Why there is an unpleasant smell in the new refrigerator and how to get rid of it

Have you just purchased a new refrigerator, unpacked it, turned it on - and instead of the expected freshness, you felt a persistent chemical or plastic smell? This is a common problem faced by owners of equipment Samsung, LG, Indesit, Atlant and other brands. Even premium models Liebherr or Bosch are not immune to foreign odors in the first days of operation.

The reasons can be both harmless (for example, remnants of factory packaging) and requiring intervention (improper assembly or defective seal). In this article we will analyze all possible sources of odor, learn to distinguish normal “weathering” of plastic from defects, and also give step-by-step instructionshow to fix the problem yourself - without calling a specialist.

Spoiler: in 90% of cases, the unpleasant odor disappears through 3–7 days with proper processing. But if the aroma lasts longer or resembles burning/chemicals, this is a reason to check the refrigerator for malfunctions.

1. Factory materials: why a new refrigerator smells like plastic or chemicals

The main reason for the smell in new refrigerators is emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from plastic parts, seals and thermal insulation. This is a normal process, especially for models with a system No Frostwhere more polymer components are used.

Manufacturers treat internal surfaces with special compounds that can give a specific aroma in the first days. For example:

• 🔹 Polystyrene (wall insulation) - smells like “new technology” or sweetish plastic.
• 🔹 Sealing rubber bands - can smell like rubber or chemical glue (especially in models Beko i Gorenje).
• 🔹 Paints and varnishes on metal parts - give a pungent odor similar to acetone.

According to standards EN 71-9 (European material safety regulations), the level of VOCs in household appliances should not exceed acceptable standards. However, sensitive people or owners of refrigerators with carbon filters (for example, Samsung RB30A3200SA) may feel the smell longer.

2. Packaging residues and transport contamination

Often the source of odor is remote packaging elements or transportation materials. Manufacturers do not use:

• 📦 Foam inserts —crumbs may get stuck in the drainage hole or under the boxes.
• 🧴 Compressor lubricant —sometimes gets on the inner walls during transportation.
• 🧼 Protective films —on the shelves or back wall, which begin to “melt” when heated.

Especially relevant for refrigerators delivered to horizontal position (for example, Atlant MXM 1708in this case, oil from the compressor may get into the refrigerator). evaporator, which will lead to a persistent oily smell when first turned on.

What to do if the refrigerator was transported lying down?

If the equipment was transported in the wrong position, be sure to keep it in a vertical position before turning it on. This will allow the oil to drain back into the compressor. Otherwise, the risk of breakdown increases by 30%. at least 6-8 hours. This will allow the oil to drain back into the compressor. Otherwise, the risk of breakdown increases by 30%.

How to check: inspect the drainage hole (usually at the bottom of the back wall) and the space under the fruit boxes. - foam crumbs can be almost transparent.

3. Incorrect first wash: mistakes that increase the smell

Many users wash a new refrigerator before switching on, but do it incorrectly:

• 🧽 Use aggressive chemistry (for example, Domestos or Whiteness), which reacts with plastic.
• 💦 Leaving moisture in the cracks leads to the appearance of mold after 2-3 days.
• 🧴 Applying flavors (citric acid, vinegar) until the factory smell disappears.

Manufacturers recommend carry out the first wash with warm water and soda. (1 tablespoon per 1 liter) or special products for refrigerators (for example, Topperr 3101). Avoid abrasive sponges - they damage the antibacterial coating on the walls.

Remove all stickers and protective films|Wipe the walls with a soda solution (without pressing)|Dry all shelves and containers in the air|Check the drainage hole for blockages|Plug in the refrigerator only after complete drying-->

4. Assembly defects: when the smell signals a defect

If the smell does not disappear after 7-10 days or resembles burnt wiring or rotten eggsthis may indicate manufacturing defect:

• 🔥 Compressor overheating - smells like burnt rubber (typical for Indesit DF 4180 with incorrect voltage).
• 🧪 Freon leak - weak sweetish smell (dangerous for health!).
• 🦠 Mold in thermal insulation - musty smell if the refrigerator was stored in a damp warehouse.

Critical sign of defect: the smell of rotten eggs (hydrogen sulfide) - this indicates decomposition seal or gas leak from the cooling system. In this case, immediately unplug the refrigerator and contact a service center!

