How to remove the smell in the refrigerator using folk remedies: 10 working methods

An unpleasant smell in the refrigerator is a problem that almost everyone faces. He appears suddenly: either because of the fish forgotten on the shelf, or because of the expired yogurt in the far corner. But even after thorough cleaning, the aroma can remain, penetrating plastic, rubber seals and even food. Chemical air fresheners mask the problem, but do not solve it, and are not always safe for food.

Fortunately, there are folk remediesthat not only remove the odor, but also disinfect the chamber without leaving toxic traces. In this article we will look at 10 proven methods from classic soda to exotic spices, and also tell you how to prevent the reappearance of “amber” in your Indesit, Samsung or Atlant. All methods are suitable for refrigerators with a system No Frost and drip defrosting, but there are nuances - we’ll talk about them too.

Before you start fighting the smell, it is important to understand its source. Sometimes the problem lies not in the products, but in mold on the seal or a clogged drainage hole. If after general cleaning the smell returns after a couple of days, this is a signal to check the technical condition of the refrigerator.

Why does an unpleasant smell appear in the refrigerator?

The main reasons can be divided into three groups:

• 🍎 Food: spoiled fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products. Onions, garlic and spices are especially “fragrant” if they are stored incorrectly.
• 🦠 Bacteria and mold: they multiply on walls, shelves and sealing rubber. Often food residues in hard-to-reach places or leaks from defrosting are to blame.
• 🔧 Technical malfunctions: clogged drainage hole, leaky seal, fan failure (in models with No Frost).

Interesting fact: in refrigerators with a system No Frost the smell spreads faster due to forced air circulation. And in models with drip defrosting (for example, Biryusa or Stinol) it often smells “damp” due to the accumulation of moisture in the pan.

⚠️ Attention: If the smell reminds burning or chemicalsimmediately unplug the refrigerator! This may indicate overheating of the compressor or a freon leak. In such cases, professional repair is required.

Preparing the refrigerator for cleaning: 5 mandatory steps. steps

Before using folk remedies, you need to properly prepare the refrigerator. By skipping this step, you risk wasting time: the smell will remain in the pores of the plastic or rubber.

Unplug the refrigerator and take out all the products

Remove the shelves, drawers and grates - they need to be washed separately

Wipe the walls and bottom with a solution of vinegar or soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water)

Check the drainage hole (usually at the bottom of the back wall) - clean it with a cotton swab

Dry all surfaces with a towel or leave the door open for 1-2 hours-->

Pay special attention - it needs to be cleaned with a toothbrush and soda solution. Food particles and mold often accumulate in the folds. For models with sealing rubber — it needs to be cleaned with a toothbrush and soda solution. Folds often harbor food particles and mold. For models with No Frost (for example, LG GA-B489 or Bosch KGE39XW25R) it is important to clean it. ventilation grilles - dirt also accumulates there.

If the refrigerator has not been defrosted for a long time, ice with an unpleasant odor may form on the back wall. In this case:

1. Disconnect the device from the power supply.
2. Place a collection tray. water.
3. Wait for complete defrosting (at least 6-8 hours).
4. Wipe the walls with a solution of citric acid (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water).

Once a month

Once every 3-6 months

Only when ice forms

I never defrost (No Frost)

I don’t know-->

Top 5 folk remedies for odor removal

All of the above methods are safe for food and refrigerator surfaces. combine to enhance the effect.

Activated carbon is the only product that absorbs not only odors, but also harmful gases (for example, ammonia from spoiled meat). It can even be used in refrigerators with ionic filters (as in Samsung RB37J5240SA).

Exotic but effective methods

If standard methods do not help, try less known, but no less effective options:

• 🌿 Essential oils: 2-3 drops of tea tree oil or lavender on a cotton pad, put on a shelf. Antibacterial effect + pleasant aroma.
• 🧂 Salt + rice: Mix in equal proportions, scatter in small fabric bags. absorbs moisture, salt absorbs odors.
• 🍎 Apple cores: Place in the corners of the refrigerator for 1 day. Fruit enzymes neutralize “rotten” aromas.
• 🧅 Onion peels: Pour over a handful of peels with boiling water, let it sit for 30 minutes, wipe the shelves with the solution. Kills bacteria, but leaves a slight onion smell.

For refrigerators with No Frost it is better to avoid products with a strong aroma (for example, garlic or pine needles), as the fan will blow them away. smell for all products. But vanillin (1 sachet per glass of water) is ideal - it neutralizes odors and does not affect the taste of food.

