How to remove an unpleasant smell in the refrigerator: a step-by-step guide with proven methods

Most often, the smell occurs due to a combination of factors. For example, spilled juice flows into the drainage hole, where bacteria begin to multiply, and a loosely closed door speeds up the process. In refrigerators with a system. Total No Frost (For example, Bosch KGE39XW25R) the problem may be hidden in the ventilation ducts - they also need to be cleaned.

⚠️ Attention: If the smell is similar to fumes or chemicals, immediately unplug the refrigerator! This may indicate overheating of the compressor or a freon leak.

2. Preparing the refrigerator for cleaning: step-by-step instructions

To remove the smell forever, it is not enough to wipe the shelves with a damp cloth. You need to completely defrost, wash i disinfect all surfaces. Here's how to do it right:

1. Turn off the refrigerator if you have a model with No Frost, just turn the thermostat to position 0 or OFF.
2. Take out all products. Check the expiration dates - the source of the smell may have already been found. Products in sealed containers can be temporarily placed in a refrigerator bag or wrapped in a towel.
3. Remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, grilles, trays for eggs. They must be washed separately.
4. Wait for complete defrosting (if there is ice). Do not use a hair dryer or hot water - this may damage the plastic.

To speed up the process, place a bowl of warm water (not boiling water!) in the refrigerator and close the door for 15-20 minutes. The steam will help the ice thaw faster. In models Indesit BIAA 13 or ATLANT MXM 1705 the drainage hole often becomes clogged - it needs to be cleaned with a cotton swab.

Remove all products and check their freshness|

Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet|

Remove shelves, drawers and rubber sealing|

Prepare detergents and rags-->

3. How to wash the refrigerator: safe and effective means

For cleaning cannot be used aggressive chemicals (for example, "Domestos" or "White") - it can damage plastic and leave a toxic smell. Optimal options:

For sealing gum (where mold most often accumulates) it is better to use hydrogen peroxide (3%) or ammonia alcohol (1 tsp per glass of water). Apply the product to the gum, wait 10 minutes, then wipe with a clean rag.

4. How to remove the smell after washing: 5 proven methods

Even after thorough cleaning. cleaning, the smell may remain. This means that it has been absorbed into the plastic or rubber. In such cases, natural odor absorbers will help - place them in saucers on each shelf. Coffee will absorb odors in 12-24 hours. Suitable for refrigerators. data-i="151">with carbon filters. natural odor absorbers:

• ☕ Coffee beans - Place in saucers on each shelf. Coffee absorbs odors within 12–24 hours. Suitable for refrigerators Liebherr And Siemens with carbon filters.
• ⚫ Activated carbon - crush 10 tablets, place in gauze and place on the top shelf. Change every 3 days.
• 🍋 Citrus zest — peels of lemon, orange or grapefruit freshen the air. Change every 2 days.
• 🧂 Salt —pour into small bags and place in the corners. Salt absorbs moisture and odors.
• 🌿 Herbs - bunches of rosemary, mint or bay leaf not only remove odor, but also add flavor.

For quick effect use a combination of methods. For example, after washing with vinegar, place coffee beans and lemon zest on the shelves. After a day, the smell will disappear completely. In refrigerators with a system AirFlow (for example, Samsung RB30J3000EF), absorbers must be placed in the ventilation holes for better circulation.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use scented candles, air fresheners or sprays inside the refrigerator! They can give foods a chemical taste and cause allergies. An exception is special gel absorbers for refrigerators (for example, "Fresh Box").

5. How to get rid of mold and bacteria in the seal

The sealing gum is the most problematic place. Moisture, crumbs and bacteria accumulate here, which cause black mold a persistent musty odor. To clean it:

1. Remove the elastic (if possible) or bend it back to access the grooves. In models ATLANT and Stinol the seal is usually removable.
2. Wash the elastic band in warm water with laundry soap or soda to disinfect. use chlorhexidine (0,05%).
3. Dry thoroughly with a hair dryer (cold mode!) or with a towel. The wet gum will mold again.
4. Apply a thin layer silicone grease (for example, "WD-40 Specialist") - this will prevent cracking and accumulation of dirt.

If the mold is already deeply embedded, try paste of soda and hydrogen peroxide (mix to the consistency of sour cream, apply for 15 minutes, then rinse once for prevention). every month, wipe the seal vinegar solution (1:1 with water).

6. Cleaning the drainage hole: why is it important

The drainage hole (usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator) is responsible for draining melt water. If it is clogged, the liquid stagnates, and water accumulates at the bottom of the refrigerator. You can clean it. like this: smell of rot, and water accumulates at the bottom of the refrigerator. You can clear it like this:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and take out all the food.
2. Find the hole (in models No Frost it may be hidden by the panel).
3. Clean it a cotton swab, a syringe with warm water or wire (carefully so as not to damage the tube!).
4. Rinse the hole soda solution (1 tsp per glass of water) with a syringe.

In refrigerators LG i Samsung s system Smart Diagnosis clogged drainage may cause an error dH or 22 on the display. After cleaning, the error will reset automatically. If water continues to accumulate, check drain pan (it is located at the back of the refrigerator) - it may be cracked or displaced.

7. How to prevent odor: operating instructions

To prevent the odor from returning, follow simple steps. rules:

• 📅 Regular cleaning - wash the refrigerator every 1-2 months (even if there is no smell). Use a soda solution.
• 🥩 Proper storage products:
  • Store meat and fish in airtight containers or vacuum bags.
  • Fruits and vegetables - in special boxes (they are included in models Bosch KIN86VF30R, Electrolux ERN1200FOX).
  • Always cover dairy products and sauces with lids.
• 🧊 Humidity control -if in the refrigerator condensation accumulates, use desiccant (for example, "Silica Gel").
• 🔄 Ventilation - leave the refrigerator open for 5-10 minutes once a week (especially if you have not used it for a long time).
• 🛠️ Checking the seal - if the elastic does not fit tightly, the cold comes out and moisture accumulates inside.

In refrigerators with a system Twin Cooling (for example, Samsung RB34J3000WW) it is important to monitor the operation of two cooling circuits - if one of them fails, the food in the corresponding zone deteriorates faster, which leads to odor.

⚠️ Attention: Never put in the refrigerator hot dishes - this disrupts the microclimate and provokes the formation of condensation. Cool the food to room temperature, then remove.

8. What to do if the smell remains: radical measures

If after all the procedures the smell does not disappear, try:

1. Deep cleaning with steam —use steam cleaner (for example, "Karcher SC 2") or hot steam from a kettle (carefully!). Steam kills bacteria in hard-to-reach places.
2. Treatment with an ozonizer - the device generates ozone, which destroys odor molecules. Suitable for persistent aromas (for example, after storing fish).
3. Replacement of plastic ones shelves - if the smell is ingrained in the plastic and it cannot be washed, buy new shelves (they are sold separately for most models).
4. Professional cleaning —some service centers (for example, for Liebherr or Miele) offer the service antibacterial treatment refrigerators.

In extreme cases, you can use special sprays for refrigerators (for example, "OdorGone" or "FreshAir"They neutralize odor at the molecular level, but before use, check compatibility with your model (some sprays spoil). coating Inox).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the smell in the refrigerator