How to Get Rid of Fridge Smells: 7 Effective Ways

A forgotten food item, a spill or strongly scented food can quickly leave your fridge smelling unpleasant.

So, how do you get rid of fridge smells? Start by finding and removing the source, then clean the interior thoroughly. After that, you can use simple household remedies or a dedicated fridge odor absorber to help keep unwanted smells under control.

Here are seven effective ways to deal with fridge odors and help prevent them from coming back.

Why Does My Fridge Smell?

Bad fridge odors usually have a simple cause. Common sources include:

• expired or spoiled food,
• spills and food residue,
• uncovered foods with strong odors,
• dirty containers or packaging,
• food hidden at the back of shelves or drawers,
• spills in hard-to-reach areas.

Before trying to absorb or neutralize the smell, always find and remove its source. Covering it with another fragrance will not solve the underlying problem.

How to Get Rid of Fridge Smells: 7 Ways

1. Remove the Source of the Smell

Start by checking everything in your fridge.

Look at expiration dates and inspect opened jars, sauces, vegetables and food stored at the back of shelves or inside drawers. Remove anything spoiled and clean up spills before moving on.

2. Clean the Inside of Your Fridge

Remove shelves and drawers that can be safely taken out and clean the interior according to the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

Pay particular attention to corners, door seals, shelf supports and other areas where food residue can collect.

Dry all surfaces before putting food back inside.

3. Use a Fridge Odor Absorber

Once the fridge is clean and the source of the smell has been removed, you can use a product designed specifically to help control food odors.

The Refrigerator Odor Absorber Gel helps neutralize strong food odors, including those from onions, garlic, fish and mature cheeses.

It uses natural lemon and orange essential oils that remain inside the container, so they do not affect the taste of food stored in the fridge. Its adjustable design also lets you control the airflow depending on the size of your refrigerator.

Place the absorber on a shelf, in the door or in a drawer, preferably near foods with particularly strong odors.

4. Try Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most popular household remedies for fridge odors.

Place a small amount in an open container and leave it inside the refrigerator. Replace it regularly.

Remember that baking soda should complement cleaning, not replace it. If the source of the odor is still inside the fridge, deal with that first.

5. Try Lemon

A few lemon slices can add a fresh citrus scent to your fridge.

Place them in a small dish for a short period of time, but remember to remove them before they begin to spoil.

This method is better suited to adding freshness after cleaning than dealing with the actual source of a persistent odor.

6. Store Strong-Smelling Foods Properly

Fish, mature cheeses, cut onions and prepared meals can quickly affect the way your fridge smells.

Keep strongly scented foods in sealed containers and regularly check items stored at the back of shelves and drawers.

Proper food storage can make a big difference in preventing unwanted odors from developing.

7. Avoid Overfilling Your Fridge

Packing food too tightly can restrict airflow and make it harder to keep your fridge organized.

Leave enough space for air to circulate and arrange food so that you can easily see what is inside. This also makes it easier to spot spills or forgotten products before they become a source of odor.

What Absorbs Bad Smells in a Fridge?

Baking soda is one of the best-known household options for dealing with fridge odors. Another option is a dedicated fridge odor absorber designed specifically for use inside a refrigerator.

Whichever solution you choose, remember the most important rule: remove the source of the smell first.

If a bad smell remains after cleaning, check easy-to-miss areas such as underneath drawers, around door seals and near the drain hole, if your refrigerator has one.

How to Prevent Bad Fridge Smells

A few simple habits can help keep fridge odors from returning:

• clean spills as soon as they happen,
• check expiration dates regularly,
• keep strongly scented foods in sealed containers,
• clean shelves and drawers regularly,
• check food stored at the back of the fridge,
• use a fridge odor absorber if needed.

Regular maintenance is much easier than dealing with a strong odor once it has spread throughout the refrigerator.

FAQ About Fridge Odors

What is the best way to get rid of a bad smell in the fridge?

First remove spoiled food, spills or anything else causing the odor. Then clean and dry the interior thoroughly. After cleaning, you can use baking soda or a dedicated fridge odor absorber to help control remaining food odors.

Why does my fridge still smell after cleaning?

The source may be hidden underneath a drawer, around a door seal or in another hard-to-reach part of the appliance. If the smell keeps returning, check the refrigerator manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance instructions.

Can I put baking soda in the fridge?

Yes. An open container of baking soda is a commonly used household method for dealing with fridge odors. Replace it regularly and remember that it does not replace proper cleaning or removing spoiled food.

Keep Your Fridge Fresh

Getting rid of fridge smells starts with one simple step: remove the source. Clean the interior, store strongly scented foods properly and deal with spills as soon as they happen.

For everyday odor control, you can also use a product designed specifically for refrigerators.

Check out the Refrigerator Odor Absorber Gel to help keep unwanted food odors under control.