The smell of herring in the refrigerator: how to remove quickly and forever

Herring is one of the most popular products on the Russian table, but its pungent smell can stay in the refrigerator for a long time. Even after the fish is removed, the aroma can linger for days, permeating plastics, rubber seals and other products. The problem is aggravated if the herring was stored in a loosely closed package or if the brine was spilled. Unlike other food odors, fish “bouquet” contains volatile amines and fatty acids that are deeply absorbed into surfaces.

In this article we will examine not only emergency measures to eliminate odor, but also preventive methods that will help avoid reoccurrence. It is important to understand: simply ventilating the refrigerator or wiping it with a damp cloth is not enough - an integrated approach is required using absorbents, disinfection and sometimes even disassembling individual elements. We tested all the methods in practice and selected those that work even with old odors.

Why is the smell of herring so difficult to remove?

Fish smell differs from other food aromas in its chemical resistance. Herring contains:

• 🐟 Trimethylamine —the main “aromatic” compound formed during the decomposition of proteins. It is this that gives the characteristic fishy spirit and penetrates into the micropores of the plastic.
• 🧪 Fatty acids (omega-3), which oxidize in the air and enhance the smell, especially if the fish was stored incorrectly.
• 🧂 Salt and spices from brine, which “preserve” the smell on surfaces, making it more resistant to regular cleaning.

In addition, modern refrigerators have multilayer seals i ventilation ducts (in models with No Frost), where the smell can linger for a long time. For example, in refrigerators Samsung RB37A5200 or LG GA-B489YGQZ plastic parts of the interior are especially susceptible to the absorption of aromas due to the porous structure of the material.

Interesting fact: at a temperature of +4°C (standard mode in the refrigerator), trimethylamine molecules become less active, but do not disappear. When the door is opened and the temperature rises, the smell intensifies, creating the illusion that it is “returning.”

Preparation of the refrigerator: what to do first

Before you start eliminating the smell, you must completely empty refrigerator from the food and perform several mandatory steps:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and let it warm up to room temperature (this will take 1-2 hours). In the cold, odor molecules “freeze” and are more difficult to neutralize.
2. Remove all shelves, containers and removable elements (including vegetable drawers, egg cups, lids). They need to be washed separately.
3. Check the drain hole (usually located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment). This is where grease and food particles accumulate, which can be a source of odor. In models Atlant XM 4625-100 or Indesit DF 5200 the drain is often clogged, which aggravates the problem.

If the refrigerator is equipped system No Frost, pay attention to ventilation grilles —they also need to be cleared. In devices with Low Frost (for example, Bosch KGE39XW2AR), the odor may penetrate into the evaporator, so more thorough processing will be required.

Place all products in a cooler bag or a cool place

Turn off the power and open the door

Remove all removable elements (shelves, drawers, grilles)

Prepare detergents and absorbents

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⚠️ Attention: Do not use for cleaning the refrigerator chlorine-containing products (for example, "Whiteness") - they can react with fats and increase the smell. Also avoid abrasive sponges, which scratch the plastic and create microcracks for new aromas.

Top 5 folk remedies for removing herring odor

Folk methods effective if the smell is fresh (1-3 days). They are safe for health and do not require large expenses. Here are the proven options:

Activated carbon is the only product in the table that absorbs odor at the molecular level, rather than masks it. To enhance the effect, you can use charcoal for grilling (sold in hardware stores), pre-washed and dried.

If the smell persists after using folk remedies, proceed to more radical methods (see the next section).

Professional odor absorbers: what to choose

When folk remedies do not help, specialized absorbers come to the rescue. They are divided into three types:

• 🧲 Ion exchange (for example, Topperr 3104 or Zepter BioClean) - neutralize odors due to a chemical reaction. Suitable for old aromas.
• 🌿 Natural (with bamboo charcoal, zeolite) - Bambu Charcoal Bag or EcoMe. They are environmentally friendly, but require “recharging” in the sun.
• 🔌 Electric (ozonizers, for example, Xiaomi Air Purifier in ionization mode) - kill bacteria and decompose odor molecules. They are effective, but expensive.

For refrigerators with a system No Frost it is better to choose absorbers in the form of gels or tablets (for example, Dr.Beckmann), which can be placed in the ventilation ducts. In ordinary refrigerators, packages of granules (for example, Smeg Odor Absorber).

The cost of professional products varies from 300 to 2000 rubles. For example:

• Topperr 3104 (ion exchange) - ~500 rubles, lasts for 3 months.
• Bambu Charcoal Bag (bamboo charcoal) - ~800 rubles, lasts up to 2 years with proper care.
• Xiaomi Air Purifier - ~10,000 rubles, but cleans not only the refrigerator, but also the air in the room.

⚠️ Attention: Ozonizers (Atmos, AirComfort) are effective, but they cannot be used in the presence of people and pets. After treatment, the refrigerator must be ventilated for at least 2 hours.

Deep cleaning: disassembling and processing parts

If the smell of herring has ingrained itself in plastic or rubber seals, you will need complete disassembly a refrigerator. This method takes longer, but is guaranteed to eliminate even old odors.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Remove the refrigerator door (in most models it is hinged with bolts). This will open access to the internal channels of the seal.
2. Take out the rubber seal - carefully pry it with a screwdriver and remove it from the grooves. Soak in a solution of soda (3 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) for 1 hour.
3. Treat the plastic panels with a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (1:1). For hard-to-reach places, use a toothbrush.
4. Rinse the drain hole with syringe or syringe with warm water and detergent.
5. Dry all parts with a hair dryer (cold air mode) or in the open air for 4-6 hours.

