A refrigerator is a useful appliance that keeps your food fresh and cold. However, sometimes it can also become a source of unpleasant smells that can affect your appetite and your health. Whether it’s from spoiled food, mold, bacteria, or spills, a refrigerator odor can be hard to get rid of and can even spread to other foods.
Fortunately, there are some effective ways to remove refrigerator odors and prevent them from coming back. In this post, we will share some tips and tricks on how to get the smell out of a refrigerator using natural and safe methods.
To get the smell out of a refrigerator, you need to:
Clean the refrigerator thoroughly and remove the source of the odor
Deodorize the refrigerator with baking soda, vinegar, coffee grounds, or other natural substances
Air out the refrigerator and let it run for a few days
Maintain the refrigerator regularly and store food properly
Step 1: Clean the refrigerator thoroughly and remove the source of the odor
The first step to get the smell out of a refrigerator is to clean it thoroughly and remove the source of the odor. This will help eliminate any bacteria, mold, or residue that may be causing the smell. To clean the refrigerator, you need to:
Unplug the refrigerator and disconnect the water supply (if applicable)
Take everything out of the refrigerator and put your food in a cooler or another fridge
Check for any expired or spoiled food and discard them
Remove any shelves, drawers, bins, or trays and wash them in hot soapy water
Wipe down the interior of the refrigerator with a sponge or cloth soaked in warm water and dish soap
Sanitize the interior of the refrigerator with a solution of 1 tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water or white vinegar
Rinse the interior of the refrigerator with clean water and dry it with a towel
Replace any filters or bulbs that may need changing
Step 2: Deodorize the refrigerator with baking soda, vinegar, coffee grounds, or other natural substances
The next step to get the smell out of a refrigerator is to deodorize it with baking soda, vinegar, coffee grounds, or other natural substances. These substances can help absorb and neutralize any lingering odors in the refrigerator. To deodorize the refrigerator, you can use one or more of these methods:
Baking soda: Sprinkle some baking soda on a baking sheet or a shallow dish and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. You can also mix some baking soda with water and spray it inside the refrigerator.
Vinegar: Fill a bowl or a spray bottle with white vinegar and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. You can also wipe down the interior of the refrigerator with vinegar and water.
Coffee grounds: Spread some fresh or used coffee grounds on a baking sheet or a shallow dish and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. You can also brew some strong coffee and spray it inside the refrigerator.
Oats: Fill a bowl or a sock with dry oats and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Oats can help absorb moisture and odors in the refrigerator.
Lemon: Cut a lemon in half and squeeze some juice on a cotton ball or a sponge. Place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Lemon can help freshen up and disinfect the refrigerator.
Vanilla: Soak some cotton balls or a sponge with vanilla extract or essence and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Vanilla can help mask any unpleasant smells in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Air out the refrigerator and let it run for a few days
The third step to get the smell out of a refrigerator is to air it out and let it run for a few days. This will help circulate fresh air and remove any remaining odors in the refrigerator. To air out the refrigerator, you need to:
Plug in the refrigerator and turn it on
Leave the door slightly open for an hour or two
Close the door and adjust the temperature settings according to your preference
Let the refrigerator run for at least 24 hours before putting any food back in
Step 4: Maintain the refrigerator regularly and store food properly
The final step to get the smell out of a refrigerator is to maintain it regularly and store food properly. This will help prevent any future odors from developing in your fridge. To maintain your fridge, you need to:
Clean your fridge at least once a month or whenever you notice any spills or stains
Deodorize your fridge at least once every three months or whenever you notice any odors
Check your fridge for any expired or spoiled food and discard them promptly
Store your food in sealed containers or bags to avoid cross-contamination and leakage
Label your food with dates and use them within their shelf life
Avoid overfilling or underfilling your fridge to allow proper air circulation and cooling
Conclusion
Getting the smell out of a refrigerator can be a challenging but rewarding task that can improve your food quality and safety. By following the steps in this post, you can get rid of any refrigerator odors using natural and safe methods. You can also prevent any future odors by maintaining your fridge regularly and storing your food properly.
We hope this post has helped you learn how to get the smell out of a refrigerator or decide whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
Dale is the founder and appliance expert behind PressToCook.com. He is a former restaurant manager who has spent years behind the scenes using just about every kitchen appliance imaginable.
He founded PressToCook.com to debunk the myths around appliances and show home cooks how to truly harness the power of their gadgets to whip up incredible dishes easily and efficiently.
Dale is on a mission to prove that kitchen appliances should be celebrated, not feared, and he can’t wait to share his real-world tips and tricks with you!