The unpleasant smell of rot in the refrigerator can ruin your appetite and jeopardize the safety of stored food. Often this problem occurs suddenly, forcing owners to feverishly sort through the shelves in search of the source of the stench. Stale air mixes with the aromas of spoiled food, creating a stable composition that is difficult to get rid of by simple ventilation.
Ignoring the problem can lead to the fact that plastic elements cameras absorb odors, and then the fight will drag on for weeks. It is important to act quickly and methodically to prevent bacteria from growing on the internal surfaces of the unit. In this article we will look at proven ways to eliminate odor and prevent its appearance.
Before grabbing rags and detergents, you need to understand the nature of the occurrence of "odors." Source of odor is always the result of the vital activity of microorganisms that decompose organic matter. The faster you find and neutralize the source, the less effort will be required to restore freshness.
Finding and eliminating the source of the problem
The first and most obvious step is a thorough audit of the contents of the refrigerator compartment. Often the source of the smell is hidden in the far corner of the bottom shelf or in the vegetable drawer, where people rarely look. Spoiled foods, especially meat, fish or dairy products, are the main culprits.
Take absolutely all the contents of the refrigerator onto a table or into a basin. Carefully inspect each package, jar and container. Even if the product looks normal, but its expiration date has expired, it is better not to take risks. Leaking juices they can imperceptibly stain adjacent packages, spreading the smell.
⚠️ Attention: If you find swollen canned food or packages of meat, immediately dispose of them in a tightly tied bag, so that bacterial spores do not scatter throughout the kitchen.
Pay special attention to hidden places where liquid could spill. Check door seals, shelf joints and the space around the light bulb. Sometimes a piece of product can roll behind a drawer, where it will safely rot in a couple of weeks.
General cleaning and disinfection
Once the source has been found and removed, it is necessary to start cleaning the internal surfaces. Simply wiping with water will not be enough, since bacteria have already penetrated into the micropores of the plastic. You will need an effective detergent or a proven folk recipe.
Remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, containers for eggs and bottles. It is better to wash them separately in warm water with the addition of laundry soap or dish soap. Plastic and glass tolerate contact with water well, which allows you to wash even old stains.
☑️ Plan for general cleaning of the refrigerator
Use a soft sponge to wash the inner walls. Do not use abrasive powders or hard brushes, as they may leave scratches in which dirt will accumulate even more actively. After washing, be sure to wipe the surfaces dry with a clean rag.
Effective folk remedies for eliminating odor
If mechanical cleaning does not help completely remove the odor, natural absorbents will come to the rescue. These products are safe for health and perfectly absorb extraneous aromas without leaving chemical traces.
- 🍋 Citric acid or citrus slices: cut the lemon in half and leave on the shelf for 2-3 days, the acid neutralizes bacteria.
- ☕ Ground coffee: pour fresh coffee into shallow bowl and place in the refrigerator, it absorbs odors perfectly.
- 🍞 Black bread: put a few slices of black bread on a plate, it works as a natural filter.
- 🧂 Baking soda: an open pack of soda is a classic and most affordable absorber odors.
The action of these products is based on their porous structure or chemical activity. For example, activated carbon (you can use pharmaceutical tablets or filters for aquariums) works on the principle of adsorption, capturing odor molecules.
The secret of activated carbon
To enhance the effect, carbon tablets can be crushed into powder and poured into a wide container, increasing the area of contact with air.
Such absorbers need to be changed regularly, about once a week, otherwise they themselves will become a source of unpleasant odor when their resource is exhausted.
Rinsing the drainage system
Often the cause of a persistent smell of rot is a clog in the condensate drainage system. Water flowing down the back wall carries with it food particles and bacteria, which accumulate in the drain hole and tube.
Locate the hole at the bottom of the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. Gently clean it with a special brush or soft wire wrapped in cotton wool. You can use a syringe with warm water to flush the drain under pressure.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when cleaning the drain, do not pierce the wall of the drain with a sharp wire, this can damage the cooling system.
If water stagnates in the tray above the compressor (at the back of the refrigerator), this can also cause a stench. Getting there is more difficult, you may need to move the refrigerator away from the wall and remove the back panel.
Comparison of refrigerator cleaning products
Choosing the right cleaning product is key. Some harsh chemicals can damage plastic or leave toxic traces that are hazardous to products.
| Medicine | Efficiency | Safety | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinegar solution (1:1) | High | High | Disinfects, but has its own smell |
| Specialized spray | Very high | Medium | Requires thorough rinsing |
| Laundry soap | Medium | High | Washes away grease well, safe |
| Hydrogen peroxide | High | High | Kills bacteria, does not smell |
When using household chemicals, always follow the instructions on the package. After treatment with chemicals, it is recommended to wipe the surfaces with clean water to prevent reagents from getting on the products.
Prevention of odors
To prevent the problem from returning, it is important to follow the rules of food storage and hygiene. Regular cleaning takes less time than dealing with old mold and rot.
- 🥩 Leakproof: store meat, fish and strong-smelling foods in closed containers.
- 🗑️ Timely disposal: throw away spoiled food immediately, without waiting for the weekend.
- 🧼 Regular washing: carry out light wet cleaning once a month.
- 🌡️ Control temperature: make sure that the refrigerator operates in the correct mode, preventing food from defrosting.
It is also useful to periodically check the expiration dates on the packages. Get into the habit of putting new products deep in the shelf, and pushing old ones forward (principle FIFO — First In, First Out).
Is it possible to use bleach for washing the refrigerator?
The use of chlorine-containing products (for example, “White”) is highly discouraged. Chlorine has a very persistent odor, which takes a long time to disappear and can be absorbed into plastic parts and seals. In addition, chlorine vapors can be dangerous when in contact with food.
Why does the smell return some time after cleaning?
If the smell returns after thorough washing, it means the source has not been completely eliminated. It is possible that liquid with rotten food entered the thermal insulation layer of the housing through microcracks or a drainage hole. In such cases, it may be necessary to disassemble the interior panel of the refrigerator for sanitation.
How to quickly remove the smell of fish from the refrigerator?
The fish smell is very persistent. After removing the source, wash all surfaces with a solution of vinegar or citric acid. Then leave an open pack of soda or a container of ground coffee in the chamber for 24 hours. Wiping the walls with a weak solution of ammonia (followed by ventilation) also helps.