How to Remove a Bad Odor from your Refrigerator

Keep your refrigerator in good condition by cleaning it monthly.

Odors build up inside the refrigerator over time and cause unpleasantness. When you notice an odor in the refrigerator, clean it properly to remove all bacteria, mold and spoiled food. Always treat odor promptly, because it may become difficult to remove after an extended period of time. Most odors are eradicated using common household products.

Things You'll Need

• Cooler
• Ice
• Liquid dish soap
• Chlorine bleach
• Baking soda
• Washcloths
• Sponge
• White distilled vinegar
• Bowl
• Towel
• Newspaper
• Cotton ball
• Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Remove all items from the refrigerator. Place the items into a cooler with ice while you clean the appliance.

2. Inspect the food that you remove from the refrigerator. Throw away all expired, spoiled and moldy foods.

3. Remove the refrigerator shelves and drawers. Wash the shelves in the sink with warm, soapy water to remove dirt and debris. Rinse the shelves and drawers with a bleach solution that contains 1 tbsp. of chlorine bleach for every gallon of water.

4. Combine 1 cup of baking soda with a gallon of warm water. Wipe the inside of the refrigerator with a washcloth dampened with the solution. Rinse the washcloth as needed so that it remains clean.

5. Combine an equal amount of vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Wipe the inside of the refrigerator with the vinegar solution.

6. Rinse the inside of the refrigerator with a clean, damp sponge. Replace the shelves and drawers. Dry the refrigerator with a towel.

7. Fill the inside of the refrigerator with newspaper if you still notice an odor. Close the refrigerator doors and allow the newspaper to sit inside for two to three days. Remove the newspaper and wipe the interior down with an equal mixture of vinegar and water. Rinse with a clean, damp sponge and dry with a towel.

8. Place an open box of baking soda inside the refrigerator for two to three days to absorb any foul odors.

9. Soak a cotton ball with vanilla extract. Place the cotton ball in the refrigerator and allow it to sit overnight.

10. Place the food back into the refrigerator. If you still notice an odor, repeat the odor removal process until it vanishes.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, unplug the refrigerator and allow it to air out for two to three days.

• Discard the refrigerator if you cannot remove the odors completely. Always childproof old refrigerators with a padlock or take the door off the refrigerator.

References

• Reader's Digest: Clean and Deodorize Your Refrigerator
• University of Florida Extension: Eliminating Odors from Your Refrigerator
• University of Nebraska Lincoln: Food Storage Odor Problems in Refrigerators and Freezers
• United States Department of Agriculture: Removing Odors from Refrigerators and Freezers
• University of Florida Extension; Keeping it Clean: Cleaning Your Refrigerator; Mary N. Harrison