Why Does My Fridge Smell? How to Deodorize Refrigerator?

The fridge is one of the most important appliances in any home. Not only does it keep food cold, but it also helps to keep your kitchen organized. However, as with any other appliance, the fridge can sometimes start to smell bad. If your fridge smells bad, it’s not just an annoyance – it could also be a health hazard. Spoiled food can cause nausea and diarrhea, so it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as you can. But Why Does My Fridge Smell? How can you get rid of the odor? The way to fix that is to figure out what is causing the smell and then take steps to clean or fix the problem. Here are some tips on how to deodorize the refrigerator:

If your fridge smells bad, the first thing you should do is check the drip pan. The drip pan is located under the fridge, and it’s responsible for catching any water that drips from the fridge.

If the drip pan is full of water, it can start to smell. Empty the drip pan and wash it with soap and water. Check the condenser coil. The condenser coil is responsible for cooling the air inside the fridge.

If the coil is dirty, it won’t be able to do its job correctly, and the air inside the fridge will start to smell bad. Clean the condenser coil with a brush or vacuum cleaner attachment.

If you have a front-loading washing machine, there’s a good chance that your fridge smells like your laundry detergent. This is because the detergent can build up on the seal around the washing machine’s door and then transfer to the refrigerator when the door is opened. To fix this, wipe down the seal with a damp cloth and ensure that the detergent dispenser is clean. Make sure that your fridge is set to the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the fridge is set too low, food will spoil more quickly. If it’s set too high, bacteria will grow more quickly. If you have an air freshener in your fridge, ensure it’s not expired. Expired air fresheners can make smells worse.

If you still can’t remove the smell, try using a deodorizer. There are some deodorizers on the market that are designed explicitly for fridges. Follow the packaging instructions, and ensure to ventilate the fridge well before putting food back in it.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to get rid of any bad smells in your fridge. Remember, though, that prevention is always the best cure. Make sure to clean your fridge regularly to avoid any build-up of bacteria or other contaminants.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what causes bad smells in fridges and provide some tips for getting rid of them. We’ll also discuss when it might be time to call in a professional for fridge repair. Keep reading for answers to these questions and more. Thanks for reading!

Why Does My Fridge Smell? Reasons Your Refrigerator Smells

Refrigerator smells are usually caused by a number of reasons, such as a clogged filter, a dirty drip pan, an incorrect refrigerator temperature setting, a dirty condenser coil, or a faulty condenser fan, and your food is not being served properly. Properly stored or even the smell does not come from your refrigerator but from around where you put it (under or behind your refrigerator).

Clogged Filters

Air filters are often found in new, modern refrigerator models to clean the air before it is drawn into the fridge. If this air filter is not changed or cleaned regularly, it will be filled with dirt and bacteria, causing bad smells every time the fridge is turned on.  

Don’t forget to check your filters! Make sure you have the replacement part numbers and instructions in case of cleaning. Mold or foul odors could be accumulating due to old water, which will make any fridge smell unbearable; plus, there’s always an opportunity for mold growth.

It’s a good idea to replace your refrigerator filters every six months. If you don’t know how often they should be changed please consult an Owner’s Manual for any model type of refrigerator.

You can purchase replacement filters at home improvement stores, some hardware stores, and online retailers.

If you cannot find it, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or customer service for help. 

The Drip Pan is Dirty

The drip pan is usually located under the fridge and serves to collect water that drips from the defrost cycle of the fridge. If this pan is not cleaned often, it will cause bad smells every time the fridge cycles on.

To clean a drip pan:

1) Unplug your refrigerator and pull it out from the wall.

2) Remove the screws that hold the drip pan in place (usually, there are four).

3) Wash the drip pan with warm soapy water.

4) Rinse well and dry thoroughly.

5) Replace the drip pan and screw it back into place.

6) Plug in your refrigerator and push it back against the wall.

The Refrigerator Temperature Setting is Not Correct

The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the fridge is set too low, food will spoil more quickly. If it’s set too high, bacteria will grow more quickly.

To adjust the temperature of your fridge:

1) Locate the thermostat control knob inside your fridge.

2) Turn the knob to the left to lower the temperature or to the right to raise the temperature.

3) Check the thermostat periodically to make sure it is working properly.

If you have an air freshener in your fridge, make sure that it’s not expired. Expired air fresheners can actually make smells worse.

If you still can’t get rid of the smell, it’s time to call a professional for fridge repair.

