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How to Get Rid of Smell in Fridge?What Causes Fridge and Freezer Smells?How to Remove Odour from a Refrigerator Using DIY Solutions?How to Prevent Fridge Odours from Coming Back When to Call for Professional Help?How NoBroker Can Help with Cleaning Services?Frequently Asked Questions

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Home Blog Home Services Tips & Ideas Easy Cleaning Tips How to get rid of smell in Fridge

How to Get Rid of Smell in Fridge: Effective Solutions and Tips for 2025

Q: Q: How long does baking soda take to remove fridge odours?

Ans: Baking soda begins absorbing odours immediately, but it typically takes 24-72 hours to notice significant improvement for moderate odours. For strong smells, you may need multiple containers or more frequent replacements.

Q: Q: Can I use essential oils to make my fridge smell better?

Ans: Yes, adding a few drops of essential oils like lemon, orange, or peppermint to baking soda or cotton balls can help mask odours while the absorbent material works. Avoid direct contact between oils and food.

Q: Q: How often should I deep clean my refrigerator?

Ans: Most households should have a thorough cleaning every 3-4 months. However, homes with multiple users, frequent cooking, or storage of strong-smelling foods may benefit from monthly deep cleans.

Q: Q: Is it normal for a new refrigerator to have a plastic smell?

Ans: Yes, new refrigerators often have a "plastic" or "chemical" smell from manufacturing materials. This should dissipate within 1-2 weeks, but can be hastened by wiping interior surfaces with a vinegar solution and using odour absorbers.

Published : April 28, 2025, 6:13 PM

Updated : April 28, 2025, 6:13 PM

Author : Ananth

Easy Cleaning Tips

Kitchen Cleaning

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Every household deals with refrigerator odours at some point. Whether it's forgotten leftovers hiding in the back corner, spilt liquids, or strong-smelling foods like onions and fish, fridge smells can quickly become unpleasant. These lingering odours aren't just annoying—they can indicate potential food contamination and hygiene issues that might affect your family's health. Fortunately, you don't need expensive cleaners to solve this common problem. In fact, this blog is here to explain how to get rid of smell in fridge without using harmful chemicals. So keep reading.

How to Get Rid of Smell in Fridge?

Eliminating refrigerator odours requires cleaning the source of smells and using odour-absorbing methods. The most effective approach combines thorough cleaning with natural deodorisers that continue working to keep your fridge smelling fresh.

Method	What to Do	Best For
Baking Soda	Place an open container on a shelf	General odour maintenance
Vinegar Solution	Wipe surfaces with diluted solution	Deep cleaning and disinfecting
Lemon Slices	Place fresh slices on a plate	Quick freshening and pleasant scent
Activated Charcoal	Set in an open container	Strong, persistent odours
Coffee Grounds	Place dried grounds in an open container	Absorbing multiple odors
Vanilla Extract on Cotton Balls	Soak cotton balls and place them on a shelf	Pleasant masking scent
Newspaper Rolls	Roll up a newspaper and place in the fridge	Absorbing moisture and odors

What Causes Fridge and Freezer Smells?

Refrigerator odours typically come from food spoilage, where bacteria break down proteins and other compounds in forgotten items. Spills that seep into cracks create hard-to-reach odour sources. Cross-contamination between foods can spread odour-causing bacteria. Freezer burn and improper food wrapping in freezers lead to that distinctive "freezer smell." Even the refrigerator's drainage system can harbour bacteria and mold if not regularly cleaned, contributing to persistent odours.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Rid of Smell in Fridge Naturally

Using natural methods to eliminate refrigerator odours is practical, economical, and safer than chemical cleaners. These simple steps can transform even the smelliest fridge into a fresh-smelling appliance.

Step 1: Empty the refrigerator, discarding any expired or spoiled items.
Step 2: Remove all shelves and drawers and wash them thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
Step 3: Wipe down all interior surfaces with a natural cleaning solution of equal water and vinegar.
Step 4: Target stubborn areas with a paste made from baking soda and water, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping clean.
Step 5: Place odour absorbers such as an open container of baking soda, fresh lemon slices, or activated charcoal inside.

How to Remove Odour from a Refrigerator Using DIY Solutions?

DIY solutions offer practical alternatives to commercial products for eliminating those nasty smells. These natural methods are non-toxic, inexpensive, and use ingredients you likely already have at home, making them perfect for quick odour elimination or regular maintenance.

How to Get Rid of Smell in Fridge with Baking Soda

Baking soda naturally neutralises acidic odours through a chemical reaction. Place an open box or shallow container of baking soda on a middle shelf, replacing it every three months. For more pungent odours, spread baking soda on a plate to increase surface area exposure. You can also make a paste with water to scrub stubborn residue on fridge surfaces.