Why can’t you use bleach?

Although bleach (or “Whiteness”) kills bacteria, but leaves toxic fumes that are absorbed into products. In addition, it corrodes rubber seals and can ruin the antibacterial coating of modern refrigerators (for example, in models Liebert or Haier).

How to remove odor from sealing rubber?

The seal is the most “problematic” place: crumbs, moisture and mold accumulate in its folds. Regular wiping is not enough. Here's what to do:

1. Prepare paste of soda and water (consistency like toothpaste).
2. Apply to seal with a toothbrush, especially in corners and folds.
3. Leave for 15–20 minutes.
4. Wipe with a damp cloth, then dry with a hairdryer (at minimum power).

For disinfection you can use hydrogen peroxide (3%): moisten a cotton pad and wipe the rubber. It kills mold and bacteria but leaves no odor. In refrigerators with a magnetic seal (for example, Beko CN335220), avoid aggressive agents - they can break the seal.

⚠️ Attention: If the seal has lost elasticity or is cracked, no amount of cleaning will help - it needs to be replaced. Check the tightness in a simple way: close the door by inserting a sheet of paper between it and the body. If the sheet is easily pulled out, the seal is worn out.

Prevention: how to prevent the appearance of odor?

It is better not to fight the odor, rather than allow it to appear. It is enough to follow simple rules:

• 📅 Regular inspection: Once a week, check the food for freshness. This is especially true for meat, fish and dairy products.
• 🧊 Proper storage: Use containers with lids (for example, Tupperware or Lock&Lock). Do not leave sauces, cheeses, sausages open.
• 🧽 Cleaning after defrosting: After each defrosting, wash the refrigerator with soda solution and wipe dry.
• 🌡️ Temperature control: There should be temperature +2…+5°C, in the freezer - -18°C. At higher values, food spoils faster.

For refrigerators with No Frost it is useful to carry out “dry cleaning” once every 2-3 months: turn off the device for 1-2 hours, wipe all surfaces and ventilate. This helps remove microbes that have accumulated in the system.

What to do if the smell returns?

If after all the manipulations the smell appears again, the problem may be deeper:

• 🔍 Mold in the drainage hole: Clean it with a wire and rinse with a solution vinegar.
• 🧪 Bacteria in the cooling system: Models with No Frost may require professional ventilation cleaning.
• 🛠️ Thermostat malfunction: If the refrigerator does not cool enough, food spoils faster. Check the settings or call a technician.

In old refrigerators (for example, ZIL or Minsk) sometimes there is a “plastic” smell due to worn out insulation. In this case, only replacing the seal or major repairs will help.

⚠️ Attention: If the smell is similar to acetone or chemicals, it may be a freon leak. Immediately turn off the refrigerator and call a specialist! Freon is toxic and explosive.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the smell in the refrigerator

Can I use fragrances for the refrigerator?

Yes, but with caution. Gel fresheners (for example Air Wick) mask the odor, but do not remove its cause. Natural remedies (coffee, lemon, vanilla) are safer. Avoid synthetic flavors in refrigerators No Frost —they can clog the filters.

Why did the smell become even stronger after washing with vinegar?

Most likely, the vinegar reacted with residual fat or protein (for example, from meat). In this case, rinse the refrigerator with clean water and use baking soda to neutralize it. Also check that vinegar has not gotten into the drainage hole - it needs to be cleaned.

How to remove the smell of fish if it is absorbed into plastic?

Fish smell is one of the most persistent. Try this method:

1. Wipe the plastic with a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water).
2. Sprinkle with baking soda, leave for 1 hour, then rinse.
3. Put lemon slices and activated carbon on the shelf for 2-3 days.

If it doesn’t help, replace the plastic shelves (in most models they are removable).

Can chlorhexidine be used for disinfection?

Yes, chlorhexidine (0.05%) is safe for the refrigerator. It kills bacteria and mold without leaving an odor. Wipe all surfaces with the solution, then rinse with water. Do not use a concentration higher than 0.1% - it can damage the coating.

Why does a new refrigerator smell like plastic?

This is normal for the first weeks of operation. To remove the “factory” smell:

• Wipe all surfaces with a soda solution.
• Put lemon slices or bags of activated carbon on the shelves.
• Leave the door open for 5-6 hours for ventilation.

If the smell has not disappeared after a month, contact the service center (the plastic may be defective).