Dirty Condenser Coils or a Defective Condenser Fan

Condenser coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the fridge. If these coils are dirty, they won’t be able to do their job properly, and the fridge will have to work harder to cool itself down. This can lead to bad smells.

To clean your condenser coils:

1) Unplug your refrigerator and pull it out from the wall.

2) Locate the condenser coils on the back of the fridge.

3) Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any dirt or dust that has built up on the coils.

4) Wash the area around the coils with warm soapy water.

5) Rinse well and dry completely.

6) Plug in your refrigerator and push it back against the wall.

If the coils are clean, but the fridge still smells bad, there could be a problem with the condenser fan. This fan is responsible for circulating air over the coils. If it’s not working properly, the fridge will start to smell.

You’ll need to call a professional to repair or replace the condenser fan.

Your Food is Not Stored Properly

If food is not stored properly in the fridge, it can start to spoil and cause bad smells. Make sure that all of your food is wrapped tightly and that there is no expired food in the fridge.

It would be best to clean your fridge regularly to eliminate any spoiled food that might be causing smells. To do a deep clean:

1) Remove all of the food from your fridge.

2) Throw away any expired or spoiled food.

3) Wash all of the shelves and drawers with warm soapy water.

4) Rinse well and dry completely.

5) Replace all of the food in the fridge.

Odors That Don’t Come from Your Fridge (around the fridge)

If you have bad smells that seem to be coming from around your fridge, a few things could be causing it.

1) Check the seal on your fridge door to ensure it’s tight. If the seal is loose, air can escape, allowing smells to enter the fridge.

2) Make sure that nothing is blocking the vents on your fridge. These vents help circulate air; if they’re blocked, smells can get trapped inside the refrigerator.

3) Clean the area around your fridge. Sometimes dirt and dust can accumulate near the refrigerator and cause nasty smells. Sometimes it’s because of bits of rotting food under the refrigerator.

4) If you have a garbage disposal, ensure it’s not full of food. Food left in the removal can start to rot and cause bad smells.

5) Check the gasket on your fridge door. If the gasket is damaged, air and smells can enter the fridge.

6) Make sure that your fridge is level. If it’s not, air can circulate improperly and cause smells.

If you’ve checked all of these things and the bad smell persists, it’s time to call a professional for fridge repair. There could be a problem with the seal on your fridge door or with the gasket.

Why Does My Fridge Smell Like Chemicals?

When you start to notice that your fridge smells like chemicals and not the cleaning kind, it could be time for a professional. 

You could have a big problem on your hands if you find yourself with an unpleasant chemical smell coming from the fridge. This could mean that there are chemicals being used to clean it, but this isn’t always true, and sometimes just smelling like cleaning products will do in place for good smells! However, before panicking, there are still things we can try!

The Water Filter Has a Problem

If you have a sulfur smell in and around the refrigerator and there is a water purifier, that smell could be coming from your water filter.

When water is filtered, small amounts of sulfur can sometimes be left behind in the filter. Over time, these particles can build up and cause a sulfury smell.

To fix this problem, you’ll need to replace the water filter. Follow your owner’s manual instructions to find out how to do this.

The sulfur smell could come from your water supply if you don’t have a water filter. If this is the case, you’ll need to call a professional to fix the problem.

Check the Refrigerator Coil

The refrigerator coil is located at the back of the fridge. If this coil is dirty, it can cause a chemical smell.

To clean the coil, unplug the fridge and then vacuum the coil with a brush attachment. If the coil is dirty, wash it with soapy water. Rinse it well and dry it completely before plugging the fridge back in. It would be best if you cleaned the coil every few months to prevent problems.

Check for Freon Leak

If your fridge is leaking Freon, it will smell like chemicals. Additionally, the fridge may not be cooling properly.

If you think your fridge is leaking Freon, call a professional for refrigerator repair. Do not try to fix this problem yourself.

These are just a few possible causes of chemical smells from your fridge. If you’ve tried all of these things and the smell persists, call a professional for fridge repair. There could be a problem with the seals or gaskets on your fridge.

This is a serious problem, and you’ll need to call a professional to fix it.

How to Deodorize Refrigerator?

If your fridge is starting to smell, there are a few things you can do to deodorize it.

1) Clean the inside of the fridge with warm soapy water. Be sure to clean the shelves, drawers, and walls.

2) Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge. Baking soda absorbs odors and will help to freshen up the fridge.

3) Put a bowl of vinegar in the fridge. Vinegar also absorbs odors and will help to remove bad smells from the fridge.

