How to Eliminate Refrigerator and Freezer Odor For Good
Refrigerator and freezer odors develop when foods are not sealed properly or are allowed to spoil inside the appliances. Sometimes strong scents transfer to other foods as well, affecting both their smell and taste. Keeping the interior of the appliances clean is the single best way to eliminate odor for good. It's not a onetime deal, however, as foods are constantly spoiling, making regular cleaning of refrigerators and freezers an important part of your cleaning schedule.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Cardboard boxes
- Newspaper
- Basin
- Liquid dishwashing detergent
- Cleaning cloth
- Baking soda
- Unscented chlorine bleach
- Absorbent cloth
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1
Turn off and unplug the appliance.
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2
Empty all the food from the refrigerator and freezer.
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3
Examine each item and toss leftovers as well as prepackaged foods with expired dates.
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4
Place the remaining food into cardboard boxes lined with three layers of newspaper.
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5
Fill a basin with hot water and 2 tbsp. liquid dishwashing detergent.
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6
Wash the interior of the refrigerator and freezer with the solution. Clean all shelves, drawers and door gaskets.
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7
Empty the basin and refill it with 1 gallon of hot water and 2 tbsp. baking soda. Wipe down all parts of the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly.
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8
Prepare a solution of 1 gallon of water and 1 tbsp. unscented chlorine bleach. Wipe down the interior, drawers, shelves and gaskets with the mixture.
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9
Dry the interior of the refrigerator and freezer with an absorbent cloth.
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10
Leave the doors open for 15 minutes to allow the appliance to air out.
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11
Return the food items, wiping excess moisture from them as you go.
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12
Empty leftovers and out-of-date food items from the refrigerator and freezer each week to keep odors from developing.
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13
Wash the interior of the refrigerator and freezer every month with a water and chlorine bleach solution to maintain freshness.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always store foods in tightly sealed containers to prevent odors from escaping.
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References
- Photo Credit PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Comments
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ShirleyS
Feb 27, 2009
Yes, terrific tips. I've actually been a big fan of these little FridgeIT odor absorbers for a long time, but never thought about placing one in my veggie bin. Great idea. By the way, these also work very well next to garbage bins under my sink.
