How to Fix a Smelly Fridge

Over time, due to the build-up of food crumbs and bacteria, our fridges may start to give off an unpleasant odour. To remove these smells and prevent them from returning, here's what to check for and clean to keep your fridge freezer free from odours.

For our advice on how to remove odours from your fridge freezer, read our article or follow the step by step video below:

The first thing you'll need to do is check if your fridge is at the correct temperature. If your fridge isn't cold enough, the food inside will go off faster and start to smell. Your fridge should be running at below 5°C. If it doesn't have a temperature display, it's worth investing in a fridge thermometer.

Next, you'll need to give your fridge a good clean. To do this, use a dedicated fridge cleaner or an antibacterial cleaner to remove any spills, leaks, dirt or grime that could be causing the smell. Be sure to remove everything from the fridge, take out the shelves and give them and the insides a good clean.

To stop smells from returning, you may want to get a fridge deodoriser. You can make this yourself by putting either bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, ground coffee, activated charcoal or cat litter in a container at the bottom of the fridge. Or, you can get a dedicated fridge deodoriser to do the job for you. This helps to neutralise the strong and unpleasant odours produced from stored food, preventing unpleasant smells.

Another item that will help to keep smells at bay is a fridge drawer liner. This helps to absorb any excess moisture from a variety of salad, fruit and vegetables to extend the life of these items and prevent smells from developing.

Giving your fridge a clean will help you have a good clear out too. This will help create a little space in your fridge so air can circulate and improve efficiency. Just remember not to keep it too empty though, your fridge should be around 3/4 full to help retain the temperature. If you find your fridge is looking a little sparse after your clear out, a good tip to fill it up before your next shop is to place a couple of jugs of water inside to help it stay cool.

For more ways to help you save energy, take a look at our article with helpful tips and methods to ensure your fridge is as energy-efficient as possible.

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