How to Get Rid of Smell in Fridge Fast!

IAs a mom, one of my biggest concerns is the health and safety of my family. And one of the things that can compromise that is a smelly fridge. Not only does it make your fridge a less-than-pleasant place to store food, but it can also affect the taste and quality of your food.

That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate guide on how to get rid of the smell in your fridge, so you can keep your family healthy and your food fresh.

I’m going to show you how to identify the source of the bad smells in your fridge, how to get rid of the bad smell and how you can prevent the bad smells from happening in the future!

Let’s dive in and get your fridgerator smells back to normal, and get rid of the bad smell forever!

How To Get Rid of Smell in Fridge

Identify the source of fridge smells to eliminate odors and prevent food spoilage.
Clean refrigerator with baking soda solution, wash shelves & drawers, check/clean drip pan for freshness.
Proper storage techniques, regular cleaning schedule & temperature control help maintain a fresh odor-free fridge.

Identifying the Source of Fridge Smells

The first step to eliminating unpleasant refrigerator smells is identifying the source of the problem. The main culprits are usually spoiled food, exposed food residue, and odor-causing bacteria. By tackling these issues, you can keep your fridge smelling fresh and prevent food items going off.

So, how do you identify and address these odor sources? Let’s take a closer look at each one.

#1 Spoiled Food

Say goodbye to bad smells in your fridge, caused by spoiled food. Before you reach for any items, make it a habit to carefully inspect expiration dates, odors, and other signs of expired food. Even when stored properly, certain foods like garlic, raw fish, and certain types of cheese can still emit bad odors in the fridge.

To eliminate odors, remove any expired food or items nearing their expiration date immediately and give that area a thorough clean-up afterward. By discarding spoiled food and keeping an eye on expiration dates, you can prevent unpleasant refrigerator smells and ensure a healthier fridge environment.

#2 Exposed Food Residue

Exposed food residue refers to food that has not been covered or sealed properly, which can result in refrigerator smells due to its exposure to air and other elements. Signs of exposed food residue can include mold, discoloration, or a sour smell.

Keep your fridge smelling fresh and stop food items from going off by securely sealing and storing all food to avoid odors caused by exposed residue. Make this into a habit you do every few days, doing this can make a big difference in your fridge.

#3 Odor-Causing Bacteria

Bacteria growth in your refrigerator can cause unpleasant smells. The plastic lining of the refrigerator can accumulate foul odors and bacteria. One common area where bacteria can thrive is the drip pan, which collects condensation generated during the defrost cycle. You can easily prevent mold and bacteria growth by getting rid of the water in the tray that occurs when moisture can’t evaporate properly.

Regularly cleaning the interior of the fridge, including the drip pan, and replacing the water will help to make sure you keep your fridge clear of odor causing bacteria.

Cleaning Your Fridge for a Fresh Start

Now that you’ve identified the source of refrigerator odors, it’s time to give your fridge a deep clean. Pull everything out of the fridge so you can give it a good clean. Using a baking soda solution (Using a mix of two tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of hot water), start washing the shelves and drawers, as well as checking and cleaning the drip pan will help you tackle the underlying causes of unpleasant refrigerator smells. Rinse the mixture off with a damp cloth and dry it with a soft cloth.

By following these cleaning steps, you’ll not only eliminate all existing fridge odors, but also create a fresh environment for your food.

#1 Using Baking Soda Solution

Get rid of refrigerator odors with a safe and effective baking soda solution. Mix just 2 tablespoons of baking soda with hot water to create this natural deodorizer. Then, easily clean the inside of your fridge by wiping down the shelves and drawers with this solution. This will effectively remove old food particles and bacteria, leaving your fridge smelling fresh and clean.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners and pads when cleaning the interior of your fridge as they can damage the surfaces.

#2 Washing Shelves and Drawers

To further eliminate lingering odors, it’s important to wash all interior surfaces, so pull out your adjustable shelves and drawersand clean them with soapy water in the sink. Use dish soap, warm water (soapy water), and a sponge or cloth to clean the shelves and drawers.

A thorough clean of shelves and drawers will not only remove odors, but also improve the overall hygiene of your fridge.

Make sure you clean every corner of your fridge- from the shelves to the bottom and around the fridge door, as well as the door seals.

#3 Checking and Cleaning the Drip Pan

Most refrigerators have a secret compartment with a drip pan. The drip pan is another potential source of unpleasant refrigerator smells. It collects condensation during the defrost cycle and can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, and foul smelling water over time, if not properly maintained. Remove the kick plate from the front to access the drip pan. Use a screwdriver to remove a panel from the back.

Scrub the drip pan with a sponge or rag. Use your choice of dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, or bleach solution to clean it. Regularly checking and cleaning the drip pan will help prevent mold and bacteria growth that can cause your unpleasant refrigerator smells.

Use Natural Odor Absorbers To Get Rid of Refrigerator Smells

After thoroughly cleaning your fridge, you can use natural odor absorbers to prevent fridge odors and maintain its freshness. Some options include:

Coffee grounds
Loose activated charcoal
Baking soda
White vinegar

These natural odor absorbers can help keep your fridge smelling fresh by absorbing and neutralizing odors. They not only absorb odors effectively, but also serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical products.

