Smell in the refrigerator: how to remove it and how to eliminate the cause

The appearance of a foreign aroma in the refrigerator is one of the most common and annoying problems that every home cook faces. This may be the result of a forgotten piece of meat, spilled milk, or the consequences of long-term downtime of equipment without care. Unpleasant odor can be absorbed into plastic walls and rubber seals, making storage of fresh food impossible.

Before grabbing rags and chemicals, it is necessary to carry out a thorough content revision. Often the source of the problem lies on the surface: spoiled product in the far corner of the shelf or stagnant water in the drainage hole. It is important to act quickly, since bacteria they multiply at tremendous speed even at low temperatures.

In this article we will analyze proven methods of combating odors, from professional chemicals to improvised means that can be found in any kitchen. You will learn how to properly prepare equipment for cleaning and what to do if a smell appears on a new device.

Initial inspection and preparation for cleaning

Any fight against odor begins with a total cleaning of the internal space. You will need to completely empty the refrigerator of food by removing all shelves, drawers and containers. Defrosting This may be necessary if your model is not equipped with a No Frost system, since mold spores are often hidden in the ice crust.

After defrosting, carefully inspect all surfaces. Pay special attention to hidden places: plastic joints, folds of the sealing gum and the hole for water drainage. It is there that pathogenic microflora most often accumulates pathogenic microfloracausing a persistent stench.

It is best to wash removable elements in warm water with the addition of laundry soap or dishwashing detergent. Plastic and glass tolerate contact with water well, but it is better to wipe metal shelves to avoid corrosion.

⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive solvents, gasoline or abrasive powders to clean the internal chambers of the refrigerator. They can damage the coating and make the plastic porous, which will worsen the problem.

After washing, all parts must be completely dry. Moisture is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, so do not rush to put the structure back together until you are sure that all surfaces are dry.

Folk methods: how to remove the smell from the refrigerator

If mechanical cleaning does not help completely eliminate the problem, time-tested absorbents will come to the rescue. These substances are able to absorb odor molecules from the air, neutralizing them. The most affordable option is activated carbon.

To prepare an odor absorber you will need about 10-15 tablets of carbon. They need to be crumbled and poured into a shallow container, which should be placed on the middle shelf. It is recommended to change such a filter once a week until the problem disappears completely.

Another powerful remedy is baking soda. It not only absorbs odors, but also creates an alkaline environment that is unfavorable for the development of many bacteria. You can simply pour baking soda into an open jar or make a wet paste for wiping shelves.

They also do a great job:

• 🍞 Black bread - cut loaf slices and place on shelves overnight.
• 🍚 Rice - raw cereal in an open container perfectly draws out moisture and odors.
• ☕ Ground coffee - a natural product works as a powerful flavoring and absorbent.
• 🍋 Citrus zest - orange peels or lemon will give freshness, but they need to be changed every 2-3 days.

It is important to understand that folk remedies work as additional measure. If the root cause has not been eliminated (for example, meat juice leaking into a hard-to-reach place), flavorings will only temporarily mask the problem.

Specialized products and chemicals

When home methods do not seem effective enough, you can turn to household chemicals. Modern refrigerator sprays contain enzymes that break down organic residues that cause odors. They are safe for contact with food after airing.

When choosing a product, pay attention to the composition. It is better to avoid chlorine-containing preparations, as their smell takes a long time to dissipate and can transfer to food. The optimal choice is products based on oxygen or alcohol with the addition of antibacterial components.

Ozonizers for refrigerators are also popular. These are small battery-powered devices that periodically produce ozone. Ozone destroys bacteria and oxidizes odor molecules, turning them into safe compounds.

⚠️ Attention: When using chemical sprays, be sure to unplug the refrigerator. Contact of moisture or cleaning composition with electrical contacts can lead to a short circuit.

After chemical treatment, the refrigerator must be thoroughly ventilated. Leave the doors open for several hours to allow any remaining vapors to evaporate.

