How to Remove Smell From Fridge Quickly and Easily
Published: 1 Dec 2025
Have you ever opened your fridge and felt a strong smell hit your face? It feels confusing, right? You clean your kitchen, you store food well, but the fridge still smells bad. This happens in many homes, and it can make you worry about what is going wrong inside.
Don’t stress. This simple guide will show you how to remove smell from fridge in easy steps. You don’t need special tools or hard work. Just follow along, and you will learn how to make your fridge fresh, clean, and safe again. Let’s make your fridge smell good and feel new.
So, are you ready? Let’s discuss everything in detail without wasting our time.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you learn how to remove the smell from the fridge, it’s good to get a few simple things ready. This helps you work faster and makes the cleaning smoother. You don’t need anything fancy, just basic items you already have at home.
Here is what you need:
- Mild dish soap
Helps remove dirt and light stains. It is gentle and safe for fridge surfaces. - Warm water
Warm water loosens sticky spots and makes cleaning easier. - Baking soda
This is great for soaking up bad smells. It also cleans without harsh chemicals. - White vinegar
Helps kill odor-causing germs. It leaves the fridge fresh. - Soft cloth or sponge
You need this to wipe shelves and drawers without scratching them. - Small bowl or cup
You can use this to place baking soda inside your fridge later to absorb smells. - Trash bag
Helps you throw away old or spoiled food right away.
How to Remove Bad Smell From Fridge
A smelly fridge can be really frustrating. Even if your food is fresh, bad odors can make the whole kitchen feel unpleasant. Cleaning your fridge properly can remove these smells and keep it fresh for a long time. In this guide, we’ll go step by step so you can get your fridge smelling clean again.
Main Steps to Remove Smell From Your refrigerator
- Remove all food
- Clean the drip pan or drain pan
- Wash all shelves and drawers
- Wipe the inside of the fridge
- Clean vents, coils, and the back of the fridge
- Use natural deodorizers
- Control moisture inside the fridge
- Air out the fridge
- Replace filters if your fridge has them
- Set a regular cleaning routine
Now, let’s go through each step in detail so you can follow them easily.
Step 1: Remove All Food
Start by emptying your fridge. Take out all the food and check it carefully. Throw away anything that is expired, spoiled, or smells bad. Place fresh food in a cooler or another cold spot temporarily. Don’t forget jars, bottles, and containers, as they can hide spills. Removing everything makes cleaning easier and ensures no hidden odor is left behind.
Step 2: Clean the Drip Pan / Drain Pan
The drip pan collects water, crumbs, and leftover food bits. If it’s dirty, it can cause strong odors. Carefully remove the drip pan and wash it with warm water and mild soap. Rinse it well to remove all soap and grime. Dry it completely before putting it back in the fridge. Cleaning the drip pan is important because even small leftover liquids can make the fridge smell again.
Step 3: Wash All Shelves and Drawers
Shelves and drawers hold spills and food residue that can smell over time. Remove them from the fridge and wash with warm, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly to remove all soap. Dry each piece with a clean towel before putting it back. Keeping shelves and drawers clean stops odors from hiding in corners.
Step 4: Wipe the Inside of the Fridge
After removing food and shelves, clean the walls, doors, and seals. Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a little mild soap. Pay extra attention to the rubber seals, as they often trap dirt and moisture. Wipe all surfaces carefully, then dry with a towel to prevent mold. A clean interior keeps your fridge smelling fresh and safe for food.
Step 5: Clean Vents, Coils, and the Back of the Fridge
Dust and dirt can build up behind your fridge or on the cooling coils. This can affect efficiency and cause odors. Unplug the fridge first. Use a soft brush or vacuum to clean the coils, vents, and back panel. Wipe the back of the fridge with a damp cloth if needed. Clean vents and coils help airflow and prevent smells.
Step 6: Use Natural Deodorizers
Natural deodorizers remove leftover smells without chemicals. Place a small bowl of baking soda in the fridge, as it absorbs odors naturally. Coffee grounds or activated charcoal also work well. Make sure they don’t touch food directly. Replace the deodorizer every 1–2 months for the best effect. Natural solutions keep your fridge fresh and safe.
Step 7: Control Moisture Inside the Fridge
Moisture causes mold and bacteria, which create bad odors. Wipe up spills immediately. Use paper towels or a dry cloth to soak up extra water from shelves or drawers. Store food in airtight containers to prevent leaks. Check for condensation or pooling water regularly. Controlling moisture stops odors before they start.
Step 8: Air Out the Fridge
Strong odors sometimes need fresh air to disappear. Unplug the fridge and leave the doors open for 15 to 30 minutes. Make sure the room is well-ventilated. Wipe the interior again if needed after airing. This step works especially well for stubborn smells from strong foods.
Step 9: Replace Filters (If Applicable)
Many modern fridges have air or water filters that trap odors. Check your fridge manual to see if you have filters. Replace them according to the instructions. Wipe the area before inserting a new filter. Fresh filters keep your fridge smelling clean and your water or ice tasting fresh.
Step 10: Set a Regular Cleaning Routine
Preventing odors is easier than removing them later. Clean your fridge every 2 to 3 months. Throw away expired food weekly. Wipe spills immediately to stop odors. A routine keeps your fridge efficient, safe, and odor-free. This simple habit saves time and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
Extra Tips and Best Practices
Keeping your fridge fresh is easier when you follow some simple tips. These small habits can prevent bad smells and make cleaning easier. Here are practical things to do and avoid:
- Keep foods in airtight containers – This stops spills and prevents odors from spreading.
