What Is That Awful Smell in My Freezer?
Whether a standalone unit or attached to a refrigerator, the freezer is designed to slow the decay process of food down to a very slow crawl. Still, leaving food in a smelly freezer can spoil the food just as readily as normal decay. Bad smells in the freezer are attributed to several causes and most do not require professional repair. Does this Spark an idea?
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Spoiled Food
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Perhaps one of the most common causes of bad smells in a freezer, spoiled food is also one of the easiest to resolve. While the freezer slows down the decaying process of meat, poultry and vegetables considerably, it does not stop it entirely. If left in the freezer long enough, these foods will spoil, and the rotting food will begin to emit the same stench it would if it were left on the table. If food is only recently spoiled, removing the food will sometimes resolve freezer odor. An odor that is left for some time requires a more involved cleaning method. Remove all food from the freezer and wash all walls with soap, water and white vinegar, which will remove any lingering odors.
Uncovered Foods
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Many meats have a significant odor of their own even when not spoiled. This odor can spread to the freezer if meats are not thoroughly packaged before entering the freezer. Packages that use wax paper or cardboard instead of plastic may transmit smells instead of blocking them. Eliminate these odors by sealing all meats in zip-lock bags or closeable plastic-ware before placing them in the freezer. If odor from food persists, defrost the freezer and allow the box time for the smell to dissipate.
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Accumulated Dirt and Spills
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Even thoroughly packed foods such as chicken or beef from the grocery store may leak fluids into the freezer before freezing completely. These liquids carry the same odors as the food and will create a bad smell in the freezer even when the freezer appears empty. Clean the freezer with a mixture of white vinegar and soapy water to remove the smell.
Post Defrost Staleness
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Defrosting the freezer sometimes creates the stale smell of dampness, which like meat or spoiled food smell, can transfer to the food in the freezer if left to linger. Remove this smell first with soap and warm water, and wash the walls of the freezer with bicarbonate soda and water. After the second washing, place a halved onion in the freezer, close the door and leave it overnight. In the morning, remove the onion and air out the freezer box for a few hours before refreezing.
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