Fridge Odor Removal Tips

Nothing says “ick” quite like a nasty fridge odor.

Whether the sushi went south last month or you need to neutralize the everyday accumulation of bad smells in your refrigerator, odor removal starts with a quick cleaning out and cleaning up of your fridge’s interior.

Here’s how to bring back a fresh, clean smell to your refrigerator.

Move Everything Out

You can’t clean around the to-go boxes and the condiment bottles. Remove everything from the refrigerator (and freezer).
While you have the contents of the fridge in one place, take inventory. Toss old, expired food products and get rid of anything that resembles a biology experiment. If you’re holding on to food from last weekend’s dinner — for food safety’s sake, throw it out.
Take out the removable shelves and bins.

 

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Hot Water And Dish Soap Work Wonders

Now, you’re ready for step two of the deep clean. Grab a large bucket or bowl, fill it with warm water, and add 2 tablespoons of liquid dish detergent.

Using a soft cloth, wash down the inside of the refrigerator with the warm, soapy water. Clean all the crevices — the places where the shelves sit and around the door seals. If you find stuck-on food, use a putty knife and gently scrape it off.

After washing the inside, dry with a soft, clean cloth. You don’t want to leave any excess moisture. The last step is to wipe down the outside with a damp cloth.

Try This Alternative

Sometimes soap and water aren’t enough to tame the odors inside a refrigerator. Baking soda to the rescue!

Fill a gallon bucket with warm water and mix in 1 cup of baking soda. Wipe down the inside of both the fridge and freezer with this solution and voilà, goodbye smells! Baking soda makes an excellent green cleaning tool too.

Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry inside with either paper towels or a fresh dry rag.

The Back Of The House

Don’t forget the backside.

Cleaning the back means, you’ll need access to the evaporator coils. On some models, you can’t get to them without opening a panel — keep a screwdriver handy.

You can use the warm, soapy water solution if necessary, but in most cases, you can clear the dust and grime with your vacuum and a specialized condenser coil brush.

Tip: Make sure you unplug the refrigerator while cleaning the backside.