Removing Refrigerator and Freezer Odors
Odors may be caused by food left too long, "strong"
foods not covered or packaged tightly,by a drip pan that
needs cleaning, or by food spoiling when power goes off
while the owner is away on vacation. A preventive measure
is getting someone to check your home every day or so, or
after a power outage in your area.
To remove odors:
1. Remove all items from refrigerator or freezer. Throw
out any spoiled foods. Take out removable parts and wash
them and door gasket with mild detergent in warm water.
Rinse well and wipe dry.
2. Wash interior walls and door liner with solution of 1-2
tablespoonsful of baking soda to 1 quart warm water, and
wipe dry. Leave door open and let it air out well, with a
fan directed toward inside, and opened windows if climate
permits.
3. If odor still remains, try one or all of the following
means of odor removal.
a. Spread baking soda out on shallow pans (like shallow
glass casseroles, pie plates, or jelly roll pans lined
with foil) and put pans on shelves to absorb odors, or on
the bottom and in baskets of chest freezer. Leave open
and unplugged.
b. Buy activated charcoal (which is specially treated to
remove odor molecules from air) at some department store
housewares sections, appliance store, or pet shop. Spread
out on shallow pans and put on shelves of refrigerator.
Turn refrigerator on low setting and run empty a few days
so odors will be absorbed.
c. Spread cat litter in shallow pan in cabinet, turn on
and run empty a few days. If odor is disappearing but is
not all gone, replace old litter with fresh litter.
d. Pour several ounces imitation vanilla (not pure
extract) in a shallow saucer, put on shelf and let run
empty a few days.
e. Put fresh ground coffee in cereal bowls inside the
refrigerator and let run empty several days. A slight
coffee odor may remain, but will disappear after washing
again with baking soda solution.
f. Pack each refrigerator shelf with crumpled newspaper.
Set a cup of water on the top shelf or sprinkle the
newspaper lightly with water. Allow refrigerator to run
for approximately 5-6 days. This method takes a bit longer
but has been effective in removal of strong odors.
g. Buy a commercial odor remover, and follow instructions
exactly. Several companies manufacture a liquid
concentrate which sells for about $3.00 for 1/4 to 1/2
ounce. A couple drops are put on a piece of cotton and
placed in the area to absorb odors, in the cabinet or
in a room.
Three of many brand names are: "Odor-Away" by Wrap-on
Co., available at hardware and hospital supply stores,
"SuperCD" IBL Household Products by Crackerbarrel Sales,
Avenal, New Jersey, available in pet supply department
or special products in grocery, or "Clean-Air" at some
appliance repair shops.
Hospital supply stores carry Dow Chemical Hospital
Disinfectant and Deodorant Spray. Spray into cabinet and
quickly shut the door. Repeat.
4. If none of these methods removes all the odor, then it
has probably penetrated into insulation. Contact an
appliance service company for an estimate on cost of
removing the liner and replacing the insulation. If cost
is too high you may prefer to get a new appliance. It
could be used for occasional cooling of soda pop where
the odor will not get into the beverage.
WARNING!
If refrigerator cannot be salvaged and is discarded,
remove the door or lid. It is a law in Michigan, to
prevent deaths of children who may hide in the cabinet
and suffocate.