Tips To Get Rid Of Smells In Your Fridge: A Complete Guide

Opening your fridge only to be met by a pungent smell isn’t just unpleasant—it can signal hygiene risks, food waste, and impact your property’s appeal. Whether you’re a renter preparing for inspection, a landlord readying an apartment for new tenants, or a homeowner focused on daily well-being, understanding and mastering tips to get rid of smells in your fridge is crucial. This guide offers actionable steps to discover, eliminate, and prevent refrigerator odors for a fresher, healthier kitchen. From cause diagnosis through deep cleaning checklists and expert advice, you’ll leave equipped to keep refrigerators fresh—optimizing both cleanliness and peace of mind.

Spotting the Source: Why Do Fridges Smell?

Before tackling smells, identify their cause. Not all odors arise from the same issue, and precise treatment leads to better outcomes. Here’s what typically triggers fridge smells:

Spoiled food: Forgotten leftovers or expired items are primary culprits.
Mold and mildew: High humidity or spills can encourage growth.
Improper cleaning: Food debris stuck in drawers, seals, or shelves.
Poor air circulation: Overfilled fridges trap odors.
Plumbing or mechanical issues: Leaks or drip pans sometimes harbor smells.

Systematic checking helps you customize your cleaning process, saving both time and effort.

Essential Steps Before You Clean

A successful odor removal plan starts with preparation. Follow these:

Unplug the fridge for safety—especially if you’ll remove shelves.
Remove all food and place perishables in a cooler.
Slide out shelves, drawers, and bins for separate cleaning.
Dispose visibly spoiled or suspect items; check expiration dates.
Gather cleaning materials: microfiber cloths, a soft brush, dish soap, baking soda, white vinegar, and gloves.

Being thorough helps ensure you address hidden issues—not just mask odors.

Cleaning Products and Tools: What Actually Works?

Choose the right products for effective odor elimination. Here’s a comparison of popular options:

Product	Effectiveness	Safe for Fridge	Notes
Baking soda	Excellent	Yes	Absorbs and neutralizes odors; also a gentle scrub.
White vinegar	Very Good	Yes	Antibacterial and deodorizer; use 1:1 with water.
Lemon juice	Good	Yes	Freshens and removes light stains.
Commercial fridge cleaners	Varies	Check label	Choose food-safe, fragrance-free options.
Bleach/ammonia (diluted)	Only in severe cases	Use caution	Never mix; rinse very thoroughly.

Pro tip: Illinois public health guidelines recommend gentle, food-safe products to minimize residue and health risk.

Deep Cleaning Your Fridge: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Wipe removable parts separately: Use warm, soapy water for shelves, bins, and racks. Rinse and air-dry.
Clean interior surfaces: Wipe walls, floors, and corners using a mixture of water and baking soda or vinegar. Avoid scratching plastic.
Scrub door seals and gaskets: Use a brush for corners. Mildew often hides here.
Check and clean drip pan: Not all fridges have one, but if present, it can be a hidden odor source.
Return shelves/drawers only when dry: Moisture encourages bacteria.

For persistent odors, leave an open box of baking soda or a dish of activated charcoal inside for several days.

Addressing Tough Odors: Advanced Strategies

Some odors persist after surface cleaning. When this happens, try advanced methods:

Air out the fridge: Leave doors open for several hours (with the unit unplugged) if safe to do so.
Coffee grounds: Place a bowl inside; they absorb harsh smells and leave a subtle scent.
Specialty fridge deodorizers: Check eco- or enzyme-based options for ongoing odor control.
Replace water filters or check drainage: Sometimes, a clogged filter or drain causes persistent issues.

If none of these solve the issue, hidden mechanical, mold, or plumbing issues may require expert cleaning or repair.

Fridge Odor Prevention: Habits to Adopt

Prevent future odors with these guidelines:

Store leftovers in airtight containers and label dates.
Wipe small spills promptly—especially acidic foods like milk or juice.
Use a food-safe deodorizer (like baking soda) on a rolling 30-day schedule.
Regularly scan contents and discard expired products each week.
Don’t overcrowd shelves—good airflow reduces trapped odors.

Rental and Airbnb Properties: Fridge Hygiene Tips for Turnovers

For property owners, hosts, or managers, fridge hygiene affects tenant satisfaction and reviews. Here’s a checklist designed for turnovers:

Always empty the fridge completely between tenants or guests.
Use a universal deodorizer (like activated charcoal) with each turnover.
Document the fridge condition before and after tenancy for records.
Include fridge checks in your regular rental property cleaning protocol.
Educate tenants about fridge hygiene in welcome packets.

Move-Out and New Move-In: Cleaning for a Fresh Start

Is the property changing hands or tenants? A spotless fridge reflects care and encourages better behavior from new arrivals. Include these extra steps:

Use an enzyme cleaner on all removable fridge parts to address organic residue.
Run a final rinse with water and let the fridge air-dry for at least 2 hours.
Add a single-use deodorizer or box of baking soda and document its presence for incoming tenants.

Enhance your pre-leasing checklist by covering fridge hygiene—more on this is found in our property pre-leasing cleaning guide.

Comparing DIY Methods to Professional Deep Cleaning

DIY: Affordable, immediate, and ideal for minor odors or regular upkeep.
Professional cleaning: Best for persistent odors, infestations (mold, pests), commercial fridges, or after disasters (e.g., power outages).

