How to Clean a Smelly Refrigerator (Quickly & Effectively)

Your whole kitchen can become nasty due to a smelly refrigerator. Usually caused by mold growth, spoiling food, or clogged drain lines, bad smells can also be a sign of a more serious appliance issue if left ignored. This article will teach you how to deep clean your refrigerator, how to do it quickly, and what to do if the smell doesn’t go away.

The experienced staff at Repair My Appliance is always there to assist with professional fridge repair services if the issue appears to be more serious.

Common Causes of Refrigerator Odors

It is helpful to identify the source of the odor before cleaning:

• Spoiled or expired food left in the refrigerator.
• Liquid spills lodged beneath drawers or shelves.
• Mildew and mold within the gaskets of doors.

Static water is trapped in a clogged drain pan, and filthy condenser coils cause poor ventilation.
These could indicate that your refrigerator has to be repaired if cleaning doesn’t fix the issue.

Quick Steps to Remove Fridge Odor

Use these procedures if you need to quickly freshen your refrigerator:

1. Before cleaning, unplug the refrigerator.
2. Empty all food containers and dispose of anything that has gone bad or smells.
3. Take out the drawers and shelves and give them a thorough cleaning with hot, soapy water.
4. Use mild dish soap or a natural white vinegar and water solution to clean the interior.
5. Use a tiny brush to clean the door seals to get rid of any concealed mold.
6. Put a small open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors before returning the food and shelves.

If the smell is mild, this quick clean usually works.

Deep Cleaning Your Refrigerator (Step-by-Step)

For stronger smells or long-term maintenance, a deep clean is necessary:

• Turn off your refrigerator and unplug it.
• Remove all food and store perishables in a cooler.
• Take out shelves and drawers and give them a soak in hot, soapy water.
• Defrost the freezer if your refrigerator has one.
• Scrub the interior with a vinegar-water solution, being cautious to reach into crevices.
• Clean the refrigerator’s drain pan and condenser coils to boost efficiency and reduce energy use.
• To clean the outside, use vinegar or a stainless steel cleaner.
• Reassemble the shelves and drawers and return the food items once everything has dried.

Natural Ways to Keep Your Fridge Fresh

• Keep an open package of activated charcoal or baking soda inside.
• To eliminate smells, put coffee grounds or lemon slices in a small dish.
• To avoid overpowering odors, keep food in sealed containers.
• To prevent odors from building up, clean the refrigerator every two to three months.

When to Call a Professional

If your refrigerator still smells after cleaning, or you notice:

• Burning aromas coming from the rear of the refrigerator,
• A musty smell is coming from the drain pan
• Recurring mold growth

it’s time to call a professional. At Repair My Appliance, we specialize in fridge repair, dishwasher repair, washer repair, and other appliance services. Our technicians can identify hidden issues like blocked drain lines, faulty fans, or failing seals and fix them quickly