How to get rid of bad smell in the refrigerator once and for all

Modern refrigerators are usually equipped with a good ventilation system. But sometimes even she is unable to cope with the notorious stench. Therefore, let's understand what is the reason and how to get rid of odors in the refrigerator.

Why there is an unpleasant smell in the refrigerator

The reasons for the unpleasant smell in the refrigerator can be very different. New technology sometimes exudes a persistent chemical odor (may resemble the smell of acetone) emanating from plastic or rubber parts. You should get rid of this problem immediately, before connecting the device to the network and downloading products. The easiest way:

1. Prepare a solution: for 1 liter of water 1 tbsp. l vinegar.
2. Treat with vinegar all internal surfaces of the refrigerator, including removable parts and rubber seals.
3. And leave it for 1 hour without closing the door.
4. If one treatment does not completely eliminate the smell, repeat the procedure up to three times. Then let the refrigerator stand for several hours, ideally a day. During this time, in most cases, the smell goes away.

If, despite processing with vinegar and airing, a persistent chemical smell persists, return the refrigerator to the store as a poor-quality product. By law, you have 14 calendar days from the date of purchase.

The most common cause of bad smell in an old refrigerator is food that is spoiled or has a specific smell. Sometimes there is a mixture of different odors, which is even worse reflected in the general condition of the air in the chamber. If the smell could not be identified immediately, pay attention to the following reasons, individually or in a compartment, that give a stench:

• Violations of the tightness of packages (loosely closed jars, tubes, etc.) - this is exactly the case when the smells combine and give out an incredible aroma.
  

  Leaky packaging may leak odors

• Spoiled products - you can recognize them only by sniffing each separately.
  

  Spoiled foods smell bad

• Dirt on shelves, in drawers and containers will add its own touch to the overall aroma. Leftovers, spilled soup, stewed fruit or milk are all causes of an unpleasant odor.
• An unexpected surprise - rotten eggs. No, outwardly they look quite decent, but the internal content poisons the air for no apparent reason. Moreover, the biggest problem is that out of a dozen eggs, only one can be spoiled. And it doesn’t matter that you bought them all together in one package.
  

  Eggs may have a bad smell.

Unpleasant odors in the refrigerator can also be caused by technical problems. Most of them can only be eliminated by the master. But to know at least about the direction of these problems is still worth it. So, an inorganic odor can be:

• If the compressor, fuse, temperature sensor or start relay fails, a characteristic burning smell will appear. The first thing you can’t do is to unplug the plug: it may happen that you make a mistake in the direction of the smell, and it will come from the socket or wire itself, which will result in electric shock or burns. The second thing to do is turn off the electricity on the shield. And only then look for a service center for diagnostics and repair.
• Leakage of oil corresponds to a characteristic technical odor. And here also can not do without the help of specialists.
• Contrary to popular belief, refrigerant in modern refrigerators does not smell. But if you have an old Soviet refrigerator, from which a sweet smell, reminiscent of chloroform, spreads, then there is definitely a leak of freon and you need to immediately contact a repair workshop - the fumes are explosive.

The technical reasons for the musty odor of organic origin can be as follows:

• Clogged drainage system with product residues, crumbs or dust, resulting in disrupted condensate discharge. Stagnant meltwater becomes an unpleasant odor over time. But this is not the only problem. The blockage leads first to freezing of the refrigerator compartment, and then to a decrease in the refrigeration capacity, continuous operation of the compressor and its further breakdown. You can clean the drainage system yourself using a cotton swab, after disconnecting the refrigerator from electricity. After removing the dirt, the drain must be washed with warm water. For this, it is convenient to use a syringe. If the water leaves, then everything is in order.
  

  Drainage blockage is a common problem.

• If the water does not go away, then the problem is a little deeper - in the drainage hose. The blockage in it is eliminated with a wire. But you should act with extreme caution so as not to damage anything.
• Another “water” reason is filling the tray with condensate in refrigerators with automatic defrosting. It just needs to be cleaned and the cause will be eliminated.

The following group of technical malfunctions leads to quick spoilage of products, which becomes the cause of an unpleasant odor:

• Damage to the thermostat.
• Depreciation of the seal through which the cold leaves the refrigerator.
  

  If the rubber seal is leaking air, it will have to be replaced.

• Incorrect installation of the device, resulting in an incomplete fit of the door and loss of cold air.

In a long idle old refrigerator, standing empty with the door closed, a musty odor will also appear.

If the smell of burning coming from the refrigerator is capable of pushing any inhabitant to search for reasons, then many of them simply don’t know what the sour pickle threatens. But he is nonetheless dangerous.

What is the danger of bad smell

Products spoiled inside the refrigerator create ideal conditions for the development of pathogenic microorganisms, many of which live and reproduce very well at low temperatures. Provoking rotting and spoilage of products, in the refrigerator they find a completely comfortable living environment. A number of microorganisms (in the scientific community called psychrophiles) are able to survive even in the freezer. At negative temperatures, their development slows down, but the ability to reproduce under more favorable conditions remains.

