How to Get Rid of Refrigerator Odor

Refrigerator odors occur frequently and can be resolved easily with a little time and effort. Odors noticed within a refrigerator generally are not pleasant ones. If a refrigerator is void of bad odors, rarely is an odor noticed at all when the door is opened. Repulsive refrigerator odors are most often a result of decaying food. Sometimes, even when the decayed food is removed, the unpleasant odor remains. When this happens, it is a call for a thorough cleaning and a plan for prevention.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clorox or borax (20 Mule Team Borax)
• Water
• Towel for cleaning
• Towel for drying
• Cooler or large container (to hold perishables)
• Ice
• Charcoal briquettes (plain, not saturated with lighter fluid)
• 3 to 4 saucers or small plastic bowls such as whipping cream or margarine containers

1. Fill containers one-third with ice.

2. Empty refrigerator.

3. Place perishables in containers on ice. Additional ice may need to be added.

4. Remove shelves, drawers and trays from refrigerator.

5. Mix either 1/4 cup of borax to 1/2 gallon of hot water, or mix a combination of equal amounts of Clorox and hot water.

6. Wash the inside of the refrigerator using the cleaning solution and a towel. Do not wring the towel out completely before wiping down the refrigerator.

7. Wash the shelves, drawers and trays that were removed from the refrigerator using the cleaning solution. Allow to dry.

8. Use a clean, damp towel and go over the refrigerator interior to rinse away cleaning residues.

9. Return shelves, drawers and trays to the refrigerator.

10. Place several charcoal briquettes in each saucer/bowl and place in refrigerator.

11. Return the perishables to refrigerator.

12. Discard charcoal after three to four weeks and replace with new ones.

Tips & Warnings

• Reduce refrigerator odors by using sealed bags for highly scented foods such as onions, and remove unused, dated food regularly.