How to Remove Odors From a Refrigerator

Refrigerator odors are a common problem, with an easy solution. But remember that prevention is the key - clean and defrost your refrigerator every few months to keep those odors from coming back.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chlorine Bleach
• Cleaning Cloths
• All-purpose Cleaners
• Cleaning Cloths
• Chlorine Bleach
• Vinegar
• Vinegar
• Buckets

1. Remove all items from the refrigerator. Take out any removable parts of the refrigerator and clean them separately.

2. Mix together 2 tbsp. baking soda with a quart of warm water. Wipe down the inside surfaces of the refrigerator with this solution.

3. Try a solution of 1 c. vinegar and 1 gallon of water, if the odor remains. Make sure to rinse and dry all surfaces before trying this solution.

4. Mix 1/2 c. chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of water and apply to all surfaces, if the odor persists. Once again, rinse and dry all surfaces before applying this solution.

5. Leave the door open and allow the refrigerator to air out.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't mix solutions; use them one at a time, rinsing and drying all surfaces between applications.
• If you can turn off the refrigerator or place it on a low setting, try leaving a bowl of cat litter or activated charcoal briquettes inside to absorb odors.
• Keep an open package of baking soda or coffee grounds in the refrigerator for long-term odor removal.
• To prevent new odors, remember to throw away food when it spoils.
• If the odor is in the refrigerator insulation, there is nothing you can do to absorb it. The insulation may have to be replaced.

[reb124]

on 12/25/2008 Their use to be a product shaped like a lemon you put in the refrigerator to eliminate odors. How can I find this product? Email "[e-mail]" if you know someone who can furnish it.

[reb124]

on 12/25/2008 Their use to be a product shaped like a lemon you put in the refrigerator to eliminate odors. How can I find this product? Email "[e-mail]" if you know someone who can furnish it.

[LoriW]

on 7/24/2008 I had the worst refrigerator odor coming from a combination of cheese, onions and chinese food. Pretty bad. After trying just about everything else including baking soda which didn't really work well, I saw a recommendation about a product called Fridge-IT. It is a little purple activated carbon odor absorber. Might be little but wow, does it work great. I highly recommend it.
www.innofresh.com

[LW-Glendora]

on 11/9/2007 To really clean and sanitize your refrigerator, use one full capful of Listerine Original Gold (or store brand look alike) in a large mixing bowl with warm water for a surprising fresh and hospital sanitized refrigerator. If mold or other creepy things have found a home inside your refrigerator, remove ALL foodstuffs and use ½ cup household bleach in a glass mixing bowl of warm water to scrub and neutralize undetected or known germs/mold. Be certain to use a scrub brush on all seams, corners and walls to loosen locked on food particles. When bleach cycle is completed, follow with a rinse-then dry everything inside-thoroughly

Use Listerine GOLD mixed with water in a sprayer-for cleanups.

Give Refig the "Dollar Bill" in the closed door test-to check for good sealing. IF the dollar bill can be pulled out-the source of smells could be from a poor seal and heat seep.

[KenG]

on 8/10/2007 Refrigerator odors - I found the very best product made just for this called FRIDGE IT. It is a little inexpensive fragrance free activated carbon filter that I buy at Linens N Things. Fantastic and no chemicals or spills and works so much better than baking soda. I use this product around the house now to get rid of lots of problem odors around trash and litter box.