How to Clean a Refrigerator that Smells​

If your refrigerator has started to smell, it’s time for a thorough clean. Odors often come from spoiled food, spills, or hidden moisture, and simply masking the smell won’t fix the problem. Start by removing all food items and carefully checking for anything expired or rotten. Once emptied, clean the interior with warm water and dish soap, rinse with clean water, and dry all surfaces completely. For lingering smells, natural deodorizers like baking soda or white vinegar work wonders—and commercial fridge deodorizers can offer an extra boost. With the right approach, you can restore freshness and maintain a clean, odor-free fridge.

8 Proven Steps to Clean a Smelly Refrigerator and Keep It Fresh

A smelly refrigerator isn’t just unpleasant—it’s often a sign of hidden spills, spoiled food, or mold buildup. Tackling the odor at its source is essential not only for a fresher-smelling kitchen but also for maintaining food safety. Whether it’s lingering fish, old vegetables, or sour milk causing the stink, following a systematic cleaning routine can completely refresh your appliance. Below are 8 proven steps to deep clean a smelly refrigerator, eliminate odors, and keep it fresh for the long haul.

Step 1: Identify and Remove the Source of the Smell

The first and most crucial step in cleaning a smelly refrigerator is to identify the source of the odor. Start by removing all items from your fridge. Expired dairy, spoiled vegetables, or rotting meat are common culprits behind fouHow to Clean a Refrigerator that Smells​l smells. Carefully check all corners, including drawers and underneath shelves, where unnoticed spills or decomposing food might be hiding. Discard anything that looks or smells off. If you’re unsure about certain items, it’s better to err on the side of caution and toss them. This step lays the foundation for an effective deep clean.

Step 2: Empty, Disassemble, and Ventilate

Before beginning the cleaning process, unplug the refrigerator for safety. Remove all removable components like shelves, drawers, crisper bins, and door gaskets. These parts can trap moisture, which contributes to bacteria and odors. Set them aside for separate washing. Keep the refrigerator doors wide open to allow airflow while you clean. Ventilating the fridge during this step is essential to help eliminate any lingering odors and moisture buildup.

Step 3: Deep Clean Interior Surfaces

With the fridge emptied and unplugged, it’s time to clean every surface. Use a solution of warm water mixed with mild dish soap or baking soda to scrub the walls, floor, and ceiling of the fridge. Baking soda is a gentle yet effective deodorizer and cleanser. Avoid harsh chemicals that can leave strong smells or damage plastic surfaces. For rubber gaskets and seals, use soapy water and a soft cloth to avoid damaging the material. Wash the removed shelves and drawers in hot, soapy water, and consider adding a small amount of bleach to the rinse water to sanitize them, as recommended by food safety experts.

Step 4: Use Natural Deodorizers

Even after a thorough cleaning, refrigerators can retain lingering smells. Fortunately, there are effective natural ways to remove fridge odors that are both safe and chemical-free. From everyday kitchen items like baking soda to surprising solutions like oats or coffee grounds, here’s what to put in your fridge to eliminate unwanted smells naturally.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a time-tested, natural deodorizer that works exceptionally well in both the refrigerator and freezer. After cleaning, place an open box or a small bowl of baking soda on a shelf. It will continuously absorb unpleasant odors and help keep your fridge smelling fresh. Replace the baking soda every 30 to 60 days for best results.

2. Activated Charcoal

Highly porous and powerful, activated charcoal absorbs stubborn odors far better than most household items. Simply place a small paper bowl filled with activated charcoal in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. For particularly strong smells, use multiple bowls throughout the appliance to maximize effectiveness.

3. Coffee Grounds

Fresh coffee grounds don’t just absorb odors—they leave behind a subtle, pleasant aroma. Place a shallow bowl of dry coffee grounds inside your fridge for a few days. The nitrogen content helps neutralize lingering food smells naturally and efficiently.

4. White Vinegar

For persistent odors, wipe down interior surfaces with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Vinegar naturally disinfects and deodorizes without leaving behind harmful residues. You can also place a small bowl of vinegar in the fridge for ongoing odor absorption.

5. Lemons

Lemons provide a clean, citrus scent while helping to neutralize bad smells. After cleaning the refrigerator, use a cloth soaked in lemon juice to wipe down shelves and walls. For continued freshness, place a few slices of lemon in a bowl and leave it inside the fridge for a few hours or up to a week.

6. Newspaper and Vanilla

This clever DIY deodorizer combines the absorbency of newspaper with the sweet scent of vanilla. Crumple newspaper pages into balls, place them on a paper plate, and add a drop of cooking vanilla to each one. Position a plate on each shelf of the refrigerator and freezer. Leave them for several days to absorb odors—this method is particularly effective for deep-set smells.

