How to Get Rid of Stale Odors in a Refrigerator

Stale odors commonly develop in a refrigerator.

It is not at all uncommon for a refrigerator to develop stale odors. Even if a refrigerator is not allowed to get filthy, all it takes is a few small mildewed crumbs or some drippings from last week's leftovers to make the entire refrigerator develop odor. You can get rid of this odor and, in most cases, keep it away just by using a couple of natural odor neutralizers. It may take a few days to get good results if an odor is particularly bad, but with continued effort it will disappear.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Towel
• Activated charcoal
• Bowl
• Cookie sheet

Instructions

1. Remove all items from the refrigerator and unplug it. Mix at least 2 tbsp. of baking soda with 1 qt. of warm water in a bucket -- if the refrigerator is very dirty, double this recipe.

2. Scrub this mixture over the entire interior of the refrigerator, including the rubber or plastic seal around the door, and then dry the surfaces with a clean towel.

3. Place items back in the refrigerator. Place activated charcoal in a bowl or on a cookie sheet. Put this on one of the shelves and leave it in there.

4. Replace the charcoal every day, either by adding new charcoal or by reactivating the old. You can reactivate charcoal by placing it in a 350 degree (Fahrenheit) oven for 20 minutes, according to the University of Missouri Extension.

Tips & Warnings

• Activated charcoal is available many places, including fish supply stores and some home improvement stores. You may also find activated charcoal in small disks specifically made for placing in the refrigerator.

References

• Iowa State University Extension: Household Equipment
• University of Missouri Extension: Refrigerator Odors