Professional teams—such as Quick Cleaning—use industrial-grade products, HEPA filtration, and trained staff to tackle challenging odors. This is particularly valuable in Chicago’s bustling rental market or commercial environments.

Food Safety, Mold, and Health: Understanding the Risks

Some fridge smells signal deeper health concerns. Watch for:

Visible mold inside drawers, seals, or under shelves
Rotting, sticky residue that persists after cleaning
Strange chemical smells (may indicate coolant leaks)

The EPA and Illinois Department of Public Health recommend addressing food spoilage and mold quickly to reduce foodborne illness risk and allergens, especially in shared properties or where children are present.

How Often Should Fridges Be Cleaned?

Frequency depends on property type, occupancy, and use. General guidelines:

Regular households: Every 2–4 weeks for basic wipe-down; deep clean every three months.
Rental or short-term stays (Airbnb): After each turnover, deep clean with deodorizer every check-out.
Commercial or shared kitchens: Weekly surface cleaning; deep clean monthly or as needed.

Consistency both prevents odors and supports food safety, especially in humid or high-use environments like Chicago apartments.

Common Mistakes in Fridge Odor Removal

Avoid these frequent errors for more lasting results:

Masking odors with strong fragrances: Only hides issues temporarily—may also contaminate food.
Skipping hidden spaces: Shelves, gaskets, drip pans, and vents are often missed.
Reassembling parts while still wet: Leads to new mold growth.
Using harsh chemicals without rinsing: May leave toxic residue in a food environment.
Ignoring persistent or chemical odors: Sometimes indicate a mechanical problem.

Troubleshooting: Persistent Smells That Won’t Go Away

What if odors linger after deep cleaning? Try these:

Repeat baking soda or activated charcoal treatment—sometimes requires several days.
Run a cycle of empty fridge airing with doors open.
If odor persists, check drainage systems, drip pans, and water filters for hidden mold or leaks.
Examine nearby kitchen areas for spills that may be the true source.
Still stuck? Don’t hesitate to book a professional deep cleaning for a reset.

Integrating Fridge Odor Control Into Full-Property Cleaning Protocols

Effective property cleaning means including the fridge in your bigger plan. Add these to your standard workflow:

Assign fridge inspection and cleaning to your regular or turn-over cleaning roster.
Include a fridge odor check in move-out inspections—this aligns with security deposit best practices.
Reference revised checklists in your cleaning contract (especially for Airbnb/short-term rentals).
If using professional cleaning, verify that the company follows food-safe and health-compliant protocols for the fridge and kitchen.

Tips for Special Fridge Setups: Mini-Fridges, Garages, and Commercial Units

Mini-fridges: Clean even more often; compact size means odors spread quickly.
Garage or seldom-used fridges: Run a power-off airing cycle every season; beware of pest or rodent intrusion.
Commercial units: Schedule certified cleaning; may require compliance with health codes—reference standards from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

FAQ: Fridge Odor Questions Answered

What is the quickest home remedy for fridge smells?

Open a box of baking soda inside the fridge; it will neutralize many odors within 24–48 hours.

How do I safely remove mold from fridge seals?

Use a mixture of white vinegar and water; scrub with a soft brush and dry thoroughly before closing the door.

Can I use bleach inside my fridge?

Only as a last resort, in a heavily diluted mix, and always rinse thoroughly. Avoid unless absolutely necessary because it can leave toxic residue.

How should I clean a fridge before a rental move-out?

Remove all contents, deep clean every surface, and leave a deodorizer behind for future occupants.

Why do some odors keep returning even after cleaning?

Hidden spills, drip pans, or underlying mechanical issues may be the problem—double-check all components.

Is it better to leave the fridge door open for airing?

Yes, especially if the fridge is unplugged between tenancies. This prevents mold and stale smells.

Are commercial deodorizers safe for fridges?

Choose only food-safe varieties labeled for refrigerator use—avoid strong perfumes.

How can I prevent odors between regular cleanings?

Keep leftovers tightly sealed and regularly discard outdated items; replace baking soda monthly.

Does temperature affect fridge smells?

Yes, warmer temperatures accelerate spoilage and odor. Ensure proper settings (generally 37–40°F for fridge, 0°F for freezer).

Bringing It All Together: Refreshing Your Fridge for Good

Addressing and preventing fridge odors is essential for maintaining overall property hygiene, preserving food safety, and ensuring positive tenant or guest experiences. By regularly following these cleaning and odor-control steps, you reduce risks and uphold a higher standard of comfort. If your situation calls for extra help, certified cleaning professionals like Quick Cleaning are available for deep or specialized jobs. Make fridge hygiene a cornerstone of your cleaning protocols—and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a genuinely fresh space.

About Quick Cleaning

Quick Cleaning helps households and businesses in Chicago, Illinois and nearby areas keep their spaces clean and healthy. Our team specializes in recurring house cleaning, deep cleaning, move out cleaning, office cleaning, and facility cleaning projects. With trained staff, tested checklists, and a commitment to lasting cleanliness, Quick Cleaning delivers detail-focused, efficient, and reliable results for homes, rentals, Airbnbs, and commercial spaces alike.

Tips To Get Rid Of Smells In Your Fridge

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