Why does my fridge smell? (And how do I get rid of it?)
By Evan Crowther•Last updated Sep 12, 2023
Last updated Sep 12, 2023
The last thing you want to encounter when opening the fridge is a horrible smell.
If you’ve already cleaned your fridge, you were probably expecting a fresh scent. However, unpleasant odors can linger around refrigerators for a variety of reasons.
Keep reading to see some of the common sources of foul odors. Plus, we'll also tell you how to get rid of smells in the fridge.
Reason 1: Spoiled food
The most likely reason your fridge smells bad is spoiled food. As food goes bad, it begins to rot and attract mold and bacteria.
To confirm that spoiled food is the source of the smell, do the following:
- Inspect everything in the fridge.
- Look for visible signs of spoilage and noticeable odors.
- Get rid of expired food. Double-check expiration dates. Food may start to go bad even before the expiration date, especially more perishable items like meat and dairy.
If spoiled food is causing the smell, it’s time for a deep clean to help remove lingering refrigerator odors. Follow these steps:
- Place all unspoiled food items in a cooler.
- Throw out anything that’s gone bad.
- Use a mixture of soap and warm water to clean the fridge. Sometimes plastic absorbs odors even after the spoiled food is gone, so clean thoroughly.
- After cleaning, leave an open box of baking soda in the fridge. It can help remove the odor.
Reason 2: Mold or debris in the drip pan
At the bottom of your fridge is a drip pan that collects drops of moisture falling off the condenser coils. Over time, the drip pan can accumulate food debris and other liquids. This can cause a terrible refrigerator smell even if you clean the refrigerator interior thoroughly.
To clean the drip pan, use dish soap to make a soapy water solution. Scrub the pan with a sponge or washcloth soaked in the soapy water. Make sure the drip pan is dry before putting it back. This should leave your fridge smelling fresh.
Pro tip: You should also check for signs of mold near and around your fridge. For example, if you spilled a liquid or if your refrigerator has been leaking, you may see mold or mildew growth underneath or behind your fridge. This could be causing bad odors in your kitchen.
Reason 3: Insufficient cooling
Even if you keep the fridge clean, the temperature may not be low enough to keep food fresh. The ideal fridge temperature should be under 40° F. Temperatures above this range may lead to food spoilage.
Most refrigerators have a control for adjusting the temperature. Check your fridge’s manual for specific instructions on how to access and set it to the right temperature.
If you have the control set to an appropriate temperature but it’s still too warm, you may need to hire a pro to inspect it.
Reason 4: There’s something near the fridge
In some cases, the cause of the smell may not be the fridge at all but something else near it. If you’ve cleaned and checked for spoiled food, look around the sides of the fridge as well as underneath it. Sometimes food items can end up in kitchen crevices and start to decay and smell.
Move your refrigerator away from the wall to look for bits of food that rolled under it. Have someone help you move the refrigerator if necessary to avoid injuries. You may also want to protect the floor from scuffing and scratching before you move the fridge.
How to fix and prevent odors in your refrigerator
These maintenance tips can help you prevent smells from permeating your fridge before they start.
- Keep your refrigerator clean. Periodically cleaning your fridge can prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, stains, grime, and food particles. These can all lead to foul smells. Be sure to remove and discard any spoiled food as soon as you notice it.
- Use baking soda. Not only can a box of baking soda deodorize the fridge, but you can also use it to clean surfaces. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda over the shelves and trays in your fridge, and wipe with a wet sponge or cloth.
- Use coffee grounds. Coffee has a strong, earthy smell that can help neutralize unpleasant odors. However, try not to place it next to open food items. If you do, they may end up smelling like coffee as well.
- Try activated charcoal. You can use activated charcoal to absorb bad smells in your home — including inside the fridge. Place an open container with the charcoal in the back of the fridge on one of the shelves.
- Clean the fridge with vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleanser that helps kill bacteria and mold, as well as remove odors. A solution of white vinegar and water is a non-toxic alternative to stronger cleaning agents like bleach.
- Air out your fridge. After a deep clean, prop the door open for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help circulate fresh air to remove smells.
- Store food properly. Avoid storing perishable foods in the refrigerator door, as they may spoil faster and start to smell.
Hire a pro to repair your refrigerator
If your fridge has a stubborn odor even after cleaning it, it could be a sign of a serious issue. Mechanical issues and cooling problems typically require a repair technician’s expertise.
With so many options, finding the right appliance repair service can be a challenge. The best way to find a refrigerator repair technician in your area is with Thumbtack. Download the Thumbtack app today to get free quotes for your refrigerator repairs.
How it works.
Search.
Browse profiles, see prices and use filters to find pros who match your project.
Chat.
Contact the pros you like to discuss project details.
Hire.
Check pro availability and book appointments right in the app.
Find local pros for your project
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll show you pros right for the job, with prices.