Does your fridge smell bad even after cleaning it? Coffee beans and baking powder offer little to no help? This is because the stench from your fridge is the fallout of microbial activity, largely due to the decomposition of poorly stored food or that has been in the fridge for too long. If your fridge smells bad, here are a few things to get it smelling fresh and clean again.
Reduce the Temperature
One of the simplest ways of getting rid of foul odors in your fridge is to lower the temperature. The recommended settings may not be enough to prevent moisture in your fridge if you live in an area with high humidity. Adjust your fridge temperature to about 35°F and 37°F to keep moisture out. And if your unit lacks a thermometer, you can easily get a good one on Amazon.
Check the Door
When you want to check the source of the stink in your fridge, start with the doors. The food on the door is the first to go bad because they are farthest to the cooling effect of the fridge and become exposed every time you open the unit. After checking the food on the door, you can gradually check the other parts of the fridge, keeping an eye out for expired foods and loosely wrapped or unwrapped foods such as fruits, cheese, and others.
Use Deodorizing Agents
After getting rid of any spoilt food from the fridge and the stench still persists, the next step is to remove the odor. One of the best agents for removing odors in fridges is the baking powder. You can also use vinegar, coffee grounds, and activated charcoal to remove unwanted odors from the unit. All you have to do is place the odor absorbent material on a flat surface or bowl and leave in the fridge until the odor is gone.
You can also use deodorizers specially made for fridges to get rid of the unwanted smell in your unit. This types of deodorizers can last up to six months in your fridge.
Clean Your Fridge
If all the above fails to deliver the right results, then it’s time to clean out the fridge. Remove the food in the fridge and store any item that could get spoilt in coolers with some ice.
You can use a solution of baking powder and warm water to rinse and wipe off every surface or use a disinfectant to wash off every surface, making sure to scrub crevices where spills may accumulate. Be sure to empty the drip pans beneath the fridge as it can also cause foul smells.
If your fridge is still smelly after all these, then it’s time to call the repairman. It may be a damaged water filter or clogged drainage system in the fridge that’s causing the smell. The service technician can help troubleshoot the hard-to-reach areas of the fridge to identify any issues. It may be a minor problem, and it can also be a major repair. But the most important way of keeping your fridge smell free is to package food in airtight containers, keep the temperature low, and carry out regular cleaning of the unit.