American scientists have studied different surfaces in experimental kitchens for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in them. Samples were taken, including from the surfaces of refrigerators.And it was in them, as it turned out, that the largest number of harmful microorganisms were located.

Among others, very dangerous strains were discovered:

• Escherichia coli;
• Salmonella
• listeria;
• mold fungus.

All of them are fraught with food poisoning and infectious diseases for humans. Therefore, a spoiled pickle, if you can not get rid of it in time, is no less dangerous than the smell of burning.

How to eliminate an unpleasant odor

Despite the large number of various absorbers and fresheners, the whole industry is working to create, the only and best way to get rid of the smell is to wash the refrigerator. Bad smell is, in fact, the first bell and a signal for action. We are offered to not only ignore it, but also to disguise it, to make it intangible, by no means solving the problem and not moving the danger away. Therefore, we simply take the rag in our hands and eliminate the cause of the unpleasant smell, and not its consequences.

Remedies for dirt and bad smell in the refrigerator

This can be done with virtually any household detergent, from a dishwashing detergent to professional household cleaning products. The latter are available in the form of liquids or gels. Packaging is usually equipped with a sprayer for ease of use. Some products do not require rinsing with water and provide a prolonged action, leaving a protective layer on the surface and preventing possible contamination.

Professional refrigerator cleaners are easy to use.

Well-proven wet household wipes. Their peculiarity is that they are already saturated with a cleaning composition, that is, there is no need to buy additionally something else.

Home Protect wet wipes are comfortable and practical

You can also wash and disinfect the refrigerator with improvised means.

Baking soda

Properties:

• effectively removes small impurities;
• possesses antibacterial and disinfectant properties;
• returns whiteness to surfaces;
• eliminates unpleasant odors.

You can wash the refrigerator only with a solution of baking soda. Dry matter has abrasive properties and can damage the plastic surfaces of the refrigerator.

The composition of the solution:

• baking soda - 4 tbsp. l;
• warm water - 1 liter.

Vinegar

Properties:

• possesses excellent antibacterial properties, easily copes with mold;
• Effectively eliminates unpleasant odors and is easy to weather.

The concentration of solutions:

• for regular washing: 3 tbsp. l vinegar per 1 liter of water;
• with a large spread of mold, use a ratio of vinegar to water 1 to 1.

Lemon juice

Properties:

• effective antimicrobial action;
• elimination of unpleasant odors;
• removal of persistent pollution.

Concentration: 4–5 Art. l lemon juice in 0.5 liters of water. Strong pollution can be rubbed with a slice of lemon.

After processing the refrigerator with lemon juice, a pleasant aroma remains inside the chamber.

Ammonia

Means action:

• effectively eliminates stains and contaminants of various origins, including grease film and yellowness on plastic;
• removes mold.

Ammonia has a pungent and unsafe odor. Therefore, work should be carried out in a well-ventilated area. And protect your respiratory system with a wet gauze bandage.

Solution concentration:

• ammonia - 1 tbsp. l;
• liquid soap - 2-3 drops;
• warm water - 1 liter.

An unpleasant odor will leave the refrigerator along with dirt and spoiled products immediately after cleaning

Video: master refrigeration tips

Preventing bad smell in the refrigerator

Maintaining cleanliness in the refrigerator, you will hardly ever remember the bad smell. And therefore, you just need to follow the simple rules so that the refrigerator with its unbearable aroma does not appeal to you for help:

• All contaminants (crumbs, spilled liquids, etc.) must be removed immediately, without delay. So you eliminate the source of bacterial growth.
• In order not to wash the soiled shelves every time, put antibacterial rugs on them. They are easy to clean and protect the refrigerator from contamination.
  

  Antibacterial rugs are practical and look beautiful

• A more budgetary and less time-consuming option is cling film or polyethylene. The film holds well on the surface. And if necessary, it can simply be removed and discarded, replacing it with a new one.
  

  Plastic film on the shelves - a budget option

• Wash and dry vegetables and fruits thoroughly before folding them into the chamber.
• Store raw and cooked foods in different parts of the refrigerator.
• Do not allow storage of expired goods. To make this easier to implement, you can stick a sticker with the end date of use on each package. And products with an expiring shelf life should be transferred to a designated place in the refrigerator. This method will help in time to eat or get rid of everything that cannot be stored.
  

  Find a special place for expiring products

• If you know that it’s impossible to use the products on time, you can freeze some of them. So they will retain their qualities. But it is important to know that you can freeze any food only once. Therefore, it is advisable to break them into smaller portions.
• Use plastic containers to store food in the freezer. They protect the camera drawers from dirt.
  

  Food in the freezer is conveniently stored in containers.

• You should also know that the temperature on the refrigerator door is lower, so perishable foods, such as milk, should be placed inside the chamber.
• For each product, there are individual optimal storage conditions. They must be taken into account to ensure freshness for a long time. So, for example, the salad is best stored in a glass container, and the cheese must be wrapped in a plastic wrap and put in a ceramic, glass or plastic container.

Now you know the reasons and ways to get rid of the unpleasant odor in the refrigerator. This means that you can eliminate this problem, maintain the quality of the products and continue not to hold your breath by opening the refrigerator door.