- Check expiration dates weekly – Throw away old or spoiled food immediately.
- Wipe spills right away – Even small spills can cause strong odors if left.
- Use a fridge deodorizer regularly – Baking soda or charcoal helps absorb smells.
- Avoid overloading the fridge – Crowded fridges don’t cool evenly and can trap moisture.
- Store strong-smelling foods separately – Keep items like onions or cheese in sealed boxes.
- Clean the fridge regularly – A quick wipe every few weeks prevents buildup.
- Don’t block vents – Proper airflow keeps the fridge cool and odor-free.
- Keep fridge temperature steady – Around 37–40°F (3–4°C) prevents bacteria growth.
- Air out your fridge if needed – Leaving doors open for a short time can freshen it up.
Following these tips keeps your fridge smelling fresh and your food safe.
Common Problems and Fixes
Even when you try to keep your fridge fresh, some issues can pop up. Here are the common problems and simple ways to fix them:
- Problem: Food spills are left unnoticed.
Fix: Wipe spills immediately with a clean cloth to stop odors from forming. - Problem: Using strong chemicals to clean.
Fix: Stick to mild soap, baking soda, or natural solutions for safe cleaning. - Problem: Overcrowding the fridge.
Fix: Leave space between items so air can circulate and prevent smells. - Problem: Ignoring expired or spoiled food.
Fix: Check dates weekly and throw out anything old or rotten. - Problem: Moisture builds up inside.
Fix: Dry shelves and containers after spills and use airtight storage. - Problem: Forgetting the drip pan or coils.
Fix: Clean the drip pan and vacuum coils regularly to stop hidden odors. - Problem: Air vents blocked by containers.
Fix: Arrange food so that vents are clear and cold air can flow freely. - Problem: Filters are not replaced on time.
Fix: Check and replace air or water filters as per the manufacturer’s instructions. - Problem: Strong-smelling foods are stored openly.
Fix: Keep onions, cheese, and other strong foods in sealed boxes. - Problem: The Fridge was left closed too long with odors inside.
Fix: Air out the fridge for 15–30 minutes when smells persist.
Following these simple fixes helps keep your fridge clean, fresh, and safe for food.
Conclusion
So, guys, in this article, we have discussed how to remove smell from fridge in simple, easy steps. We covered everything from removing food, cleaning shelves, drip pans, vents, and coils, to using natural deodorizers, controlling moisture, airing out the fridge, replacing filters, and setting a regular cleaning routine. I also shared extra tips, common problems, and simple fixes to make sure your fridge stays fresh and safe for your food. As an expert, I recommend following these steps regularly and using natural solutions like baking soda or coffee grounds to keep odors away without harsh chemicals.
Take action today by starting to clean your fridge and trying these tips to keep it smelling fresh. For more helpful guides on home appliances, explore our other articles and learn easy ways to maintain a clean and efficient kitchen.
Common Questions About Refrigerator Smells
Even if you follow all the cleaning steps, many people still have extra questions about keeping their fridge smelling fresh. These questions help you understand practical solutions and make your fridge safe, fresh, and odor-free.
Here are some important questions that we haven’t covered yet in detail:
- What is the best fridge smell remover?
- Does a lemon get rid of a smelly fridge?
- Is there a difference between fridge baking soda and regular baking soda?
- Is it better to keep baking soda or baking powder in the fridge?
- Can fridge odors affect the taste of food?
- Are there any natural ways to keep the fridge smelling fresh long-term?
- What should I do if my fridge still smells bad after cleaning?
Now, we will discuss each question in detail with simple answers that you can use to solve these common fridge problems.
The best fridge smell remover depends on what you have at home. Baking soda is the most common and safe option. It absorbs odors naturally and keeps the fridge fresh. You can also use activated charcoal or coffee grounds. Place them in a small bowl inside the fridge for best results.
Yes, lemon can help freshen your fridge. Its natural scent covers mild odors. Cut a lemon in half and place it on a small plate inside the fridge. Change the lemon every few days for a fresh smell. This works best with light odors, not strong or rotten smells.
No, there is no big difference. Both types absorb odors well. Baking soda usually comes in a small box designed to fit in the fridge. Regular baking soda works the same way if you put it in an open container. Both are safe and effective for removing fridge smells.
Baking soda is better for removing fridge smells. Baking powder is for cooking and does not absorb odors well. Keep an open box or small bowl of baking soda inside the fridge. Replace it every 1–2 months for the best results. Baking soda keeps your fridge fresh naturally.
Yes, strong odors can make food taste strange. Foods like milk, butter, or fruits can pick up smells from the fridge. Keeping the fridge clean and using airtight containers stops this problem. Using baking soda or natural deodorizers also helps. A fresh fridge keeps your food tasting normal.
Yes, there are simple, natural ways. Keep a small bowl of baking soda inside the fridge. You can also use coffee grounds, activated charcoal, or lemon halves. Always store food in airtight containers. Clean the fridge regularly and remove expired food to prevent smells.
If smells stay after cleaning, check for hidden spills or expired food. Make sure the drip pan and vents are clean. Place baking soda or activated charcoal inside for a few days. Leave the fridge door open for 15–30 minutes to air it out. Persistent smells may need a technician to check the fridge.
So friends, it’s time to say goodbye. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new today.
If you want to read more simple and helpful guides about air conditioners and refrigerators, you can check out our post How to Use a Refrigerator for the First Time. It will help you set up your fridge the right way from day one.
