A refrigerator that still smells after cleaning usually has odor hiding in a place the wipe-down missed: the defrost drain and drip pan, folds in the door gasket, a spill that ran behind a drawer, the ice bin or water filter, or porous plastic that has absorbed the smell. Work through those spots in order before you buy a new fridge deodorizer.
Empty it and check for the source
Remove everything, including the shelves and drawers, and sniff each food item — a forgotten container, a leaking package or an onion that has gone soft can undo a perfect clean. Check dates, and throw away anything doubtful.
The drain hole and drip pan
- Find the defrost drain
It is a small hole at the back of the fridge compartment near the bottom, often behind the lowest drawer.
- Flush it
Pour a cup of warm water mixed with a little dish soap through it, or clear it gently with a pipe cleaner. A clogged drain leaves standing water that grows odors.
- Empty the drip pan
On many models the pan sits under the fridge, behind the bottom grille. Remove it, wash it in warm soapy water and dry it before replacing it.
A clogged drain can also cause water pooling inside; see refrigerator condensation inside.
Door gaskets
The folds of the rubber door seal trap food and moisture and can grow mildew. Clean them with an old toothbrush and a warm water and dish soap solution, rinse, and dry fully. A gasket that stays smelly or visibly discolored after cleaning may need replacing — see door seal problems.
Behind and under drawers and shelves
Pull the crisper drawers fully out and look at the floor of the compartment and the back wall. Spills run under the drawers and set, so a wipe of the shelves misses them. Wash with warm water and baking soda (about a tablespoon per liter), then dry before replacing parts.
Ice bin and water filter
Ice absorbs smells from the freezer, and an old ice bin or ice tray can hold stale odors. Empty and wash the bin, throw the ice away, and let the maker produce fresh ice. An overdue water filter can also taste and smell off — follow your manual for the filter replacement interval, and see ice dispenser problems if it fails to dispense.
Absorbing the last of the smell
An open box or bowl of baking soda, activated charcoal, or dry used coffee grounds placed on a shelf absorbs odor over a day or two; replace the baking soda every month or so. Leave the doors open for a few hours to air out the empty fridge after cleaning, and do not use strong scented sprays or bleach inside, since they transfer to food. Keep the fridge at the right temperature too — see best temperature settings.
After a power outage
A fridge that lost power for hours can smell for days from spoiled food and meltwater. Clean the drain and pan, and discard anything that was warm for too long. The tips in how to prepare your home for a power outage help prevent a repeat.
When to call a technician
If the fridge is not cooling, the smell is musty from inside the walls, or you suspect water leaking behind the liner, a technician is needed. Compare options with our refrigerator repair cost guide.
