laundry soap is great for washing a refrigerator, as it degreases well surfaces. However, it must be washed off very thoroughly with plenty of clean water to avoid the appearance of a soapy smell in the food.
How often should you wash the refrigerator?
General cleaning with defrosting is recommended every 3-6 months, depending on the model. Preventive wiping of shelves and checking of products should be done weekly.
How to clean a refrigerator if there was rotten fish in it?
In case of a strong odor from fish or meat, it is best to use a vinegar solution or citric acid. After washing, place an activated carbon tablet or an open pack of soda on the shelf to adsorb residual odors.
Is it safe to use bleach?
Using chlorine-containing products (for example, Whiteness) is highly not recommended, since chlorine can damage plastic and rubber seals, and also leave toxic traces that are dangerous for products.
Why does a new refrigerator smell like plastic?
The smell of new plastic is normal, it is caused by fumes from production materials. To get rid of it, the new refrigerator needs to be washed with a solution of soda or vinegar and left with the doors open for 1-2 days.