How to Remove Bad Odors in Your Refrigerator and Freezer—and Prevent Them From Coming Back

Does your refrigerator or freezer have a bad smell you can't seem to get rid of? You're not alone. Over time, decomposing foods, poor air circulation, mold growth, and other issues can contribute to unwanted odors building up in your appliance. Luckily, these smells are easy to remove with common household ingredients you likely already have on hand. To help, we tapped cleaning experts who shared their step-by-step routine for deodorizing refrigerators and freezers, plus their tips for preventing these smells from returning.

Why Your Refrigerator or Freezer Smells

Odors in the refrigerator or freezer can form for various reasons. These smells often come from spoiled food, spills, poorly sealed containers, a dirty appliance, or mold growth. That said, they can also occur because of a faulty appliance. "Poor air circulation and moisture can trap these odors, allowing them to linger and spread to other items," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

How to Remove Refrigerator and Freezer Smells

To get rid of unwanted odors in your refrigerator or freezer, follow these expert-approved steps.

1. Empty the Refrigerator and Freezer

Start by removing everything from your refrigerator and freezer, including all food, drinks, and containers. "Check for spoiled items and discard anything that is expired or has an unpleasant smell," says Sokolowski.

2. Unplug and Defrost Appliance

For freezers with a strong odor, unplug the appliance and allow it to defrost, says Sokolowski. Doing so helps release odors trapped in ice buildup and makes the appliance easier to clean.

3. Clean Removable Parts

Take the shelves, drawers, and racks out of your refrigerator or freezer. Wash these components thoroughly with warm, soapy water. "Rinse and dry the removables completely before placing them back to prevent lingering moisture," says Sokolowski.

4. Deep Clean Interior Surfaces

Next, wipe down the walls, ceiling, and door seals of these appliances using a solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. "Pay extra attention to corners and crevices where spills and debris often collect," says Sokolowski. Return the removable parts to your refrigerator or freezer.

5. Inspect All Food

Inspect all food before returning it to your refrigerator or freezer. If your food has gone bad or shows signs of mold, throw it out or place it in your compost bin. Also, check expiration dates and toss anything past its date. Return the items that are still edible to your refrigerator or freezer.

6. Deodorize Your Appliance

Deodorize your appliance naturally by placing an open container of a natural odor absorber, like baking soda or coffee grounds inside the refrigerator or freezer. "This will help neutralize some mild food odors floating around in your fridge," says Morgan Eberhard, a senior scientist at Dawn.

Natural Deodorizers for the Refrigerator and Freezer

These ingredients will remove or absorb odors lingering in your refrigerator or freezer.

• Baking soda: Baking soda neutralizes odor molecules, effectively absorbing unpleasant smells, says Sokolowski. Place a box of baking soda on a refrigerator or freezer shelf and replace it every one to three months.
• Activated charcoal: Activated charcoal is highly porous to absorb and trap odors, says Sokolowski. Place a bowl of activated charcoal in the refrigerator or freezer for 24 to 48 hours to neutralize strong smells. Replace it every few weeks.
• Vinegar: White vinegar contains acetic acid, which breaks down odor-causing bacteria and neutralizes smells, says Sokolowski. Wipe down the appliance with equal parts white vinegar and water.
• Lemons: Lemons contain citric acid, which has antibacterial properties and a fresh scent that masks unpleasant odors, says Sokolowski. Cut a lemon in half and place it on a plate inside your appliance.
• Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds absorb and mask strong odors due to their porous structure, says Sokolowski. Place dry, used coffee grounds in an open container inside the appliance for one to two days to absorb lingering smells.

Tips for Preventing Odors in the Refrigerator and Freezer

Keep these expert tips in mind to prevent odors from returning to your refrigerator or freezer.

• Store food properly: Use airtight containers to prevent odors from escaping and cross-contaminating other items, says Sokolowski. Cover strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, and leftovers securely.
• Maintain a regular cleaning routine: Deep clean your refrigerator and freezer monthly to prevent odors from building up. Wipe spills immediately and regularly check your appliance for expired or spoiled food.
• Use natural odor absorbers: Keep natural deodorizers, like half a lemon or an open box of baking soda, in your refrigerator or freezer to absorb odors. Replace these every few months for continuous freshness, says Sokolowski.