7. Breath Mints

A lesser-known but effective trick is to place a slightly dampened breath mint on a paper plate and leave it on the center shelf. The mint’s strong scent can help mask food odors and provide a refreshing smell in the short term.

8. Uncooked Oats

Plain, uncooked oats are great at absorbing moisture and neutralizing light odors. Place a small container of oats (uncovered) in the back of your fridge. It’s a safe, natural method that works quietly in the background and is ideal for maintaining freshness.

Step 5: Clean Hidden Odor Sources

Some of the worst smells originate in hard-to-reach areas. Locate and clean the drip pan beneath your fridge (refer to your model’s manual if needed), which can collect dirty water and mold. Also check the drain tube for clogs and buildup. These parts are often missed during routine cleaning and can harbor bacteria. Vacuuming the condenser coils at the back or bottom of the fridge helps not only with airflow and efficiency but also with odor control. Regular maintenance here goes a long way toward keeping your refrigerator fresh.

Step 6: Check and Replace Specialized Filters

Modern refrigerators often come with built-in odor control systems to help keep the interior smelling fresh. These may include air filters or deodorizer cartridges designed to absorb and neutralize common food odors. To maintain their effectiveness, these components should be cleaned or replaced regularly, typically once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Step 7: Air It Out and Repeat if Needed

Once everything is clean, leave the refrigerator doors open for several hours to let it completely air dry. This step is especially important if the smell was intense or had been lingering for a while. If, after airing out, there’s still a bad smell, repeat the cleaning process. For especially stubborn odors, some people place crumpled newspaper or extra bowls of baking soda inside to absorb smells over a few days.

Step 8: Prevent Future Smells

Keeping your refrigerator smelling clean is easier when you follow regular maintenance. Wipe up spills immediately, and clean the fridge thoroughly every one to two weeks. Practice the “FIFO” method (First In, First Out) to ensure older food items are used before they expire. Store strong-smelling foods like fish, onions, and cheeses in airtight containers. Replace odor absorbers like baking soda or charcoal every 30–90 days, and aim to deep clean your fridge at least three to four times a year. Consistency is the key to long-term freshness.

By following these 8 expert-approved steps, you’ll not only eliminate bad refrigerator smells but also keep your food safer and your appliance running more efficiently. A clean refrigerator is the heart of a healthy kitchen—maintain it well, and it will serve you fresh for years.

Why This Expert Method Works

• Thoroughness: We combine surface cleaning with sanitization and targeted cleaning of hidden components.
  
• Natural, effective solutions: Vinegar, baking soda, coffee, charcoal—budget-friendly and food-safe.
  
• Brand-specific care: Maximizes appliance design benefits (e.g., FreshFlow™, Samsung deodorizer).
  
• Maintenance-focused: Preventing odors is easier and healthier than repeatedly battling them.

Conclusion

A smelly refrigerator isn’t just unpleasant—it can indicate hidden bacteria, mold, or spoiled food. The first step in removing fridge odors is identifying the source. Empty the contents, toss expired items, and check for spills or mold beneath drawers and around containers. Be sure to unplug the fridge and remove all detachable parts for safety and a thorough clean.

Wipe down the interior using warm water with dish soap or a natural solution like baking soda and water. Pay special attention to rubber seals and gaskets, which often trap moisture and bacteria. Shelves and bins should be washed separately with hot, soapy water; for added sanitation, rinse them with a diluted bleach solution, as recommended by FSIS.

For deeper deodorizing, natural options like white vinegar, baking soda, and activated charcoal are highly effective. Vinegar cuts through mildew, baking soda neutralizes acids, and charcoal absorbs persistent smells. You can also try coffee grounds or cotton balls soaked in vanilla for a fresh scent.

Don’t overlook hidden odor sources like the drain tube, drip pan, or condenser coils. These areas can trap moisture and bacteria. Some modern fridges, like those from Whirlpool and Samsung, come with built-in deodorizing systems—such as FreshFlow™ filters or replaceable cartridges—which also help neutralize odors.

After cleaning, leave the doors open for a few hours to fully air out the fridge. Still noticing odors? Repeat the process and place a bowl of baking soda or crumpled newspaper inside for 48 hours. Long-term freshness depends on maintenance: clean up spills promptly, store strong-smelling foods in airtight containers, and rotate food using the FIFO method. Refresh odor absorbers every 30–90 days and deep clean your fridge every season.

For a detailed breakdown, visit our 8 Steps to Clean Your Refrigerator guide. By following these proven techniques and staying consistent with care, you can ensure your refrigerator stays fresh, hygienic, and odor-free all year round.

Happy cleaning!