We’ve all been there. You open your fridge, and instead of a fresh, clean scent, you’re hit with an overwhelming fishy odor.
Whether it’s from leftover seafood or accidental spills, that smell can be incredibly stubborn and unpleasant.
But don’t worry! If you’re wondering how to get fish odor out of fridge, we’ve got you covered. In this following blog, we’ll explore several easy and effective ways to banish that smell and keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean.
Why Does Fish Leave Such a Strong Odor in the Fridge?
So, why is it that fish, more than other foods, leaves such a potent smell? It’s all about the chemistry.
Fish contains amines—nitrogen-based compounds that give off a strong odor. When fish is stored in the fridge, these amines can cling to surfaces like shelves, drawers, and walls, making the smell tough to get rid of.
And even when you remove the fish, the scent can linger, especially if any liquid from the fish has dripped onto surfaces. Also, fish smells can be quite stubborn, but with the right cleaning methods, you can get your fridge smelling fresh again in no time!
Related Post: Rotten Food Smell in the Fridge? Here’s Your Reliable Solution
Immediate Steps to Remove the Source of the Odor
Before you start any sort of cleaning, the first step is to remove the source of the smell. This might sound obvious, but even small amounts of leftover fish or seafood can continue to produce odors if they’re not removed promptly.
How to Do It:
- Start by taking out any remaining fish or seafood from your fridge.
- Check for spills or leaks—fish juice can often drip onto shelves or into drawers. If you find any, wipe them up immediately with a paper towel or cloth.
- Dispose of any packaging or food that may be contributing to the smell.
5 Easy and Proven Ways to Get Fish Odor Out of Fridge
If you’re dealing with that stubborn fishy smell in your fridge, here are five proven ways to effectively get fish odor out of fridge and keep it smelling clean:
Method#1 Clean with Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is a powerful natural deodorizer that’s perfect for eliminating fish odors from your fridge. The acidity in vinegar helps neutralize odors, making it an effective solution for tough smells.
How to Do It:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Remove all items from your fridge and spray the vinegar solution onto all surfaces—shelves, drawers, and walls.
- Use a sponge or cloth to wipe everything down, paying extra attention to areas where spills or stains may have occurred.
- After wiping, leave the fridge open for about 30 minutes to allow it to air out before returning the food.
Vinegar may have its own strong scent, but don’t worry—it fades quickly and takes other odors with it!
Method#2 Baking Soda to Absorb Odor
Baking soda is another fantastic odor eliminator. It doesn’t just mask the smell—it absorbs and neutralizes it, making it one of the most effective ways to get rid of fish odor in the fridge.
How to Do It:
- Place an open box of baking soda on one of the fridge shelves.
- Let it sit in the fridge for 24-48 hours to absorb any lingering smells.
- For stronger odors, you can sprinkle baking soda directly onto a plate and leave it in the fridge for several days.
Make it a habit to keep an open box of baking soda in your fridge at all times. It’s an excellent preventative measure to keep your fridge smelling fresh long-term.
Method#3 Use Activated Charcoal or Coffee Grounds
If you need a more robust solution, activated charcoal or coffee grounds are excellent natural odor absorbers. Both materials are known for their ability to eliminate even the toughest smells, including fish odors.
How to Do It:
- Place small bowls of activated charcoal or coffee grounds in the fridge.
- Spread them out across different areas for better coverage.
- Leave them in the fridge for 48 hours or longer, depending on the intensity of the smell.
- After the smell is gone, remove the bowls and discard the contents.
You can reuse activated charcoal for future odor removal by letting it dry out and reactivating it.
Method#4 Lemon or Citrus Freshener
Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are not only refreshing but also great at masking and overpowering unpleasant odors. Plus, they leave your fridge smelling clean and zesty!
How to Do It:
- Slice a few fresh lemons or oranges and place them in the fridge on a plate or in small bowls.
- Leave them in the fridge for a few days, replacing them as needed until the fish smell is gone.
For an added boost, you can use lemon juice to wipe down the fridge surfaces. The natural acidity of lemon juice helps neutralize odors while leaving a pleasant citrus scent behind.
Method#5 Use Odor-Eliminating Products
If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn fish odor, it may be time to invest in a specialized product designed to eliminate fridge odors. These products are specifically formulated to target strong smells like fish.
How to Do It:
- Purchase a fridge-specific odor eliminator, which often comes in the form of gels or pouches.
- Place the product in the fridge according to the instructions on the packaging.
- These products typically last several weeks or months, making them a great solution for ongoing odor control.
Some products are designed to hang in the fridge, saving space while ensuring constant odor control.
Prevent Future Odors to Keep Your Fridge Fresh
Now that you’ve successfully gotten rid of the fish odor, it’s important to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few easy tips to keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean moving forward:
Store fish properly: Always store fish and seafood in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags to prevent any odors from escaping.
Clean up spills immediately: If any fish juices or liquids spill in your fridge, clean them up right away to stop odors from setting in.
Regularly clean your fridge: Make it a habit to give your fridge a thorough cleaning every few weeks. This helps prevent not only fish odors but other smells from building up over time.
Related Post: Easy Methods to Get Rid of That Lingering Spoiled Meat Odor
Closing Notes
Dealing with fish odor in the fridge is never fun, but with these simple and effective methods, you can banish that smell and enjoy a fresh, clean fridge once again.
Whether you opt for a vinegar wash, baking soda, or natural odor absorbers like charcoal and coffee grounds, there’s a solution for every fridge.
Hence, without any worry, make sure to try these methods, the next time you’re faced with a fishy situation, and say goodbye to unpleasant odors for good!
Read More: Top Food Smell Removal Techniques for Fresh Clothes Every Time