How to Get Rid of Smell in the Fridge with Lemon

Lemons contain citric acid, which neutralises odours while leaving a pleasant scent. Cut lemons in half and place them cut-side up on plates throughout the refrigerator. Replace every few days for continued freshness. Alternatively, soak cotton balls in lemon juice and put them in small dishes throughout the fridge. Mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle for a natural surface cleaner.

How to Get Rid of Smell in Fridge with Vinegar

White vinegar's acidity helps neutralise alkaline odours and has natural antibacterial properties. Mix water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to clean all surfaces. For persistent odours, place small bowls of vinegar on shelves for 24 hours (while food is removed). Adding a few drops of essential oil like lavender or lemon to the vinegar solution can help mask its strong scent.

How to Remove Bad Smell from Fridge with Coffee Grounds

Dried coffee grounds absorb odours effectively due to their nitrogen content. Place dry, used coffee grounds in a shallow container or small bowl and position on a shelf. For stronger absorption, spread the grounds on a plate to increase surface area. Replace weekly or when the coffee aroma fades. Coffee grounds work particularly well for fish and onion odours.

How to Get Rid of Smell in Freezer with Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has millions of tiny pores that trap odour molecules. Place activated charcoal in an open container in the back of the freezer, where odours tend to concentrate. Charcoal works well in cold temperatures, unlike baking soda, making it ideal for freezers. It's especially effective for eliminating freezer burn odours and can last up to three months before needing replacement.

How to Prevent Fridge Odours from Coming Back

Preventing refrigerator odours is easier than eliminating them after they develop. These simple habits help maintain a fresh-smelling fridge:

Step 1: Store foods in airtight containers to prevent odour transfer and leakage
Step 2: Use clear containers to identify contents and prevent forgotten items from easily
Step 3: Label leftovers with dates to track freshness and avoid spoilage
Step 4: Implement a weekly "fridge audit" to discard old items before they spoil
Step 5: Clean spills immediately before they seep into cracks or get sticky
Step 6: Keep an open container of baking soda in the fridge at all times
Step 7: Set refrigerator temperature between 35-38°F (1-3°C) to slow bacterial growth
Step 8: Clean the drip pan and water drainage system quarterly

When to Call for Professional Help?

Sometimes refrigerator odours persist despite thorough cleaning efforts, indicating it might be time for professional intervention:

Odors return within days despite complete cleaning and deodorising
Strange mechanical smells (burning rubber, hot plastic) that might indicate electrical issues
The refrigerator isn't maintaining the proper temperature while emitting unusual odors
Water is pooling inside or underneath the appliance with associated musty smells
Visible mold keeps returning despite cleaning with specialised products
The fridge is more than 10 years old and experiencing multiple issues simultaneously

How NoBroker Can Help with Cleaning Services?

When persistent refrigerator odours become overwhelming, or you lack the time for a thorough cleaning, NoBroker's professional cleaning services offer an efficient solution. Their trained technicians use specialised equipment and eco-friendly cleaning products to deep clean refrigerators, removing stubborn odours at their source. Get complete disassembling of removable parts, cleaning drainage systems and hidden areas where odours typically originate, and deeply clean them with NoBroker’s cleaning services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does baking soda take to remove fridge odours?

Ans: Baking soda begins absorbing odours immediately, but it typically takes 24-72 hours to notice significant improvement for moderate odours. For strong smells, you may need multiple containers or more frequent replacements.

Q: Can I use essential oils to make my fridge smell better?

Ans: Yes, adding a few drops of essential oils like lemon, orange, or peppermint to baking soda or cotton balls can help mask odours while the absorbent material works. Avoid direct contact between oils and food.

Q: Why does my fridge smell even when it's clean?

Ans: Odors may persist in drainage systems, door gaskets, or the drip pan underneath the refrigerator. The evaporator fan or condenser coils might also harbour mold or bacteria if not regularly cleaned.

Q: How often should I deep clean my refrigerator?

Ans: Most households should have a thorough cleaning every 3-4 months. However, homes with multiple users, frequent cooking, or storage of strong-smelling foods may benefit from monthly deep cleans.

Q: Will charcoal work better than baking soda for strong odours?

Ans: Activated charcoal typically outperforms baking soda for strong odours because it has more surface area to trap odour molecules. It's particularly effective for persistent smells from spoiled meat or fish.

Q: Is it normal for a new refrigerator to have a plastic smell?

Ans: Yes, new refrigerators often have a "plastic" or "chemical" smell from manufacturing materials. This should dissipate within 1-2 weeks, but can be hastened by wiping interior surfaces with a vinegar solution and using odour absorbers.

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Ananth,Author

Who doesn’t love a stylish home? We know Ananth does! From a young age Ananth could never resist reading Architecture Digest, Good House Keeping, and so on. He did it because he was captivated by the beauty of the homes and the way they kept homes feeling like ‘home’ but yet glamorous. He is a wizard at keeping houses looking top-notch and he does it with the least effort. He writes to shares his tips and make loving your home easy.

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