While it is an essential appliance in every household, the fridge can also be inconvenient if it is not maintained properly. It provides a safe way to store our food and keep it fresh. However, a fridge that smells bad can be unpleasant and even dangerous in some cases.
There are several reasons why this might happen, and understanding these is the key to eliminating the odor that bothers you. Keeping it fresh and clean is a priority for you, as the state of your fridge will also affect the quality of the food you eat.
This article will explore the 7 worst reasons a fridge smells bad even after cleaning it. These reasons are quite common and easy to understand, so make sure to pay attention and identify the ones similar to yours.
Summary
The most common reasons a fridge smells bad are bacteria growth in the seal and a dirty drip pan, and these can stay there even after cleaning it. Incorrect food storage can be a major contributor as well to why the fridge smells bad.
As we tested various refrigerator deodorizers, best one came out to be : Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag
In addition, here are things we’ll be going through in the article:
Reasons a fridge smells bad (even after cleaning it)
You notice a bad smell for several reasons. Identifying the cause is important as you can look for a specific solution and remove the problem as soon as possible. Let’s explore the most common reasons your fridge smells bad even after cleaning it.
Reason #1 – An external factor
Consider external factors if you notice a rotten smell coming from the area where your fridge is positioned. The smell might be generated by a piece of old food that has fallen behind the fridge, or something more serious, such as a leak in the water drainage system.
Inspect the area around your refrigerator and look for the source that causes the bad smell. Once you have located the problem, you can clean it up and eliminate it. Solutions involve fixing a leak, cleaning the area, and throwing spoiled food away.
Reason #2 – a dirty condenser coil or fan
Dirty condenser coils represent another possible cause of a bad smell coming from a fridge. They are located behind the fridge, and their purpose is to dispense the heat from the refrigerant. When these coils are dirty, they cannot run properly and will cause the fridge to become too warm.
As your fridge warms up, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to develop. As a result, a bad smell can be noticed from the fridge. You will have to clean these coils to get rid of the problem. They can be cleaned by using a brush or a vacuum to remove the dust from their surface.
Reason #3 – The temperature is not set correctly
If your refrigerator smells bad, it might be because the temperature is not set correctly. It is quite a common problem that can be easily fixed by adjusting the temperature settings manually. When this temperature is too low, the food inside can spoil and cause a bad odor.
When the temperature is too high, bacteria and mold can easily grow, which can also cause a bad smell. To fix this problem, simply adjust the temperature settings on your fridge and change it to the recommended level. This level is situated between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for preventing the food inside from spoiling.
Reason #4 – The drip pan is dirty
The drip pan is a small tray at the bottom of your fridge. It is responsible for collecting water and condensation. Over time, this water can become dirty and start to smell. Fixing this problem is easy. Everyone can do it, and you won’t need special tools or knowledge.
Remove the drip pan and clean it with warm water and soap. Make sure to let it dry completely before you put it back. In some extreme cases, it might need to be replaced if cleaning is not enough when the drip pan smells. In the future, keep this pan clean, and you will prevent such problems from occurring again.
Reason #5 – Consider a deep clean procedure
Deep cleaning will solve your problem, especially if you have never done it before. To do this, remove all the food first and throw away the spoiled and expired items. Continue by wiping the inside with a mixture of warm water and dish soap, making sure to clean it thoroughly.
Once you are finished with the inside, move to the shelves and drawers. Remove them from the refrigerator and use the same water and soap mixture to clean them. Lastly, the exterior should be cleaned in the same way while paying attention to the handle and the seals around the door.
When the cleaning procedure is over, and everything is clean and dry, you can put the food back in the fridge and adjust the temperature to the recommended setting. It should help eliminate any bad odors and keep the fridge smelling fresh.
Reason #6 – Not storing the food correctly
If you do not store the food correctly in your refrigerator, it will develop a bad smell. It happens because bacteria and microorganisms can begin to grow on the food, causing it to spoil. When this happens, the food will release unpleasant smells that can spread throughout the refrigerator.
When you don’t store different types of food properly, they can mix and worsen this problem. A solution is to ensure that the food is stored in airtight containers and that you place them in appropriate sections of the refrigerator. As you follow these simple steps, you will be able to avoid problems with bad odors in the future.
Reason #7 – Mold or bacterial growth inside the seal
If you notice mold developing inside your refrigerator’s seal, you will most likely do it with your nose. That is because this problem creates bad odors that you will be able to smell as soon as it develops. Moreover, these microorganisms can contaminate other food in the fridge and cause it to spoil quickly.
The best solution is often prevention, so regularly clean the seal and remove any visible mold or bacterial growth. Use a mixture of water and vinegar, as it is highly effective in killing microorganisms and removing unpleasant odors. In the future, keep the fridge clean and organized while also checking for any signs of spoilage or contamination.
| Problem | Solution |
| External factors | Look for the sources to clean up |
| Dirty condenser coil or fan | Clean the coils |
| Wrong temperature settings | Lower the temperature |
| Drip pan | Clean it with soap and water |
| Deep cleaning needed | Find a good guide on it and do a deep clean. |
| Incorrect storage | Put food in sealed containers |
| Mold growth | Deep clean, get rid of old food, and better food storage going forward |
