Faulty defrost system:<\/strong> If the freezer\u2019s defrost system fails, frost can build up and create bad smells.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nHow to Deodorize Your Refrigerator and Freezer\u2014and Keep Them Smelling Fresh<\/h2>\n
These five steps will help you find and remove bad smells from your fridge and freezer\u2014and keep them from coming back.<\/p>\n
Empty the Refrigerator and Freezer<\/h3>\n
To remove bad smells from your fridge and freezer, start by taking everything out of the shelves and drawers. This gives you a clear view of all surfaces. Once everything is on the counter, check for spoiled items and begin cleaning.<\/p>\n
Clean the Refrigerator and Freezer<\/h3>\n
You might have heard that ingredients like vinegar, charcoal, or coffee can remove fridge odors. But for the best results, skip the shortcuts\u2014a deep clean works best.<\/p>\n
Start by spraying the inside of the fridge with a mix of water and vinegar or a plant-based cleaner. Then, wipe everything with a warm, damp microfiber cloth. Clean from top to bottom, including shelves, drawers, sides, and the back. If the shelves come out, washing them in the sink with mild soap and warm water may work better.<\/p>\n
Inspect All Food<\/h3>\n
Even if your fridge and freezer are clean, don\u2019t rush to put everything back. Check each item, including condiments and butter. Food is a major source of odors\u2014not just spoiled items, but also strong-smelling foods like garlic, raw fish, and certain cheeses, even when stored properly.<\/p>\n
Spoiled food smells even worse. Over time, even in the fridge, food breaks down as bacteria, yeast, and mold grow on it. These microbes not only release their own odors (like mold) but also cause the food to smell bad as it decomposes.<\/p>\n
If food has spoiled, throw it away or compost it. Check expiration dates and replace items if needed. In the future, remove food before it goes bad and clean up right away. Don\u2019t forget to wipe any spills\u2014leftover mess can keep decomposing and cause bad smells.<\/p>\n
Make a Cleaning Schedule and Check the Temperature<\/h3>\n
Cleaning your fridge and freezer can be a hassle, so don\u2019t wait for bad smells to remind you. Instead, clean it out weekly to prevent odors. This also helps you plan meals\u2014while tossing old food, make a grocery list for your next shopping trip.<\/p>\n
Each week, check that your fridge is set to 40\u00b0F. If it’s too warm, bacteria can grow, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. Keeping bacteria low also helps prevent bad smells.<\/p>\n
For the freezer, it’s best to defrost and clean it every six months. This helps you get rid of old or freezer-burned food, which can also cause bad smells.<\/p>\n
Add an Opened Box of Baking Soda<\/h3>\n
Between cleanings, keep an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb mild food odors. This helps reduce smells, but the best way to prevent odors is to remove spoiled food.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We’ve all been there: You open the fridge or freezer for a drink or snack and get hit with a terrible smell. Even if your home is clean, your fridge can still develop stale or sour odors if it\u2019s not properly maintained. The good news? Getting rid of the smell is easy! Start by finding...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-78","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-home-life-cleaning"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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In this easy step-by-step guide, I\u2019ll walk you through how I deep clean and deodorize my fridge and freezer the right way, no more sour smells, just fresh and clean every time you open the door.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Remove Bad Odors in Your Refrigerator and Freezer - Home & Life\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"I used to wonder why my fridge smelled funky even after I cleaned it... until I realized the hidden culprit was old spills and smelly food hiding in corners! 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<\/p>\n