How to wash a refrigerator that smells: effective methods

An unpleasant smell in the refrigerator can spoil the impression of any, even the most delicious food. This often happens due to a forgotten piece of cheese, spilled soup, or defrosting after a long power outage. The problem cannot be ignored, since odors are quickly absorbed into products, changing their taste and making them unsuitable for consumption.

Before you look, how to wash a refrigeratoryou need to understand the nature of the stench. If the source is a spoiled product, removing it will solve the problem. However, if the aroma has ingrained itself into the plastic or rubber seals, a deeper cleaning using special solutions will be required. In this article, we will look at proven methods that will help restore freshness to your household appliances.

There are many methods, from simple folk recipes to professional household chemicals. The choice of product depends on the material of the internal shelves and the intensity of the smell. It is important to act consistently so as not to damage the coating of the cameras and not harm the health of household members.

Preparing for washing: defrosting and removing parts

The first step should always be to complete the defrosting device, even if your model has a No Frost system. This is necessary to gain access to all hidden corners where bacteria could accumulate. Unplug the appliance, remove all food and remove shelves, drawers and containers.

Plastic and glass elements are best washed separately in the bathroom or outside. This will allow you to use more aggressive agents without fear of damaging the insides of the refrigeration chamber. While the parts are drying, you can work on the main chamber.

Carefully inspect the rubber seals on the doors. It is in the folds of rubber that most often hide mold and the source of the musty smell. They need to be bent and wiped especially carefully. If the rubber has darkened or become sticky, it may need to be replaced.

Folk remedies for eliminating odor

Many housewives prefer to use time-tested home methods. They are safe, cheap and often not inferior to store-bought chemicals. Baking soda is one of the most popular products. It perfectly absorbs odors and has a slight disinfectant effect.

To prepare the solution, dilute 2 tablespoons of soda in a liter of warm water. Wipe all surfaces with this mixture. Don't forget to rinse off the baking soda thoroughly with clean water so that no whitish residue remains. To enhance the effect, you can leave an open pack of soda inside the chamber for a day after cleaning.

The secret of acetic acid

Acetic acid not only removes odors, but also kills mold spores. However, it must be used with caution on aluminum surfaces, as it can cause oxidation of the metal.

Another powerful tool is ammonia (ammonia). It copes even with very persistent odors, such as those from fish or rotten meat. Dissolve one tablespoon of ammonia in a liter of water. When working, be sure to open the windows, as ammonia vapors are toxic and have a pungent odor.

Household chemicals: what to choose for plastic

If traditional methods do not seem effective enough to you or you simply do not want to bother with solutions, you can turn to ready-made household chemicals. On store shelves there are many sprays and gels specially designed for kitchen appliances.

When choosing a product, pay attention to the mark “for food surfaces” or “antibacterial”. Such compositions contain disinfecting componentsthat destroy microbes, and do not just mask the odor. Popular brands often produce lines of kitchen products with safe composition.

⚠️ Attention: Never use products containing chlorine to clean the internal chambers of the refrigerator. Chlorine vapors can be absorbed into plastic and subsequently transferred to products, which is hazardous to health.

It is most convenient to use products in a spray format with a nebulizer. They allow you to apply the liquid evenly and easily wash it off with a damp cloth. Gels can be useful for removing grease stains, but require more thorough rinsing.

Comparison table for cleaning products

To make it easier for you to make your choice, we have compiled a comparison table of popular methods. It will help assess the effectiveness and safety of each option.

As can be seen from the table, each method has its pros and cons. For regular prevention, it is better to use soda or soft sprays. For general cleaning after force majeure, vinegar or ammonia are suitable.

Removing odor after defrosting and storage

Sometimes the refrigerator begins to smell unpleasant after a long period of inactivity or defrosting. In such cases, the smell often comes not from the food, but from stagnant water or the onset of corrosion in hard-to-reach places. This is especially true for older models.

It is necessary to check the drainage hole. It is located on the back wall of the camera. If it is clogged, water accumulates there and begins to go out. You can clean it with a cotton swab or soft wire, then pour a disinfectant solution into it.

If the smell appears after storing the refrigerator turned off, it means mold has grown inside. In this case, simply wiping may not be enough. Required complete drying during the day with the doors open. You can use a fan to speed up the process.

Prevention of the appearance of unpleasant odors

In order not to often have to wonder how to clean a refrigerator, it is important to follow the operating rules. Always close food containers tightly. Use cling film or airtight trays to store foods with a strong odor, such as fish, smoked meats or onions.

Check the contents regularly. Throw away spoiled food immediately, without waiting for general cleaning. Once a month, wipe the shelves with a damp cloth, even if there is no visible dirt.

⚠️ Attention: Do not place hot pots or pans in the refrigerator. A sharp change in temperature can damage the coating of the shelves and provoke the growth of bacteria in the condensate.

To maintain freshness, you can use special odor absorbers. They are sold at hardware stores and look like small containers of activated carbon or gel. They need to be changed every 3-4 months.

Cleaning mistakes that should not be made

The desire to quickly eliminate the smell can lead to damage to equipment. Many people try to use abrasive powders or hard metal sponges. This is strictly prohibited, as scratches on the plastic will become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria in the future.

Another common mistake is using too hot water. The plastic may become deformed, and the rubber seals may lose their elasticity. The water should be warm, but not boiling water.

Also, do not fill the insides with large amounts of water. Liquid may get into technical openings or onto electrical contacts, which will lead to damage to the compressor or control system.

Can you wash a refrigerator with soap?

Using regular toilet or laundry soap is not recommended. It often contains fragrances that can overpower the smell of food, and is difficult to wash off from plastic, leaving a sticky residue. It is better to use dishwashing detergents, but in low concentrations.

How to remove the smell of fish from the refrigerator?

The fish smell is very persistent. First, wipe all surfaces with a solution of citric acid or vinegar. Then place lemon slices or cotton pads soaked in lemon essential oil inside. Ventilate the chamber for at least 24 hours.

Why does a new refrigerator smell?

The smell of plastic in a new device is normal. It should disappear in a few days. You can speed up the process by wiping the chambers with water with lemon juice and leaving the refrigerator open for a day.

Is it safe to use a steam cleaner?

You can use a steam cleaner only on removable shelves and drawers. It is forbidden to direct steam inside the case, at electrics and rubber seals, since moisture under pressure can damage the insulation and cause a short circuit.