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TANDDANDBIGE's avatar
TANDDANDBIGE
Explorer
May 01, 2015

Fridge odor

I made the mistake of leaving the fridge closed all winter; cool/cold climate, but has an odor that I believe was there before, but is stronger now. (won't do THAT again... Newbyitus.....). What do I do to eliminate odors, clean it up? There was no food in it, it just seems to have an odor. THX TB
  • "Odor" is molecules that are on the surface of or have permeated the fridge plastic.

    Use your favorite strong cleaner to remove surface smell.

    Open doors wide (and RV vents) to allow remaining molecules to diffuse out of the plastic into the air. Warmth and fresh air will speed the process, probably several weeks.

    If you need to use the fridge, charcoal or baking soda will help neutralize the odors, coffee may mask and adsorb. None of these will "pull" the odor out, fresh air is the best solution.
  • Yeah...like they said...clean really good with white vinegar. Put a box of baking soda in a tray that will fit in the fridge. Close it and leave it for a few days. In extreme cases, you can also put several regular charcoal briquettes (not the kind with lighter fluid already in it) in an old stocking and let them hang. That will absorb moisture and odor as well.

    After a few days, once the odor is gone, either keep the fridge running or keep the door propped open.
  • White vinegar to wipe down interior

    Then place a cookie tray/sheet pan inside with a box of baking soda poured out onto it.

    Close door......fridge off

    Couple days...odor should be absorbed into baking soda.
  • I use vinegar for everything,cleaning,oders its better than baking soda or bleach
  • Numerous suggestions in the past are cleaning it real good with vinegar, or a bleach mixture, or favorite cleaner, then setting a plate of unused coffee ground in it, or wad up a bunch of newspapers, stuff them in and shut the door for a few days. Search this forum and you can find an assortment of suggestions. I left my house fridge last summer for my daughter to go through and take what she wanted and she was to discard the rest. Came back in the fall to a very messy bag of broccoli. I just scrubbed the interior real good and put a box of baking soda. Took a few days (or maybe we just got used to the odor.)
  • I have found that OxyClean is very good for getting rid of odors. Put the OxyClean in very hot water - it will foam. Put the liquid all over the interior of the frig and let it set for a few minutes before wiping it off. Then put a box of baking soda in it.