How to Get Rid of a Smell in the Refrigerator in 4 Steps

A smell in the refrigerator almost always comes from spoiled or leaking food, a spill that reached a hidden spot, or a dirty door seal, drip pan or drain. It goes away for good only when that source is removed and the shelves, drawers and seals are washed. Baking soda or activated charcoal then handles faint leftover odor.

The steps below follow that order: find the source, empty and clean the fridge, deodorize it, then keep it from coming back.

Where is the smell in my refrigerator coming from?

The most common source is food that has gone bad: old leftovers, a forgotten bag of produce, an open package of meat or fish, or a carton of milk pushed to the back. Start by smelling each shelf and drawer with the door open, and check dates on everything.

If every item checks out, look at places food residue hides:

• The rubber door seals (gaskets), where crumbs and drips collect in the folds.
• The space under crisper drawers and glass shelves, where spills run down.
• The drain hole at the back wall and the drip pan, on models that have them. Your owner’s manual shows where they are.
• Open containers of strong foods such as onions, cut garlic or cheese, which can scent the whole compartment.

The freezer can be the source too. Meat that thawed and refroze, for example after a power cut, can leave a smell that spreads into the main compartment. If the smell comes with fruit flies, rotting produce is likely nearby, and our guide on how to get rid of fruit flies covers trapping the rest.

How do I clean a smelly refrigerator?

Empty it completely, throw out anything spoiled, and wash every surface with warm water and dish soap. Do not combine cleaning products, and never mix bleach with anything else. Follow the label of any product you use and keep the kitchen ventilated.

1. Unplug the refrigerator or turn it off at the control, then move food into a cooler with ice so it stays cold while you work.
2. Discard spoiled food and anything you are unsure about. When in doubt, throw it out.
3. Take out the shelves and drawers. Let glass come to room temperature before washing so it does not crack, then wash it in warm, soapy water, rinse and dry.
4. Wipe the inside walls, ceiling and floor with a cloth dipped in warm soapy water. For a stubborn film, use a solution of about 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 quart (about 1 liter) of warm water.
5. Scrub the door seals with a soft brush or old toothbrush, including inside the folds, and wipe the drip pan and drain area if your model has them.
6. Rinse the surfaces with a cloth wet with clean water, dry everything, and leave the door open for a while so the inside airs out.
7. Put the shelves and drawers back, plug the unit in and restock only fresh food once it has cooled.

If you see black or green spotting on the seals or walls, treat it as mold. The page on how to get rid of mold smell explains how to find and fix the cause.

How do I deodorize the refrigerator after cleaning?

Place an open box of baking soda or a container of activated charcoal on a shelf. Both absorb odor molecules from the air, and both work best once the source is gone. Replace them according to the package directions, since an absorber that is full stops working.

Keep these products where children and pets cannot reach them. If the interior still smells slightly stale after drying, a second wipe-down with plain soapy water and another few hours with the door open is often enough. Scented sprays and air fresheners only cover the smell and are not made for contact with food.

What if the smell will not go away?

A smell that survives a full cleaning usually has a hidden source. Check for a clogged drain that holds water, food or liquid that dripped behind a panel or under the bottom drawer, and mold inside a damaged seal. A seal that is torn or will not close firmly can also let in warm, damp air that encourages odor.

If you have emptied, washed and aired out the fridge and the smell remains, contact the manufacturer’s support site or an appliance repair technician. Leaked meat juices can soak into insulation behind the walls, and that cannot be cleaned from the inside. Do not take panels apart yourself while the unit is plugged in.

How do I keep the refrigerator from smelling again?

Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), which is the temperature range the U.S. government’s FoodSafety.gov gives for safe cold storage. Then build a few habits around that:

• Store leftovers and cut produce in airtight containers with lids.
• Put raw meat, poultry and fish on a plate or tray on the bottom shelf so juices cannot drip onto other food.
• Wipe up spills when they happen, not at the next big clean.
• Check shelves before each grocery trip and discard what has passed its date.
• Eat or throw out leftovers within 3 to 4 days.

Cockroaches and mice are drawn to food residue in and around appliances. If you find droppings or insects near the fridge, see our guides to getting rid of cockroaches and mice in the house.

Quick answers

Does baking soda really remove fridge odor?

An open box absorbs some odor from the air, so it helps with mild, lingering smells. It does not fix a spoiled item or a dirty drain, so clean first and use it afterward.

How long can leftovers stay in the refrigerator?

Most cooked leftovers should be eaten or thrown out within 3 to 4 days when stored at 40°F (4°C) or below. A sour or off smell means the food should be discarded, but food can be unsafe even when it smells normal.

Is food safe after a power outage?

Food in a closed refrigerator stays safe for about 4 hours without power. After that, discard perishable items such as meat, fish, milk and leftovers, and check FoodSafety.gov for current guidance on specific foods.