4) Place a piece of charcoal in the fridge. Charcoal is great at absorbing odors and will help to keep your fridge smelling fresh.

5) Cut a lemon in half and place it in the fridge. The lemon will release its fresh scent and help to remove any bad smells from the fridge.

These are just a few of the things you can do to deodorize your fridge. If the bad smell persists, call a professional for fridge repair. There could be a problem with the seals or gaskets on your fridge.

How to Prevent Fridge Smells?

Check for Spoiled Food

The first thing you need to do is clean out the fridge. It might be spoiled food if you don’t find the cause of the odor. Check expiration dates on everything and throw out any food that has gone bad. Even if something doesn’t smell bad, it can still harbor bacteria that can make you sick.

Wipe Down Surfaces

Once you have removed all of the expired food, it’s time to give the fridge a good cleaning. Wipe down all of the surfaces with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies, as this is where odors like to hide.

Don’t Forget the Shelves

Often forget to clean the shelves, but they can be one of the biggest offenders when it comes to fridge smells. Take everything off of the shelves and wash them with soap and water. If they look worse for wear, you might consider replacing them.

Use the Power of Baking Soda

One of the best ways to get rid of fridge smells is to use baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and it’s very effective at absorbing bad smells. Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge, and replace it every two months.

Utilize Airtight Containers

One of the main reasons that fridges smell bad is because of food that is not properly stored. Make sure to store all food in airtight containers, and consider using Mason jars for particularly smelly items like garlic or onions.

Adjust the Temperature of the Fridge

If the fridge is set too low, food will spoil more quickly. If it’s set too high, bacteria will grow more quickly. The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

These are just a few tips that can help you prevent fridge smells.

Clean the Drain Pan

The drain pan is located under the fridge and is responsible for catching any water drips from the fridge. If the drain pan is full of water, it can start to smell. Empty the drip pan and wash it with soap and water.

Check the Condenser Coil

The condenser coil is responsible for cooling the air inside the fridge. If the coil is dirty, it won’t be able to do its job properly, and the air inside the fridge will start to smell bad. Clean the condenser coil with a brush or vacuum cleaner attachment.

What to Do If Your Fridge Still Smells Bad after Cleaning It?

If you have cleaned the fridge and it still smells bad, there might be a problem with the seals or gaskets. Check the seals around the doors and make sure they are clean and free of any debris. If the seals are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Check for Leaks

Another possible cause of a smelly fridge is a water leak. Check all of the hoses and connections to ensure no leaks. If you do find a leak, call a professional for repairs.

These are just a few things you can do if your fridge smells bad after cleaning it. If the problem persists, call a professional for appliance repair. There could be a problem with your fridge that needs to be fixed.

How To Get Rid of Fridge Smell With Baking Soda?

One of the best ways to get rid of fridge smells is to use baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and is very effective at absorbing bad smells. Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge, and replace it every two months.

• Step 1: Take everything out of the fridge.
• Step 2: Clean all surfaces with a mild soap and water solution.
• Step 3: Wipe down the shelves with soap and water. If they are looking worse for wear, you might want to consider replacing them.
• Step 4: Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge.
• Step 5: Store all food in airtight containers.
• Step 6: Check the seals around the doors and make sure they are clean and free of any debris. If the seals are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
• Step 7: Check all of the hoses and connections to make sure there are no leaks. If you do find a leak, call a professional for repairs.
• Step 8: Call a professional for appliance repair if the problem persists.

How to Get Rid of Fridge Smell With Lemon?

Lemon is another great option for getting rid of fridge smells. Lemons are known for their fresh, clean smell and can help neutralize bad smells. Cut a lemon in half and place it on a plate in the fridge. Replace the lemon every few days.

• Step 1: Take everything out of the fridge.
• Step 2: Clean all surfaces with a mild soap and water solution.
• Step 3: Wipe down the shelves with soap and water. If they look worse for wear, you might consider replacing them.
• Step 4: Cut a lemon in half and place it on a plate in the fridge.
• Step 5: Store all food in airtight containers.
• Step 6: Check the seals around the doors and make sure they are clean and debris-free. If the seals are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
• Step 7: Check all of the hoses and connections to make sure there are no leaks. If you do find a leak, call a professional for repairs.
• Step 8: Call a professional for appliance repair if the problem persists.

How to Get Rid of Fridge Smell With Coffee?

