How to Get Rid of Fridge Smells, Including Stale and Foul Odors

One food spill or forgotten ingredient can quickly fill your refrigerator with some pretty nasty smells. But even if your fridge is pristine and free of expired items, you may occasionally need to know how to get rid of fridge smells, including foul and stale odors that accumulate and linger. These unpleasant aromas are typically caused by bacteria, mold, and other microbes, which can thrive in your refrigerator's dark, moist environment and are often difficult to detect.

How to Get Rid of Fridge Smells

If you notice a foul odor when you open the door, the first step in how to get rid of fridge smells is to identify and throw away any expired or noticeably stinky items. If the smell persists, your best bet is to clear out and deep-clean the interior of your refrigerator to eliminate any residue or spoiled food you might have missed. Otherwise, you can harness the odor-eliminating power of a few natural ingredients and easy cleaning techniques to remove unwanted smells from your fridge. Try these simple ways to eliminate refrigerator odors and leave your fridge smelling fresh and clean.

1. Clean the refrigerator drip pan.

The drip pan is a small tray that captures condensation from your fridge so it doesn't leak into your kitchen. The heat from the refrigerator coils usually causes this moisture to evaporate, but if excess liquid builds up, it can result in a pool of foul-smelling water. The drip pan is underneath the fridge and typically accessed from behind a kick plate in the front or back of the appliance. Check your refrigerator's manual for specific instructions on locating and accessing the drip pan. If you can't find your manual, search for the model number online.

Following the manufacturer's instructions, remove the kick plate or back panel and clean the drip pan with a cloth or sponge. If you need to pull the fridge away from the wall, unplug the water and power supply before cleaning. Empty any standing water in the drip pan and eliminate mold or mildew using a diluted bleach or vinegar-water solution. Rinse or wipe clean with a damp cloth, then dry the drip pan thoroughly before replacing the panel.

2. Eliminate fridge odors with activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal (also called activated carbon) is a fine, black powder that acts as a sponge to absorb tiny particles that cause bad fridge smells. It's often used in water filtration systems to remove contaminants, and it functions similarly to purify the air. You can purchase activated charcoal sachets from various retailers. Placing one on a fridge shelf will help absorb moisture and is an effective method for how to get rid of fridge smells.

3. Air out the smelly fridge.

A humid, food-filled refrigerator provides the ideal environment for growing bacteria and mold. The tightly sealed interior can allow unpleasant smells to seep into the walls and shelves. A tip for how to get rid of fridge smells is to air it out. Empty all items and store them in coolers or, if you have one, a second refrigerator, store them there. After unplugging the fridge and wiping down the interior, prop the doors open for about an hour before restocking.

4. Utilize baking soda.

Baking soda is known to catch and absorb odors, but it's less effective if you leave it in the box. To increase your baking soda's surface area and odor-trapping power, sprinkle some on a damp sponge instead of using the whole package. Then, place the sponge on a refrigerator shelf and replenish with baking soda as needed.

5. Make a deodorizer.

For another way to remove fridge odors with baking soda, create a deodorizer with an old spice jar. Use a funnel to pour some baking soda into a recycled spice jar for a stylish way to eliminate odors. The holes in the top allow the smelly particles to come in contact with the baking soda. You can also add a few drops of citrus essential oil for an even better-smelling mixture!

6. Neutralize odors with coffee grounds.

Coffee has a strong, pleasant scent that can help neutralize fridge smells. Set a small bowl of coffee grounds in the refrigerator to replace odors with the aroma of a fresh brew. However, coffee can impart an aroma to other items in your fridge, so beware of storing unpackaged foodstuffs near the coffee grounds.

These strategies offer a simple way to eliminate foul refrigerator odors, but if you've tried everything and the smell lingers, you might be dealing with a more severe issue. Consider calling a refrigerator technician who can diagnose the problem and quickly get your fridge smelling fresh again. Other appliances, like dishwashers or garbage disposals, can also become stinky due to a buildup of leftover food particles, standing water, or other issues, and need to be cleaned regularly to reduce the possibility of developing odors. If you have problems with unappealing smells in the other areas of your home, our tips for banishing household odors can help.