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How to Get Rid of the Smell in Your Fridge and Freezer

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 20, 2024

A smelly fridge or freezer is unpleasant, even if it's spotless. These foul smells from refrigerators are usually caused by spoiled food, bacteria and at times, even mold. This guide will help you understand how to get rid of fridge smells and keep them smelling fresh.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Reasons Your Refrigerator Smells Bad

  • Spoiled food or forgotten leftovers expired dairy products and rotten fruits or vegetables can emit strong, unpleasant odors.
  • Spills or food debris that accumulate over time contribute to lingering smells.
  • Moisture buildup can lead to mold or mildew growth, especially around door seals and in drawers.
  • Fridges and freezers are sealed to keep cool air in, but this also traps odors, causing them to become more concentrated over time.

Preparation Before Cleaning

Before you learn how to get rid of fridge smells, it is crucial to do this basic cleaning and take precautions.

  • Unplug your refrigerator to avoid electrocution.
  • Open the windows for better air circulation.
  • Remove all edible and non-edible items from the fridge and freezer.
  • Discard expired or spoiled foods to eliminate the source of bad smells. 
  • Place the food that can go bad in a cooler with ice packs to keep them safe while you clean.
  • If your fridge has a filter, replace it as recommended by the manufacturer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Fridge and Freezer Odors

Most of the time, we wonder why does my refrigerator smell. There are multiple ways to get rid of this smell.

Removing and Cleaning Shelves and Drawers

Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on the shelves and drawers of your fridge and freezer.

  • Use a mild dish soap and a soft sponge to clean shelves, drawers and other removable parts.
  • For tough stains, soak shelves and drawers in warm water mixed with baking soda for 15–20 minutes.
  • Clean the parts with a soft cloth and see if any smells or stains are left.

Caution

Do not put any parts of your refrigerator in the dishwasher. Let them air dry.

Clean the Interior and Gasket

  • Start by cleaning the refrigerator's gaskets, interior walls and freezer. Use a clean, soft cloth and mild detergent in warm water.
  • If there is dirt in the rubber seal that the cloth can’t reach, clean it with a small brush.
  • Wipe the seals dry to prevent moisture from getting trapped and causing mold.

Cleaning Freezer

A buildup of frost can contribute to odors, especially if there’s trapped moisture.

  • Try manual defrosting, if your freezer does not have automatic defrosting; schedule a manual defrost every 3-4 months to prevent ice and odor buildup.
  • Avoid strong-smelling foods, like fish or garlic, that can permeate the freezer if not stored properly. Use double-wrapped or vacuum-sealed bags to contain these smells.
  • After defrosting and cleaning, leave the freezer door open for a few hours to allow air to circulate and eliminate remaining smells.

Tip

Place a cotton ball with a few drops of essential oil in the freezer (away from food). Lavender, lemon or peppermint oils work well to maintain a pleasant scent.

Cleaning with Natural Solutions

There are other natural ways to remove the foul smell from refrigerator.

  • Using lemon juice to clean is a nice way; it will leave a citrusy smell afterwards. Use a 1:2 ratio for lemon juice and water. Use the mixture to scrub all interior surfaces.
  • Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that removes smells without leaving a chemical residue. Mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and clean it with a terry or a microfibre cloth. Wipe all interior surfaces thoroughly.
  • Coffee grounds have nitrogen, which helps with smells. Place a small bowl of coffee grounds in any corner of your fridge. It will absorb the odor and leave a slight coffee smell.

Tip

For an extra precaution, you can leave lemon peels in a bowl in the fridge for several hours after cleaning. You can also place charcoal in a small dish on a shelf, which will absorb the bad odor.

Preventing Future Odors

  • Store any leftover food properly in airtight containers and label them with dates to keep track of expiration dates.
  • If there are any spills, clean them immediately, as they can leave stains later.
  • Keep your fridge fresh-smelling by keeping baking soda, activated charcoal or coffee grounds in it as a continuous odor absorber.
  • Clean the refrigerator every 4-6 weeks.