The situation when a refrigerator appears a persistent unpleasant odor, familiar to many housewives. Most often, the cause is a spoiled product that was not noticed in time, or a prolonged lack of electricity. A rotten smell can literally permeate plastic walls and rubber seals, making storage of fresh food impossible. Ignoring the problem will lead to the fact that even fresh dishes will begin to taste spoiled.
The first thing to do is not to panic and not try to mask the aroma fresheners. This will only temporarily hide the problem, but will not solve it. Porous structure of plastic and rubber easily absorbs volatile compounds, so deep cleaning is required using the right detergents. In this article, we will look at effective ways to neutralize odor that will help restore freshness to the unit.
It is important to understand that the cleaning process will take time, especially if the smell is deeply ingrained. You will need to completely defrost the equipment, if it does not belong to the system No Frost, and thoroughly rinse every centimeter of the inner chamber. The greatest attention should be paid to the drain hole and drainage system, since this is where putrefactive liquid often accumulates, becoming a source of constant odor.
Primary preparation and defrosting
Before you start washing, you must completely empty the refrigerator compartment of food. Conduct an audit of the contents and ruthlessly throw away any products that have expired or look suspicious. Unplug the applianceby unplugging the plug from the socket. This is a critical step for safe and efficient defrosting.
If you have a model with a drip system or manual defrosting, leave the doors open for at least 2-3 hours. To speed up the process, you can place a container of hot water inside. In the case of the system No Frost complete defrosting is also desirable so that water flushes the hidden channels, although formally it is required less often.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use a hairdryer or other heating devices to speed up the thawing of ice. A sudden change in temperature can damage the evaporator or cause cracks in the plastic box.
While the chamber is defrosting, remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg trays and containers. It is more convenient to wash them separately in the bath or under the shower using warm water and detergent. Carefully inspect the drawers for cracks where juice from meat or fish could leak.
How to clean the inside of the refrigerator from the smell
The choice of cleaning agent depends on the strength of the smell and the materials from which the interior of your appliance is made. Household chemicals are effective, but folk remedies often work just as well, and they are safer and cheaper. Acetic acid is one of the leaders in the fight against bacteria and odors.
To prepare the solution, mix table vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Wipe all surfaces with this solution, including the ceiling of the chamber. Vinegar perfectly dissolves fatty deposits and kills germs. After treatment, be sure to ventilate the chamber, since the smell of vinegar, although it evaporates, can be pungent at first.
- 🧼 Baking soda - make a paste of soda and water, apply to the stains and rub with a sponge, then rinse.
- 🍋 Citric acid - dissolve the bag in a liter of water, removes perfectly yellowness and fresh smells.
- 🧴 Laundry soap - grate the bar, dissolve the shavings in hot water until a thick solution is obtained.
- 💊 Activated carbon tablets - crush 10 pieces and dissolve in water for final rinsing.
If the smell is very strong, you can use specialized sprays for refrigerators, which are sold in hardware stores. They contain enzymes that break down organic residues. However, make sure that the chosen product is suitable for food-grade plastic and does not require thorough rinsing, unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise.
Step-by-step instructions for deep cleaning
Once you have decided on the detergent, proceed to the actual cleaning. Move from top to bottom so that dirty water does not flow down the already clean walls. Start at the ceiling of the chamber, then wipe down the sides and back panel. Pay special attention to corners and joints where condensation with bacteria could accumulate.
☑️ Action plan
The rubber seal on the door is a magnet for odors. Pieces of food often get stuck in its folds and begin to rot. Carefully bend the elastic band and wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar solution or hydrogen peroxide. If the rubber turns black or becomes sticky, it may need to be replaced, as mold may have penetrated deep into the structure of the material.
Be sure to clean the drainage hole. It is located on the back wall inside the camera. A clog here is a common reason why the refrigerator stinks even after cleaning. Use a special soft brush or rolled cotton wool soaked in a cleaning solution to gently clean the canal.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use abrasive sponges, metal scrapers or aggressive solvents (acetone, gasoline). They can scratch the plastic or dissolve it, after which the odor will be absorbed even more strongly.
