Why there is a smell in the refrigerator and how to remove it

Sometimes even the most neat and hardworking housewives are faced with the problem of an unpleasant smell from the refrigerator. Unfortunately, even buying the most expensive and functional model does not exclude the possibility of its appearance. Most often, the question is in the improper operation of the unit and ignorance of the shelf life of some products. You can get rid of the smell in the refrigerator in various ways, we'll talk about them, and first we'll find out where its source may be hidden.

Sources of odor in the refrigerator

The main reason for the stench in the refrigerator, and less often in the freezer compartment, is the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi and mold that settle on food and the walls of household appliances and can seriously harm your health. If the situation is "started", microorganisms will continue to multiply actively, filling small cracks and other hard-to-reach places, thereby poisoning the food in the refrigerator and emitting a stench that is felt even at a distance.

It is noticed that in old household appliances odors spread more strongly and are more difficult to remove, it is in them that there are many chips and other damages that microorganisms increasingly colonize. In order to get rid of their attack at least for a while, it is necessary to carefully, using antiseptic and chemical agents, treat every corner of the unit, and this should be done regularly. There are also special products, the so-called deodorants, which are installed in the lower or upper compartment, absorbing and neutralizing the stench, but they do not solve the problem of its source.

Many owners of new refrigerators note a peculiar factory technical smell of plastic, rubber or paint. As a rule, it disappears after some time, but it is quite easy to cope with it using simple grandmother's advice or modern absorbers.

The reason for the smell can be quite simple, before puzzling over a solution, check if the food has spoiled in the vegetable storage compartment or in one of the forgotten containers in the far corner.

How to wash the refrigerator inside to eliminate the smell

How do I clean my refrigerator properly?

1. To begin with, we disconnect the device from the network and completely free it from products.
2. You can remove most of the dirt with a regular soap solution or dishwashing detergent.
3. Next, let the refrigerator and freezer dry and ventilate.
4. We wipe every corner with a sponge dipped in one of the types of antiseptic and leave it again for a while.
5. We check the products once again, sort them into containers or bags if necessary.

How to wash the refrigerator:

• Soda... This method, proven over the years, was used more than once by our mothers and grandmothers, and it can be used in two versions - wash the inside of the refrigerator with a solution of soda or leave the container in one of the compartments for up to three months.
• With vinegar. We dilute acetic acid with water in proportions one to one and carefully wipe every corner.
• All surfaces of the refrigerator are treated with lemon juice, cutting the lemon into two halves.
• Chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide are special antiseptic and bactericidal agents, they are used diluted with water or in pure form.
• One of the "killer" agents for bacteria and mold is an ammonia solution, proceed with caution, dilute one spoonful of ammonia per liter of water, after processing, ventilate the refrigerator well.

Other methods for removing odors:

• Several tablets of activated carbon should be crushed and put inside on a plate.
• Salt, sugar or rice, rye bread also absorb unpleasant odors well, they can be left in the refrigerator regularly.
• Smelling fruits such as citrus fruits, coffee beans, cinnamon, and other spices temporarily mask the stench, but do not eliminate its source.

Some odors, for example, fish or mold, do not lend themselves well to conventional folk methods, then specialized products come to the rescue - gels and powders that not only neutralize the stench and clean the surface, but also have bactericidal properties, while being non-toxic.

How to quickly eliminate the smell in the refrigerator

But if the situation has not changed even after washing, drying and airing the refrigerator, the problem must be looked for in the device itself. Do not try to cope with it yourself, but entrust the specialists, because one wrong step and the technique will become faulty.

What is the most common source of odors?

It is possible that the auto defrosting system or the moisture outlet hole is clogged inside the refrigerator compartment, which caused mold and the stench. The master, as a rule, copes with these problems easily, and your task is to rinse the drain for water and inspect the auto defrosting system in order to prevent it.

The situation is more complicated when the reason lies in the lining of the refrigerator, contamination of plastic parts or thermal insulation materials. Disassembly of the device and replacement of damaged parts will be required, and this will cost a pretty penny. Preventive measures will be much cheaper, and this is a timely revision of spoiled products, compliance with storage rules, defrosting and washing.

Fridge odor absorber

Special odor absorbers for the refrigerator are another effective way to maintain its "hygiene".

Air fresheners come in different forms:

• The egg-shaped odor absorber not only fulfills its main function, but also serves as a cold indicator, showing if the temperature in the refrigerator is low enough and if it is suitable for storing food.
• Gel absorbers act faster than others, and often have antibacterial properties due to silver ions.
• Devices with replaceable carbon filters cope with their task just as well as others.
• The most affordable freshener is special balls that last for a long time, on average for a year.
• Special ionizers eliminate odors and prevent food from rotting.