Coffee is a great way to absorb bad smells. Just place an open container of coffee beans in the fridge and let them do their job. After a few hours, you’ll notice that the smells have dissipated. You can also use coffee grounds instead of beans.

Step 1: Pour a layer of coffee grounds or beans onto a baking sheet.

Step 2: Place the baking sheet in the fridge.

Step 3: Leave the coffee in the fridge for 24 hours.

Step 4: Remove the coffee and dispose of it properly.

You can also use white vinegar to absorb bad smells. Just place a bowl of vinegar in the fridge and let it sit for a few hours. The vinegar will neutralize the odors in the air. After a few hours, remove the bowl of vinegar and dispose of it properly.

How to Store Food Correctly in the Fridge?

One of the best ways to prevent fridge smells is to store food properly. Make sure all food is covered and stored in airtight containers. Raw meat should be wrapped tightly and stored on the bottom shelf of the fridge.

It would be best if you also cleaned out your fridge regularly. Throw away any old or expired food, and wipe down all surfaces with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to clean under the shelves and in all of the crevices of your fridge. Regular cleaning will go a long way in preventing bad smells.

Another preventative measure is ensuring your fridge is set to the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for a fridge is between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s important to store food correctly in the fridge to prevent it from spoiling. Here are some tips on how to do so:

• Store raw meat in an airtight container and the freezer section of the fridge.
• Store fruits and vegetables in airtight containers or bags.
• Store open cans of food in the fridge for three days.
• Store opened bottles of wine in the fridge for no more than five days.
• Store opened milk bottles in the fridge for no more than seven days.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your fridge smelling fresh and free of foul odors.

FAQs

Why Does My Fridge Smell Like Gas?

If your fridge smells like gas, it could be because there’s a gas leak. Gas leaks are serious and can be dangerous. If you think there’s a gas leak, call a professional immediately.

Do not try to fix this problem yourself.

These are just a few possible causes of gas smells from your fridge. If you’ve tried all of these things and the smell persists, call a professional for fridge repair. There could be a problem with the seals or gaskets on your fridge.

Why Does My Fridge Smell Like Mold?

If your fridge smells like mold, it could be because there’s food inside that’s gone bad. Mold can grow on food left in the fridge for too long.

To get rid of mold, throw out any food that’s gone wrong. Then clean the shelves and drawers with soapy water. You can also use vinegar and water to kill mold spores.

If the mold smell persists, it could be because the fridge itself is moldy. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional for refrigerator repair.

These are just a few possible causes of mold smells coming from your fridge. If you’ve tried all of these things and the smell persists, call a professional for fridge repair. There could be a problem with the seals or gaskets on your fridge.

Why Does My Fridge Smell Like Fish?

If your fridge smells like fish, it’s probably because there’s fish inside that’s gone bad. Fish can spoil quickly, so it’s important to store it properly.

To get rid of the fish smell, throw out any fish that’s gone bad. Then clean the shelves and drawers with soapy water. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water to kill bacteria.

If the fish smell persists, it could be because the fridge itself is dirty. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional for refrigerator repair.

Is it safe to clean a refrigerator with vinegar?

Yes, it is safe to clean a refrigerator with vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can help get rid of bad smells. To clean your fridge with vinegar, mix equal parts water and vinegar. Then use this solution to wipe down all the surfaces in your fridge.

Can I use bleach to clean my refrigerator?

No, it would be best if you did not use bleach to clean your refrigerator. Bleach is a harsh chemical and can damage the finish of your fridge. If you must use bleach, dilute it with water and only use it on non-porous surfaces.

Can hydrogen peroxide eliminate odors?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide can eliminate odors. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant and can help get rid of bad smells. To clean your fridge with hydrogen peroxide, mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Then use this solution to wipe down all the surfaces in your fridge.

These are just a few possible causes of bad smells from your fridge. If you’ve tried all of these things and the smell persists, call a professional for fridge repair. There could be a problem with the seals or gaskets on your fridge.

Conclusion

If your fridge smells, it may be time to clean it. Odors can develop for various reasons, from spills and food waste to dirty condenser coils. Luckily, there are several ways to deodorize your refrigerator and get it to smell fresh again. In short, Why Does My Fridge Smell? It would be best to clean your fridge regularly to prevent bad smells. If your fridge does start to smell, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. However, if the smell persists, you should call a professional for refrigerator repair.

We’ve outlined some of the most popular methods in this article, so be sure to try them if your fridge starts giving off an unpleasant odor. Have you tried any of these methods? What worked best for you? Let us know in the comments below!

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