Table: Comparison of cleaning products
To make it easier for you to choose the best option for combating odor, we have prepared a comparison table of popular products. Each of them has its own application features and effectiveness against different types of pollution.
| Medicine | Efficacy | Safety | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinegar 9% | High | Safe | Requires ventilation |
| Baking soda | Medium | Safe | You need to rinse thoroughly |
| Citric acid | Medium | Safe | Pleasant aroma |
| Special. sprays | High | Depends on the composition | More expensive than traditional methods |
When using chemical sprays, always read the instructions on the bottle. Some of them are intended only for stainless steel and can damage the plastic inner box. Universal products usually safe for all surfaces, but it is better to be on the safe side by checking the reaction on an inconspicuous area.
How to remove odor after washing
Even After thorough washing, the smell may persist for some time. To finally get rid of it, use odor absorbers. The easiest and most affordable way is to place inside open containers with activated carbon, soda or silica gel.
Natural adsorbents also work well: brown bread crusts, cut apples, coffee beans or cotton pads soaked in vanilla extract. Leave them in a closed refrigerator for a day. If the smell does not go away, repeat the procedure. Sometimes several cycles of ventilation and adsorption are required.
Modern refrigerators are often equipped with built-in air purification systems, for example, filters with silver ions or carbon cassettes. Check whether such a filter requires replacement in your model LG, Samsung or Bosch. A clogged filter stops working and itself becomes a source of odor.
Secret ingredients
You can use cat litter (silica gel) in a fabric bag. It works no worse than an expensive carbon filter and costs a penny. Just pour the granules into a sock and tie a knot.
Prevention of unpleasant odors
To prevent the problem of a “rotten” refrigerator from recurring, it is important to follow the operating rules. Check product expiration dates regularly. If you notice that the milk has begun to sour or the meat has changed color, dispose of it immediately without waiting for the smell to appear.
Store food in closed containers. This will not only prevent odors from mixing, but also protect food from drying out and bacteria. Sealed trays is the best investment in the cleanliness of your refrigerator. Wipe the shelves with a damp cloth at least once a week during general cleaning.
- 🥩 Store meat and fish in the lower part of the refrigerator or in the freshness zone so that juice does not drip onto other products.
- 🥛 Fermented milk products keep away from meat and fish.
- 🍲 Place hot food only after it has cooled completely, otherwise condensation will accelerate the growth of bacteria.
Do not forget to periodically check the condition of the seals and the cleanliness of the back wall. If you're going on vacation, be sure to defrost, wash and dry your refrigerator, leaving the door ajar. This will prevent mold from appearing during your absence.
Common mistakes when cleaning
Many people, trying to quickly smell, make mistakes that only aggravate the situation. For example, the use of chlorine-containing products (like “Whiteness”) in high concentrations. Chlorine can react with organic residues and increase the unpleasant odor, as well as damage the plastic.
Another mistake is washing the refrigerator while it is plugged in. This is not only life-threatening, but also ineffective: the compressor will work, cooling the walls, and the detergent will quickly freeze without having time to act. Always let the unit warm up to room temperature.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to seal cracks in the plastic with tape or glue if rotten liquid has leaked into it. The smell will escape through micropores. It is better to replace cracked parts.
Also, do not use too much water when washing. Moisture that gets into the technical openings or under the casing can cause corrosion or a short circuit. The rag should be wrung out well. After washing, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry with paper towels.
How long should you ventilate the refrigerator after washing?
The optimal ventilation time is from 2 to 6 hours. If the smell was very strong, it is better to leave the doors open for a day. Make sure that there is no draft in the room, which can bring dust, but air circulation should be good.
Can you wash the refrigerator with soap?
Yes, you can use regular laundry or baby soap without fragrances. The main thing is to thoroughly rinse off the soap solution, as its residue can impart an off-flavor to the food. Liquid soap is washed off more easily than solid soap.
What to do if the smell remains after all the procedures?
If the smell does not go away, it may have penetrated into the thermal insulation layer (polyurethane foam) through microcracks. In this case, only ozonizing the chamber with a professional ozone generator will help, or, as a last resort, calling a technician to replace the inner box.
How often should you wash the refrigerator?
It is recommended to carry out general washing with defrosting once every 3-4 months. If you have a No Frost model, you can do this less often - once every six months. However, you should wipe the shelves and check the products weekly.