How do I remove refrigerator odor?

Question

I had a poweroutage for over a week. I have tried the baking soda and bleach but the smell remains....HELP

Answer 1

STEP 1: Remove all items from the refrigerator. Take out any removable parts of the refrigerator and clean them separately.

STEP 2: Mix together 2 tbsp. baking soda with a quart of warm water. Wipe down the inside surfaces of the refrigerator with this solution.

STEP 3: Try a solution of 1 c. vinegar and 1 gallon of water, if the odor remains. Make sure to rinse and dry all surfaces before trying this solution.

STEP 4: Mix 1/2 c. chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of water and apply to all surfaces, if the odor persists. Once again, rinse and dry all surfaces before applying this solution.

STEP 5: Leave the door open and allow the refrigerator to air out.



Tips & Warnings :

Don't mix solutions; use them one at a time, rinsing and drying all surfaces between applications.

If you can turn off the refrigerator or place it on a low setting, try leaving a bowl of cat litter or activated charcoal briquettes inside to absorb odors.

Keep an open package of baking soda or coffee grounds in the refrigerator for long-term odor removal.

To prevent new odors, remember to throw away food when it spoils.

If the odor is in the refrigerator insulation, there is nothing you can do to absorb it. The insulation may have to be replaced.

Answer 2

I've discovered an incredible product that I've used now for years and stay with it for taking care of the worst smells in my refrigerator but also now I use it pretty much everywhere including under my sink, near trash and even used it near diaper pails inside my RV fridge and all around. The product is a little carbon odor absorber called FRIDGE IT. It is a little purple cube with an activated carbon filter inside that works miracles. And, it's not expensive - around $2 - $3. You can find it in kitchen gadget sections in stores like Walmart and linens and things and also, I think try the web. I've tried some other products too including baking soda. Nothing works as good as this and I've recommended it to so many of my friends that now all love this little purple cube. Worth trying. You may need to put a couple in the fridge. Good luck.

Answer 3

There are new charcoal filters for refrigerator odors. I would check with my local allergy store and see what they suggest for mold and mildew in an appliance. You really need to check & see what is causing the odor. WHAT KIND OF MOLD????

You may need to invest in a new refrigerator because these spores grow in high humidity places. I don't know if there is a dehumidifier for refrigerators. They do make small containers that you can put in closets to absorb humidity and odors(Sharper Image carries them).

I never knew that mold could be such a problem. There are even instructions in the Bible for dealing with mold. Garments were to be burned and mold in the home was to be cleaned while the people lived elsewhere. After 7 or 10 days they returned and if the mold had grown again the house had to be burned. Thank God we have new methods for today.

Answer 4

Try one more round of the baking soda and bleach.....let it dry...then go over it with either a vinegar and water mix or lemon juice and water mix. I've found that to work in the past. When that drys...place fresh box of baking soda in it...with top opened....let it set for 24 hours or so. See if this helps. If not, check with your local Agriculture Extension Agency...they may have other cleaning solutions to try.

Answer 5

1. Remove all items from refrigerator and freezer. Take out all removable parts and wash them and door gasket with mild detergent in warm water. Rinse well and wipe dry.

2. Wash interior walls and door liner with solution of 1-2 tablespoonsful of baking soda to 1 quart warm water, and wipe dry. Leave door open and let it air out well, with a fan directed toward inside, and opened windows if climate permits.

3. If odor still remains, try one or all of the following means of odor removal.

a. Spread baking soda out on shallow pans (like shallow glass casseroles, pie plates, or jelly roll pans lined with foil) and put pans on shelves to absorb odors, or on the bottom and in baskets f chest freezer. Leave open and unplugged.

b. Buy activated charcoal (which is specially treated to remove odor molecules from air) at home department store housewares sections, appliance store, or pet shop. Spread out on shallow pans and put on shelves of refrigerator. Turn refrigerator on low setting and run empty a few days so odors will be absorbed.

c. Spread cat litter in shallow pan in cabinet, turn on and run empty a few days. If odor is disappearing but is not all gone, replace old litter with fresh litter.

d. Pour several ounces imitation vanilla (not pure extract) in a shallow saucer, put on shelf and let run empty a few days.

e. Put fresh ground coffee in cereal bowls inside the refrigerator and let run empty several days. A slight coffee odor may remain, but will disappear after washing again with baking soda solution.

f. Pack each refrigerator shelf with crumpled newspaper. Set a cup of water on the top shelf or sprinkle the newspaper lightly with water. Allow refrigerator to run for approximately 5-6 days. This method takes a bit longer but has been effective in removal of strong odors.

g. Buy a commercial odor remover, and follow instructions exactly. Several companies manufacture a liquid concentrate which sells for about $3.00 for 1/4 to 1/2 ounce. A couple drops are put on a piece of cotton and placed in the area to absorb odors, in the cabinet or in a room.

Three of many brand names are: "Odor-Away" by Wrap-on Co., available at hardware and hospital supply stores, "SuperCD" IBL Household Products by Crackerbarrel Sales, Avenal, New Jersey, available in pet supply department or special products in grocery, or "Clean-Air" at some appliance repair shops.

Hospital supply stores carry Dow Chemical Hospital Disinfectant and Deodorant Spray. Spray into cabinet and quickly shut the door. Repeat.

4. If none of these methods removes all the odor, then it has probably penetrated into insulation. Contact an appliance service company for an estimate on cost of removing the liner and replacing the insulation. If cost is too high you may prefer to get a new appliance. It could be used for occasional cooling of soda pop where the odor will not get into the beverage.

Answer 6

First defrost and clean the fridge. Then buy a device that can purify the air in your fridge. It's called refresh and you can find it at www.ecoquestintl.com/prospero.

Answer 7

clean with bleach and water or parson's lemon ammonia. then use a box of baking soda.

Answer 8

try to remove everything, make sure none of the food is rotten. let the fridge defrost, clean it with soft soap and water. dry it out completely, then turn it on again

Answer 9

Man, you ask a question and someone has to give you a ten minute report.

Answer 10

try to put a peace of black coal in the back of the fridge and leave it there.