Q&A for How to Get Rid of Bad Smells in Your Fridge

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Do I need to turn off my fridge when getting rid of bad smells from it?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
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wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Yes, you'll need to remove all of the food and turn off the fridge. You can keep the food in another fridge or in a cooler during this time.

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Question

I cleaned out drip pan and drain on my refrigerator but it still smells like something died in it. What can I do?

Community Answer

At the back of the fridge/freezer is the motor located at the base. Turn the power off and pull the appliance out. If it has a grill in front of the motor compartment, remove this and, with gloved hands, check all around the compartment. It could be a small four legged friend that has passed away or the remains of a nest.

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Question

Do all refrigerators contain drip trays?

Mohsin Khan

Community Answer

Yes, mostly, but I noticed nowadays they assemble them on top of the compressor, so water evaporates by the heat generated there and it is rarely necessary to empty them.

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Question

How do I remove a strong solvent smell from a refrigerator?

Community Answer

Try a bowl of oats, baking soda or charcoal. If these won't quell the odor, it may be time for a new fridge unfortunately.

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Question

Do I turn the refrigerator back on after step 1 (cleaning) or after Step 2 (deodorizing)?

Community Answer

After cleaning the drip tray would be an ideal time to turn the device back on again. Condensation runs into the tray, so leaving the device on with no tray would simply mean a few drops of water that are not caught to spill on the floor underneath the fridge.

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Question

When using methods such as baking soda, do I need to turn off the freezer part of the refrigerator?

Community Answer

If water comes into contact with the freezer, it will freeze sooner rather than later. Popular advice would be to let the freezer warm a bit before cleaning it with a water based solution, then turning it back on when dry.

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Question

Where is the drip tray in a whirlpool refrigerator?

Community Answer

On top of the compressor pump in the rear. The heat from the pump evaporates any water.

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Question

How do I clean the drain line in my refrigerator?

Community Answer

Insert a thin wire, then push it forward and backward to remove the dirt. The stagnant water will drain.

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Question

My freezer smells like something died in it and I can't locate the source of the smell. What can I do?

Community Answer

Clean it out completely, checking all use by dates and throwing away anything that is out of date. As you check, sniff each item and you'll find the offending item. If there is nothing obvious, give the freezer a thorough clean.

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Question

How can I get rid of a neglected-food smell in my fridge?

Community Answer

Use a couple of baking trays with either Cat litter, Activated charcoal or porridge oats spread out in them, then leave the door shut.

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Question

Will the smell of rotten meat every get out of the freezer?

ConnorFisher

Community Answer

Yes, it will. The smell of rotten meat can linger in a fridge for some time but, with a few good cleanings, it'll dissipate. Try a couple of the odor-removers given above too: e.g., coffee grounds and cat litter.

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Question

Do I cook the oats? How long do I leave them in the fridge?

Community Answer

Most of the products to absorb odor are used in their uncooked state, so you need to add raw oats to absorb odor.

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