Removing Smells From Refrigerators

Baking Soda

The most tried and tested means of dealing with unpleasant odors in the refrigerator is the simple placement of a box of opened baking soda inside. There are two important things to remember about using this method. The first is that it works best if you replace with a new box at least once a year and preferably every six months. The second is to make sure that the box does not get wet as a result of leaking or dripping.

Activated Charcoal

Get some bricks of activated charcoal, taking care not to use charcoal that has lighter fluid built in, and spread them in a shallow pan. Remove all food from the refrigerator and turn the temperature dials down to the lowest setting and allow it to run for a day for two. This should be enough to remove even some deeply ingrained bad odors.

Instant Coffee Grounds

Pour some instant coffee grounds into a bowl and place them near the back of the refrigerator. This remedy for odors works not unlike baking soda, except that the coffee grounds will have to be replaced about every three months or so. For best results, don't use darker grounds of coffee.

Pure Vanilla or Banana Extract

Pure vanilla or banana extract works better than artificial, but if you can't find the pure stuff the artificial will do. Soak a large sized cotton ball in the extract and place on a small saucer. Slide the saucer to the rear of the shelf and replace every month.

Kitty Litter

For severe odors that just don't even allow to you open the refrigerator without shrinking away in horror, remove all the food from refrigerator and pour some kitty litter into a box. Place the box inside the empty refrigerator, close the door and do not open for four or five days. This technique is especially useful for problems like rotted meat, spoiled fish, and coming home from vacation to find the electricity has been off for days.