Let’s explore how to use these natural odor absorbers in your fridge. I recommend placing them in small containers or tubberware and place them in the fridge, make sure to change them out from time to time. MAYBE ADD TO THIS

Freshly Ground Coffee

If you’re a coffee drinker, you might be surprised to learn that coffee grounds can also help eliminate fridge odors. Simply place a small bowl or sachet of coffee grounds in your fridge, and let it absorb odors for several hours or overnight. The coffee grounds will leave a pleasant aroma in your fridge, masking any unpleasant refrigerator smells. After approximately 3-4 days, dispose of the grounds in your compost bin.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is another effective natural odor eliminator. You can find activated charcoal in the form of sachets or bags at most health food stores or online retailers. Simply place one or two sachets in your fridge, and let them work their magic. Unlike baking soda, activated charcoal doesn’t need to be replaced as often, so you can leave it in your fridge for several weeks or even months.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can be effective in eliminating bad smells in your fridge. Simply place an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves, and let it absorb odors for several hours or leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If the smell is particularly bad, you may need to replace the baking soda more frequently until the odor is gone.

Other Natural Products To Use

In addition to coffee grounds and activated charcoal, there are other natural options to neutralize odors in your refrigerator. White vinegar, and cotton balls are all viable natural options for odor absorption. You can leave acouple of cotton balls soaked with vanilla extract inside your fridge or freezer to help remove unpleasant refrigerator smells or nasty freezer smells.

For instance, a solution of white vinegar and water can be used to effectively wipe down the shelves and drawers of the refrigerator, thereby eliminating odors. Experiment with these natural odor absorbers to find the one that works best for you and your fridge.

Maintaining a Fresh and Odor-Free Fridge

The best way to prevent odors in your refrigerator and freezer is to ensure you are storing your food properly, consume food before it goes off, make sure you are cleaning your fridge on a regular basis, and take control of the temperature to prevent bacteria growth.

Let’s delve into these key practices for maintaining a fresh and odor-free fridge.

Proper Food Storage

Keep your food fresh and odor-free with these essential food storage tips.

Store food in airtight containerslike these.
Label and date leftovers to keep track of their freshness.
Promptly refrigerate or freeze perishables.
Adhere to storage directions on labels.
Store produce in transparent containers in your crisper drawers.

If you follow all these tips, you can avoid wasting expired food, and prevent odors in your refigerator. Buying food these days is not cheap, so save yourself some bucks by keeping your food fresh and never let it expire.

These daily habits will keep your food from spoiling and will keep your fridge odors away!

Regular Cleaning Schedule

Keep your fridge fresh and odor-free by cleaning it regularly. I recommend a deep clean every three to six months, along with a full clean every three months to keep your fridge clean and fresh and any fridge odors away! Don’t forget to change your water filter as needed

Don’t forget to quickly wipe up any spills daily to keep things sanitary and prevent cross-contamination. By maintaining a clean fridge, you’ll be safeguarding your food against bacteria and unwanted odors, creating a healthier environment for your food and your family.

Temperature Control

Keep your fridge at the right temperature for food safety with these simple tips recommended by the FDA (The Food and Drug Administration).

Maintain a temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to keep bacteria growth at bay and your food fresh.
Regularly check and adjust the temperature settings as needed.
Remember to keep the fridge door shut as much as possible to prevent warm air from spoiling your food.

By maintaining the right temperature, you can keep your fridge smelling fresh and your food safe to consume.

Summary of Fridgerator Smells & How to Exvict Them!

Say goodbye to smelly refrigerator smells and hello to a fresh start with all the above tips! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to maintain an odor-free fridge that’s safe for your food.

Identify the source of those pesky smells.
Give your fridge a good clean.
Use natural odor absorbers.

Don’t forget, proper food storage, regular cleaning, and temperature control are crucial for preventing bacteria growth and food spoilage. By following these proven strategies, you can reclaim the freshness of your fridge and create a healthy environment for your food.

So, take action today and enjoy a fresh, odor-free refrigerator!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to deodorize a fridge?

Get rid of fridge odors fast with baking soda! In as little as a few hours or up to three days, you can deodorize your fridge and enjoy fresh-smelling food. Simply leave an open box of baking soda in the fridge overnight for the best results.

Why is my fridge smelling bad?

Bad smells in your fridge likely come from bacteria and mold growing in areas of moisture, such as spilled food or condensation.

Cleaning the fridge thoroughly can help eliminate these odors.

How do you get rid of rotten meat smell?

To get rid of rotten meat smell, use vinegar to clean your fridge interior. White distilled vinegar is great for removin bad smells, but cleaning vinegar works also.

How can I use a baking soda solution to clean my fridge?

Using a mix of two tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of hot water to wipe down the inside of the fridge. Also, leaving a box of opened baking soda in your fridge will help remove any odors.

What natural odor absorbers can I use in my fridge?

Try using coffee grounds, activated charcoal, baking soda, or white vinegar in your fridge to naturally absorb odors.

How to Get Rid of Smell in Fridge Fast!

How To Get Rid of Smell in Fridge