Easy Solutions to Fix a Fridge That Smells Bad
Dealing with a stinky fridge happens to many people. Luckily, you don’t have to take extreme steps. You can easily solve this problem by finding and throwing away bad food. Then, give your fridge a good cleaning with soap and water. You can also use baking soda. It really helps to absorb bad smells.
Let’s look at some easy ways to get rid of those bad smells in your fridge and keep it fresh and clean.
1. Identify and Remove Spoiled Items
One main reason for bad smells in your fridge is spoiled food. You should check expiration dates often and throw away any items that have gone bad.
Also, look at spots where spills may have happened. These areas can hold bacteria and make odors worse. Make sure to take out shelves and drawers to clean them well. This helps you reach every corner.
Getting rid of the smell source is the first and most important step to fight fridge odors effectively.
2. Deep Clean with Soap and Water
After taking out spoiled food, please clean your fridge well using warm, soapy water. Start by taking everything out of your fridge, including the shelves and drawers.
Wash these parts properly with warm soapy water. Make sure to rinse them well and dry them completely before putting them back in. Then, wipe the inside of your fridge, including the walls, doors, and seals, with soapy water.
Rinse everything and dry it with a clean cloth to remove any leftover soap and stop mold and mildew from growing. Spending time on a deep clean can help get rid of bad smells and keep your fridge fresh.
3. Utilize Baking Soda for Absorption
Baking soda is a popular natural way to absorb bad smells. It is great at getting rid of lingering odors in your fridge. After you clean your fridge, put an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves.
Baking soda works by balancing out bad odor molecules. It helps soak up and remove unpleasant smells. To get the best results, think about changing the baking soda every few months or when you start to notice it is not working as well.
Using this simple and effective method can help keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean in between deep cleanings.
4. Check and Clean the Drip Tray
The drip tray is usually found at the bottom or back of your fridge. Its job is to catch condensation and spills. However, this tray can attract bacteria and mold over time. This can lead to unwanted smells in your fridge.
It’s important to check and clean the drip tray often to keep your fridge smelling fresh. To do this, gently take out the drip tray. Empty it and wash it very well with warm, soapy water. Make sure to rinse off any leftover soap and dry it completely before putting it back in.
Spending just a few minutes on the drip tray can stop bad smells and help keep your refrigerator cleaner and fresher.
5. Replace the Air Filter Regularly
Many new refrigerators have air filters. These filters help get rid of odors and keep the air fresh inside. But just like other filters, they need to be changed often to work well.
As time goes by, these filters can get blocked with dust, dirt, and smell particles. This makes it hard for them to clean the air and can lead to an unpleasant smell. It is a good idea to check your refrigerator’s user manual. It will tell you how often to change the air filter.
If you replace the filter as suggested, your refrigerator can keep blowing fresh air. This will help reduce the chance of unwanted odors.
6. Maintain Cleanliness of Coils and Gaskets
The condenser coils are usually at the back or bottom of your refrigerator. They are important for keeping the temperature stable. If dust and dirt build up on these coils, it can make them less effective. This might cause a bad smell.
The rubber gaskets on the doors can also trap food particles and moisture. This makes a good place for mold and mildew to grow, leading to even more bad smells. It is important to clean the coils and gaskets regularly. You should vacuum the coils with a brush attachment. Then, use a damp, soapy cloth to wipe the gaskets.
Taking care of these parts will help your refrigerator last longer. It will also keep it smelling fresh and working well.
Natural Remedies for Neutralizing Odors
Natural remedies are a good and eco-friendly way to get rid of refrigerator odors. You can use common household items to absorb and neutralize bad smells.
Here are some popular natural remedies to help you keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean, without harsh chemicals.
