The appearance of a foreign odor in the refrigerator compartment is a signal that which cannot be ignored. Often this is not just discomfort when opening the door, but a sign that microorganisms they have begun to actively multiply on the walls or in the drainage system. Even if you regularly remove food, the smell may remain due to the aromas of spilled milk or spoiled meat absorbed into the plastic.
Many housewives make the mistake of simply spraying the chamber with an air freshener. This masks the problem, but does not solve it, creating an explosive mixture of aromas. To get rid of “amber” forever, you need to find the source, carry out a deep disinfection and establish a proper product storage system.
In this material we will analyze the professional cleaning algorithms that service center technicians use. You will find out which products really work and which ones can damage the seals or plastic elements of your model Indesit, Bosch or LG.
Finding and eliminating the source of the odor
The first step should always be a thorough audit of the contents. Often the source of trouble is hidden in the far corner of the top shelf or in the vegetable drawer, where a juice bag might have burst. Remove absolutely all foods, including those that appear fresh, and inspect them carefully.
Pay special attention to foods with strong aromas, such as smoked meats, cheese or fish. If they are stored in open containers or damaged packaging, the plastic of the refrigerator may have absorbed the odor in a matter of hours. In such cases, even thorough washing may not give an immediate result without the use of absorbents.
⚠️ Attention: If you find swollen canned food or products with obvious signs of mold, immediately dispose of them in a sealed bag outside the apartment so that the spores do not spread to other rooms.
After releasing the chambers, carefully inspect the rubber seals on the doors. It is in the folds of rubber that dirt and food debris most often accumulate, which begin to rot. Wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to make sure hard-to-reach places are clean.
Algorithm for complete defrosting and washing
If a simple revision does not help, you will have to take radical measures - complete defrosting. Even if you have a No Frostsystem, condensation can accumulate in hidden cavities, creating an ideal environment for bacteria. Disconnect the device from the mains and leave the doors open for at least 2-3 hours.
To wash the internal surfaces, you should absolutely not use aggressive chemicals with chlorine or abrasive powders. They can damage the coating and leave a toxic residue that will then transfer to the food. Use a soft sponge and warm water with the addition of a safe detergent.
☑️ Checklist for an ideal wash
It is better to wash removable elements - glass shelves and plastic containers - in the sink under running water. Glass can be easily washed with a window cleaner, and it is better to treat plastic with a solution of baking soda, which neutralizes fats.
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry with a clean microfiber. Remaining moisture is the main cause of musty odors and mold in the future. Make sure that there are no puddles left in the corners of the chamber.
Folk remedies against persistent odors
When mechanical cleaning is completed, but the smell is still felt, the heavy artillery comes into play - folk absorbents. These products work on the principle of activated carbon, absorbing odor molecules from the air.
- 🍞 Black bread: cut several slices of black bread and place them on saucers on different shelves. Bread absorbs odors perfectly, but it needs to be changed every 2 days.
- ☕ Coffee: ground coffee or fresh coffee beans in an open container act as a powerful deodorant. The aroma of coffee overcomes other odors and creates a feeling of freshness.
- 🍚 Rice: raw rice, poured into a small bowl, perfectly draws out excess moisture and accompanying odors.
- 🍋 Citrus: lemon, orange or grapefruit peels not only absorb unpleasant aromas, but also fill the chamber light citrus spirit.
The effectiveness of these methods depends on the degree of contamination. If the smell has been ingrained into the plastic for a long time, the process may take several days. Change absorbers regularly until you feel the result.
The secret of activated carbon
Activated carbon is considered the most powerful natural sorbent. Crush 10-15 tablets, pour into the lids and arrange around the chamber. This “trap” needs to be changed once a week.
You should not mix different folk methods, for example, putting coffee and vinegar next to each other. This can lead to unpredictable chemical reactions of odors. Choose one product and use it until the problem completely disappears.
Chemical absorbers and modern gadgets
The modern chemical industry offers many ready-made solutions for eliminating odors. Specialized sprays and gels often contain silver ions or other antibacterial components that not only mask, but also destroy bacteria.
When choosing a product, pay attention to its purpose. There are universal cleaners, and there are special compounds for removing the smell of fish or meat. They contain enzymes that break down protein compounds, which are the source of the “heavy” spirit.
| Type of product | Principle of action | Validity period | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel absorbers | Absorption through the gel surface | 2-3 months | High |
| Carbon filters | Adsorption by porous structure | 1-2 months | Absolute |
| Electric ozonizers | Oxidation of bacteria with ozone | Constantly (from the mains) | Requires control |
| Spray neutralizers | Chemical binding of molecules | Up to 24 hours | Average |
Electrical ionizers and ozonizers installed inside the chamber are considered the most effective, but also expensive solution. They periodically turn on and process the air, killing germs. However, they should only be used in working refrigerators.
⚠️ Attention: When using chemical sprays, avoid getting liquid on food. Treat empty shelves and let the surface dry before loading.
Cleaning hidden systems and drainage
Often the cause of the smell lies where the eye does not reach during normal cleaning - in the drainage hole. It is located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment and serves to drain condensate. If it becomes clogged with crumbs or mucus, the water stagnates and begins to rot.
To clean, use a special soft brush or a piece of soft wire twisted into a bundle. Carefully walk along the canal, being careful not to damage its walls. After mechanical cleaning, pour in a few tablespoons of warm water with the addition of soda.
Also check the condensation container, which is usually located above the compressor at the back of the refrigerator. It is difficult to get to and often requires removing the back panel. If there is water in the pan and debris floating, it must be washed.
In models with the system No Frost the smell may come from the evaporator. If you smell burning or burning plastic, this may indicate a malfunction of the defrost heating element. In this case, traditional methods will not help - you will need to call a specialist.
Prevention and storage rules
To ensure that the question “how to remove the smell” no longer arises, it is important to follow the operating rules. The main enemy of freshness is storing food in open containers. Use airtight containers, cling film or foil to package any food, even those that seem neutral.
Regular cleaning is key. Don't wait for the smell to appear. Carry out an “audit” once a week, throwing away products with expiration dates. Once a month, wipe the shelves with a damp cloth.
- 🥛 Store liquid products only in closed bottles or jugs.
- 🥩 Immediately after purchase, divide meat and fish into portions and freeze or put them in a fresh zone.
- 🥦 Store vegetables and fruits in separate boxes, having previously removed rotten parts.
Maintaining the commodity neighborhood is also important. Do not store fish near dairy products or cakes, even closed, as odors can penetrate through the micropores of the plastic.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Why did the smell of plastic appear in the new refrigerator?
This is normal for new equipment. The smell comes from new polymer materials and lubricant. It is enough to wipe the chamber with a solution of water and citric acid, then ventilate the empty refrigerator with the door open for a day.
How to clean the refrigerator after storing fish?
A solution of table vinegar (1:1 proportion with water) or lemon juice works best. Wipe all shelves and drawers thoroughly, then leave the door open for several hours to air it out.
Can I use bleach for washing?
Use of chlorine-containing products (Domestos, Whiteness) is not recommended. They can damage the plastic, turn it yellow, and also leave toxic fumes that are absorbed into the food.
How often should you change the carbon filter in the refrigerator?
If your model has a carbon filter installed (usually in the freshness zone), it should be changed every 2-3 months, or when you will notice that it has stopped coping with odors.