We’ve all been there—opening the fridge, expecting fresh ingredients, only to be met with the overwhelming stench of something gone bad.
Whether it’s forgotten leftovers, spoiled produce, or something buried in the back for far too long, rotten food can leave behind a lingering odor that seeps into your fridge and won’t easily go away.
But don’t worry! With a few simple steps, you can get rotten food smell out of fridge and restore freshness.
What Causes Rotten Food Smell in the Fridge?
Rotten food smells come from bacteria and mold-breaking down organic matter, releasing gases that create those foul, musty odors. The cold temperature of your fridge slows down this process, but it doesn’t stop it entirely.
Once food starts to spoil, the smell can cling to the shelves, walls, and even the fridge door seals. The trick to getting rid of the smell is to not only clean the fridge thoroughly but also to neutralize any remaining odor.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Rotten Food Smell Out of Fridge
To get rotten food smell out of a fridge, remove all food, clean shelves with a vinegar solution, and use odor-absorbing materials like baking soda, activated charcoal, or coffee grounds.
Proper ventilation and regular cleaning will help prevent odors from returning. If your fridge smells less than fresh, follow this step-by-step guide to remove the rotten food smell and keep it clean going forward.
Step 1: Empty the Fridge
The first step is to take everything out of your fridge, so you have full access to every nook and cranny for cleaning.
- Remove all items: Start by taking out all the food, containers, and drinks in the fridge. Check each item and throw out anything that’s spoiled or past its expiration date.
- Inspect hidden corners: Rotten food or spills can sometimes hide in the back of the fridge or in drawers, so make sure to check every compartment thoroughly.
Once the fridge is empty, you can easily see where the source of the odor is coming from and get started on cleaning.
Step 2: Clean All Surfaces
To eliminate the smell completely, you’ll need to give your fridge a deep clean.
- Create a cleaning solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water to create a natural, powerful cleaning solution. Vinegar is excellent at breaking down grease, grime, and bacteria while neutralizing odors.
- Scrub the shelves, walls, and drawers: Use a sponge or cloth soaked in your vinegar solution to wipe down every surface inside the fridge, including shelves, walls, drawers, and the inside of the door. Pay extra attention to any spills or sticky spots where the smell might be lingering.
- Remove and wash detachable parts: Take out any removable shelves or drawers and wash them separately in the sink with warm, soapy water. Allow them to air dry completely before placing them back in the fridge.
Pro Tip: For stubborn odors, sprinkle baking soda directly onto a damp sponge and scrub any tough spots. Baking soda helps lift stains and absorb odors.
Related Post: Say Goodbye to Rotten Meat Smells with These Reliable Hacks
Step 3: Clean the Door Seals
Often, the seals around your fridge door can trap spills, crumbs, or moisture, which can contribute to the smell. Cleaning these seals is important to ensure every part of your fridge is fresh.
- Scrub the seals: Use an old toothbrush dipped in your vinegar solution to scrub the seals and the grooves around the fridge door. This helps remove trapped food particles and odors.
- Wipe with a damp cloth: After scrubbing, wipe the seals down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue, then dry them with a towel.
Cleaning these often-overlooked areas can make a big difference in preventing odors from coming back.
Step 4: Deodorize the Fridge
After cleaning, it’s time to deodorize your fridge to fully get rid of the rotten food smell. There are several natural odor absorbers you can use to keep your fridge smelling fresh.
Baking Soda:
- Place an open box of baking soda on one of the fridge shelves to absorb odors. Baking soda is a tried-and-true method for neutralizing smells and works well in small, enclosed spaces like a fridge.
- Replace every 1–2 months: Refresh the baking soda every 1–2 months to keep it working effectively.
Activated Charcoal:
- Use activated charcoal bags or briquettes in the fridge to absorb strong odors. Charcoal is highly effective at trapping and neutralizing even the toughest smells. Place a small container of activated charcoal in the fridge and leave it for several days.
Coffee Grounds:
- Use dry coffee grounds to mask and neutralize odors. Place a bowl of coffee grounds on a shelf and let them absorb the smell for a few days. Coffee grounds not only absorb bad odors but also leave behind a pleasant scent.
White Vinegar:
- Place a bowl of white vinegar in the fridge overnight. The vinegar will help neutralize any remaining smells, and its own scent will fade as it evaporates.
Step 5: Air Out the Fridge
After you’ve cleaned and deodorized, airing out your fridge can help get rid of any lingering odors.
- Leave the fridge door open: If possible, leave the fridge door open for a few hours to let fresh air circulate. This is especially helpful after deep cleaning.
- Use a fan for airflow: If your fridge smells particularly strong, consider using a small fan nearby to help push fresh air into the fridge and carry odors out.
Allowing the fridge to air out will remove any final traces of smell and prepare it for restocking.
Step 6: Restock the Fridge
Now that your fridge is clean and odor-free, you can start putting your food back inside.
- Wipe down containers: Before putting food back in the fridge, wipe down any sticky jars, containers, or bottles that may have contributed to the smell in the first place.
- Organize food properly: To prevent future odors, store food in airtight containers, especially items like meats, cheese, or strong-smelling leftovers.
- Label and rotate: Label leftovers with the date and rotate older items to the front so they’re used up before spoiling. This reduces the risk of forgotten food creating a new odor problem.
Step 7: Prevent Future Odors
Now that your fridge is fresh and clean, here are some tips to prevent rotten food smells from coming back.
Use Odor Absorbers Regularly:
- Keep baking soda or activated charcoal in the fridge at all times to continuously absorb odors. Replace these every few months for best results.
Clean Spills Immediately:
- Wipe up spills as soon as they happen to prevent them from hardening or seeping into shelves and drawers. This is especially important for liquids like milk or meat juices, which can spoil and create strong odors.
Store Food Properly:
- Use airtight containers for leftovers and perishables. Properly sealing food prevents odors from spreading and keeps your food fresher for longer.
Regularly Check for Spoiled Food:
- Do a weekly fridge check: Make it a habit to check your fridge for items that are nearing their expiration date or have spoiled. Regularly clearing out old food prevents odors from building up.
End Note
Getting rid of the rotten food smell from your fridge doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With a few simple steps, including a deep clean, deodorizing with natural products, and improving ventilation, you can restore your fridge to its fresh, odor-free state. Regular maintenance, proper food storage, and the use of odor absorbers will help keep your fridge smelling pleasant for the long term.
Remember, the key to avoiding bad smells is quick action—remove spoiled food immediately and clean up spills as they happen. By keeping a clean and organized fridge, you can avoid future odors and ensure your food stays fresh and safe.