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Attention! If the refrigerator smells of gas or burning, do not try to disassemble it yourselfModern models (for example LG GA-B489YDQZ) have sealed cooling systems - unprofessional intervention can lead to leakage. frequency data-i="160">Leave the refrigerator open for

5. How to remove odor from a new refrigerator: step-by-step instructions

If the cause of the smell is not faulty, follow this algorithm:

1. Ventilation. Leave the refrigerator open for 12–24 hours in a well-ventilated area. To speed up the process, use a fan directed inward.
2. Treatment with soda. Place an open container of soda (2 tablespoons each) on each shelf or use activated carbon (10 tablets per 1 l water).
3. Washing with vinegar solution. Wipe the walls with a mixture of water and vinegar (1:1), then rinse with clean water. Do not use for models with stainless steel (for example, Samsung RS68A8840S9) - vinegar can damage the coating!
4. Use absorbers. Place inside bags with silica gel (from shoe boxes) or special odor absorbers (for example, Zepter BioFresh).

For persistent odors, ozonator (for example, Atmos Vita-2000) 30 minutes of work in a closed refrigerator is enough to eliminate even chemical odors. After treatment, ventilate the equipment for 2-3 hours.

6. Prevention: how to prevent the appearance of odors

To make a new refrigerator. does not become a source of unpleasant aromas, follow these rules:

• 📅 Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery. Let it stand 4–6 hours in an upright position (especially if transportation was at low temperatures).
• 🧼 Wash before first use. Even if there is no smell, wipe all surfaces with a soda solution - this will remove invisible dirt.
• 🌿 Use natural absorbers. Lemon peels, coffee beans or rosemary sprigs will help neutralize residual odors.
• 🔌 Check the voltage. Voltage surges can cause the compressor to overheat and cause burning. For sensitive models (for example, Liebherr CPes 4066), use a stabilizer.

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Attention! If you bought a refrigerator with the function antibacterial coating (for example Panasonic NR-BN30AW1), do not use alcohol solutions for washing - they destroy the protective layer.

For models with the system Total No Frost (for example Bosch KGE39XW2AR) is important clean the drainage hole monthlyas blockages can become a source of musty odor.

7. When to contact service: signs of malfunction

If after all the manipulations the smell persists longer 2 weeks or is accompanied by the following symptoms, professional diagnostics is required:

• 🔊 Unusual sounds - buzzing, clicking or crackling (may indicate a compressor malfunction).
• ❄️ Insufficient cooling —food deteriorates faster than usual.
• 💧 Condensation on the back wall —a sign of a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube.
• 🔥 Case heating —especially in the compressor area (normal temperature is up to 45°C).

Average cost of diagnostics in service centers:

• 🔧 Visit of a technician - from 1 500 ₽ (free under warranty).
• 🔍 Diagnosis of freon leak - 2 000–3 500 ₽.
• 🛠 Replacing the seal - 3 000–5 000 ₽.

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Attention! If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not disassemble it yourself - this will void the warranty obligations (the list is in the list). warranty card).

What to do if the service refuses to acknowledge the defect?

If the technician insists that the smell is the “norm,” request a written inspection report indicating the VOC level (according to standard GOST 33997-2016 it should not exceed 0.5 mg/m³). If refused, contact Rospotrebnadzor or an independent expert.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the smell in a new refrigerator

❓ How long does it take to ventilate a new refrigerator?

Minimum 12 hours at room temperature. For models with a system No Frost (for example Electrolux ERN 1200 FOW) it is recommended 24 hours, since they contain more plastic parts.

❓ Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it smells like plastic?

Yes, if the smell is not strong and is not accompanied by other symptoms (smoke, heating, however). data-i="240">—let the materials “exhaust.” do not store food in it for the first 2-3 days - let the materials “fire out”.

❓ Why does the smell intensify when you first turn it on?

When the compressor heats up and the air circulates, volatile compounds from the plastic are released more actively. This is normal. to reduce the effect, turn on the refrigerator at minimum temperature (+5°C) for the first day.

❓ What products cannot be used to wash a new refrigerator?

Prohibited:

• 🧴 Chlorine-containing products (Whiteness, Comet) - destroy plastic.
• 🧼 Abrasive powders - scratch the surface.
• 🍋 Concentrated vinegar or citric acid - can damage the antibacterial coating.

❓ What to do if the smell appears a month after purchase?

Most likely, the problem is not in the materials, but in clogged drainage or mold. Perform general cleaning:

1. Turn off the refrigerator, remove all shelves.
2. Rinse the drainage hole with warm water and soda (use a cotton swab).
3. Dry all parts in the sun (UV rays kill mold).
4. Place an odor absorber inside for 24 hours.