How to Get Rid of Bad Refrigerator Smells

Throw out old food to help keep your refrigerator odor free.

No one wants a dirty refrigerator that smells bad. At the first hint of a bad smell coming from your refrigerator, you should take action to eliminate it. Bad smells in the refrigerator often come from old food or juices, and the smell will permeate into perfectly good food, making it inedible. So set aside an hour or two and get your refrigerator back into proper condition.

Things You'll Need

• Cooler
• Bucket
• Vinegar
• Sponge or rags
• Box of baking soda

Instructions

1. Unplug the refrigerator so it doesn't run while you're cleaning it. Remove all of the food from the refrigerator and place it in a cooler. Throw out any spoiled or outdated food.

2. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket. Dip a sponge or rag into the mixture and thoroughly wipe down all the surfaces inside the refrigerator. Be sure to clean the gasket on the door as well.

3. Open a box of baking soda and place it on the middle shelf in the refrigerator.

4. Return all of the food to the refrigerator and plug it back in.

Tips & Warnings

• For severe odors that normal cleaning won't solve, such as seafood, remove everything from the refrigerator, wad up some newsprint and place on the shelves and put some charcoal briquettes on the newsprint. Close the door and leave it for two days.

References

• Mrs. Clean: How to Remove Refrigerator Odors
• Good Housekeeping; Expert Q&A: Odor and Stain Removal; Carolyn Forte