Table: Comparison of the effectiveness of methods

To make it easier for you to choose the appropriate method, we have compiled a comparative table of popular methods for eliminating odors.

As can be seen from the table, activated carbon remains the most universal and safe means, although it takes time to work. Vinegar acts quickly, but its own pungent odor can become a new problem if the chamber is not ventilated.

Features of cleaning the No Frost system

Owners of modern models often encounter the fact that a smell also appears in refrigerators No Frost even though there is no ice there. The secret lies in the air circulation system. If mold has settled in the evaporator or ventilation ducts, the smell will spread throughout the entire volume.

To clean such models, partial disassembly of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment is often required. You can get to the evaporator by unscrewing the mounting screws and removing the plastic panel. Be careful: there are fragile tubes and wiring inside.

Washing the drainage hole in such models must be done especially carefully. The blockage here leads not only to puddles on the floor, but also to acidification of the water inside the housing, which gives a persistent smell of rotten water. You can clean the channel using a special brush wire or a syringe with hot water.

How to check the drainage?

Pour some water into the groove inside the chamber. If it goes away quickly and without gurgling, the system is clean. If it is, cleaning is required.

After assembly, make sure that all the seals are in place, otherwise the tightness will be broken.

Prevention of fuses

To prevent the question of “how to remove the smell” from arising in the future, you must follow the operating rules. First of all, this concerns food storage. All dishes with a strong aroma (fish, smoked meats, cheese) should be packaged in airtight containers or covered with cling film.

Regular cleaning is the key to freshness. Once a month, wipe the shelves with a damp cloth, even if there is no visible dirt. This will help remove microscopic particles of fat and juice, which begin to deteriorate over time.

• 🗑️ Throw away spoiled food in a timely manner, do not wait for the “last moment.”
• 🧼 Once a quarter, wash the refrigerator completely with soda, taking out all the drawers.
• 🌬️ Periodically (once every six months) leave the refrigerator turned off and open for a day for ventilation.

Also make sure that the equipment is in good working order. If the refrigerator stops freezing properly, food will begin to deteriorate faster, creating a favorable environment for bacteria.

What to do if a smell appears in a new refrigerator

Sometimes an unpleasant “technical” smell is felt immediately after purchasing a new unit. It's normal to smell like plastic, grease, and factory packaging materials. In this case, you don’t need to look for something to remove the smell from spoiled food.

It is enough to thoroughly wash the new refrigerator with warm water with the addition of a mild detergent or vinegar. After this, leave the doors open for 1-2 days. Usually this time is enough for volatile compounds to erode.

If the smell of plastic lasts longer than a week and has a chemical, caustic tint, this may indicate a defect or the use of low-quality materials. In this case, you should contact a service center or store.

⚠️ Attention: Specifications and material requirements may change. If you doubt the safety of the smell of a new device, check the manufacturer's instructions or consult the brand's official support service.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why does the refrigerator smell like sewer?

The smell of sewer most often indicates a clogged drain hole. The water flowing from the back wall stagnates in the tube, and putrefactive processes begin there. It is necessary to clean the channel with a brush or warm water.

Is it possible to wash the inside of the refrigerator with bleach?

It is not recommended to use pure chlorine (white) since its vapors are toxic and can be absorbed into the plastic and then transfer to food. If you used a chlorine-containing product, you must rinse the surfaces with clean water several times and ventilate the chamber for a long time.

How often do you need to change the odor absorber?

Natural absorbents (charcoal, soda, rice) lose their properties after 2-4 weeks. Special cartridges for refrigerators last from 2 to 6 months, depending on the model and intensity of use.

Is the smell of mold in the refrigerator dangerous?

Yes, mold spores can settle on food, even if visually they look normal. Eating such food may cause allergies or poisoning. When mold appears, complete disinfection is required.

Will an ozonizer help remove the smell of fish?

The ozonizer is very effective against odors, including fish. However, if the fish has leaked and the juice has been absorbed into the plastic, ozonation alone will not be enough - mechanical cleaning and washing of the surface will be required.