In refrigerators with No Frost (for example, Samsung RL38T6000SA), you additionally need to:

• Remove rear panel in the freezer (hides the evaporator).
• Clean fan from plaque (use a soft bristle brush).
• Rinse drain pan (located under the refrigerator at the back).

After assembly, turn the refrigerator on Super Cool (if available) for 2 hours - this will help “drive out” the remaining odor molecules.

What to do if the seal has lost its shape?

If after cleaning The rubber seal is deformed and does not fit tightly, use a hair dryer. Heat the seal with hot air (no closer than 10 cm), then press the door and hold for 5–10 minutes. This will restore elasticity to the rubber.

How to avoid the reappearance of the smell: 7 rules for storing herring

To prevent the problem from returning, follow these recommendations:

• 📦 Store the herring in an airtight container (for example, Lock&Lock or Tupperware). Even the factory packaging is not always reliable.
• 🧊 Use double packaging: first cling film, then the container. This will prevent the smell from penetrating.
• ❄️ Store fish in the freezerif you do not plan to eat it within 2 days. At −18°C, the development of bacteria stops.
• 🍋 Put a lemon slice or bay leaf in the container —they partially neutralize the odor.
• 🧻 Place a paper towel under the containerto absorb possible stains brine.
• 🕒 Do not store opened herring for longer than 3 days, even in the refrigerator. After this period, the risk of smell increases by 3 times.
• 🧼 Wash the refrigerator once every 2 weeks a weak solution of vinegar (1 tbsp per 1 liter of water), even if there is no smell.

In refrigerators with a Fresh Zone function (for example, Liebherr CP 3313), it is better to store herring in a separate compartment with controlled humidity - this will slow down the oxidation of fats.

⚠️ Attention: Never store herring in aluminum foil or unlined metal containers. The metal reacts with salt and fats, enhancing the smell and spoiling the taste of the fish.

What to do if the smell has transferred to other products?

If the herring has “awarded” cheeses, butter or bread with its aroma, you can still save them:

• 🧀 Hard cheeses (for example, Parmesan) - cut the top layer (2-3 mm) and wipe the cut with lemon juice.
• 🥖 Bread - put in a bag with a piece of black bread (it will absorb the smell) or keep for 10 minutes in the oven at 100°C.
• 🥛 Milk, sour cream, yoghurt —unfortunately, they will have to be thrown away. Dairy products instantly absorb foreign odors.
• 🥚 Eggs in shell - rinse in a soda solution (1 tsp per 1 liter of water) and dry.
• 🍫 Chocolate, candies - wrap in foil and place in the freezer for 12 hours. The smell will go away after defrosting.

For butter (creamy or vegetable) use the following method:

1. Melt the butter in water bath.
2. Add a pinch of salt and 1 tsp. lemon juice.
3. Stir and cool. Drain off the top layer (5–10 mm) - it has absorbed the main smell.

If the smell penetrates plastic containers, soak them overnight in a mustard solution (2 tablespoons of powder per 1 liter of water). Mustard breaks down fats and neutralizes amines.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the smell of herring in the refrigerator

Can I use bleach to clean the refrigerator?

No, Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) reacts with fats and proteins left over from fish and can increase the odor. In addition, it damages plastic and rubber seals, reducing the life of the refrigerator. For disinfection, it is better to use hydrogen peroxide (3%) or special detergents for refrigerators (for example, Top House or Unicum).

How long should you ventilate the refrigerator after cleaning?

Minimum ventilation time - 4–6 hoursIf aggressive agents (vinegar, ammonia) were used, it is better to leave the refrigerator open for 12–24 hours. To speed up the process, you can put a fan inside (at minimum speed) or use ozonizer (but no longer than 30 minutes).

Does cat litter help against odor?

Yes, silica gel filler (for example, Barsik Classic) perfectly absorbs moisture and odors due to its porous structure. Spread it on a baking sheet in a layer of 1-2 cm and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. After use, the filler can be dried in the oven at 100°C and reused. However, it is less effective than silica gel filler, activated carbon, or zeolite. data-i="258">Why does the smell return after cleaning? activated carbon or zeolite.

Why does the smell come back after cleaning?

This happens for three reasons:

1. The smell is absorbed into the seal —it needs to be removed and soaked in a solution of soda and vinegar (1:1) for 1-2 hours.
2. Residues of fat or brine in the drainage system — rinse the drain hole and pan with pipe brush.
3. Poor ventilation —in refrigerators No Frost check if the ventilation ducts are clogged (they can spread odor in all chambers).

If the problem persists, try ultraviolet lamp disinfection (for example, Philips UV-C) - it destroys odor-causing bacteria.

Which refrigerators absorb odors less?

Models with antibacterial coating (for example, Panasonic NR-BN30AW1 with technology Ag Clean) or carbon filters (for example, Hitachi R-BG410P6) are less susceptible to absorbing odors. It is also worth paying attention to refrigerators with plasma air purification (Sharp SJ-FP60P- they decompose odor molecules into harmless substances. However, even such models require regular cleaning.