A fridge smells because of spoiled food, spills, or mold. Clean it, discard old food, and use baking soda.
Common causes
- Spoiled food.
- Spills.
- Mold.
- Strong foods like fish and onions.
- A dirty drip pan or seals.
Fix
- Empty the fridge.
- Wash shelves with warm water and baking soda.
- Check the drain.
- Place an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal.
Prevention
Keep temperature at 37 to 40°F. Throw out food after 3 to 4 days.
Still smelly
Check the seal.
Odor sources and numbers
Fridge odors come from spoiled food, spills, mold and bacteria, and from strong foods such as onions, fish and cheese. The USDA recommends keeping refrigerators at or below 40 F (4 C) and freezers at 0 F (-18 C). Bacteria grow quickly between 40 and 140 F, called the danger zone.
- Cooked leftovers should be eaten within 3 to 4 days.
- Raw poultry, ground meat and fish should be used within 1 to 2 days of purchase.
- A clogged defrost drain can create standing water that smells.
- Dirty gaskets and drip pans can also harbor mold.
Cleaning and prevention
Remove all food, wash shelves with warm soapy water, and wipe with a mix of 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 quart of water. Clean the drain hole with a pipe cleaner. Place an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal inside, replacing baking soda every 3 months. Store strong foods in airtight containers. If the smell persists after cleaning, check the compressor area and drip pan under the fridge, and consider a technician’s inspection.
Odor sources
Refrigerator smells come from spoiled food, spills, mold in drip pans or gaskets, and clogged drain holes. The USDA recommends keeping refrigerators at 40 F (4 C) or below. Leftovers should be eaten within 3 to 4 days.
Cleaning
Remove all food, wash shelves with warm soapy water, wipe with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per quart of water), clean the drain hole and use an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal. Replace water filters on schedule.
Refrigerator hygiene numbers
The USDA advises refrigerators at 40 F (4 C) and freezers at 0 F (minus 18 C). Cooked leftovers last 3 to 4 days, and deli meats 3 to 5 days opened. Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures. Odors often come from spoiled produce, spilled milk or the drain pan.
Deodorizing methods
Remove all items, wash with a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda per quart of warm water, dry, and place fresh baking soda or activated charcoal inside. Replace the water filter every 6 months. Check the door gasket for mold, and clean the defrost drain with a pipe cleaner.
Based on data from the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service
