Remove the stench from the refrigerator. Smell in the fridge - how to get rid of unpleasant odors quickly? Causes and consequences of the appearance of a smell in the refrigerator

Any person is pleased to eat high-quality dishes with their characteristic taste and smell. But sometimes, it would seem that properly stored products suddenly begin to give off a cutting sense of smell "aroma", which sharply reduces the taste of the food prepared from them. And the refrigerator is often the culprit for such troubles.

If you clearly feel that there is a smell in the refrigerator, how to get rid of this problem? Such a question will always be relevant, since even the most accurate housewives can have such a situation. And the trouble is really serious, requiring a quick response. The unpleasant odor is transmitted to all food in the chamber, which significantly changes its taste. And some of them become completely unusable for further use as intended.

This post will address different ways combating this unpleasant phenomenon, using ready-made compositions intended for such purposes, and improvised means, some of them can be found in every kitchen.

The causes of the smell

A stale "aroma" occurs for various reasons. But eliminating it is not so difficult if you do not start the situation, so you should not panic.

In any case, in order for the fight against unpleasant odors to be crowned with success, first of all it is necessary to find the center from which they exude.

• Often bad smell comes from forgotten in the far corners of the camera or leaking packaging. Moreover, it can be not only, for example, perishable sausages. “Harmless” fruits, vegetables and herbs stored in plastic bags also create a lot of troubles. For example, even a rotten lemon can spoil the taste of all stored in open form food.

• If the refrigerator is new, there may be a residual plastic or grease odor in it - but this is quite natural. It is enough to thoroughly rinse the chambers and all the troubles will disappear.
• Malfunction of the system for maintaining the circulation of cold air. If it does not perform its functions properly, there will be stagnation in closed chambers, accompanied by the accumulation and mixing of odors emanating from the products.

• The appearance of signs of damage on the walls and in the sealing gum of the refrigerator is the result of the presence of condensation, which creates a favorable microclimate for the reproduction of such microflora. Condensation is abundantly formed due to outgoing vapors from uncovered, hot or warm, spoiled food placed in the chamber. The situation is especially aggravated with insufficient ventilation of the chambers or with a loose fit of the door seals. cause high humidity loose door seals can also become loose.
• A clogged drain hole can also cause unpleasant odors. When cleaning the refrigerator compartment, the condensate drain hole from the rear wall must also be cleaned regularly. As a rule, for these purposes, a special brush is provided, which comes with the refrigerator.
• Modern refrigeration devices with dry freezing "NoFrost", that is, without the formation of ice, are equipped with innovative air circulation systems throughout the volume of the chambers. Therefore, it would seem, there should be no smell in them. However, judging by user reviews, in such refrigerators, over time, a stale "aroma" appears, which is quite difficult to get rid of.

In such models, the center of the stench may not be hidden inside the refrigerating chambers, but in the condensation tray located at the lower rear of the appliance. Moreover, sometimes it is in the open state, and in other cases it is covered with a metal or plastic panel.

The illustration (detail 1) shows the condensate drain in the NoFrost refrigerator. There you can also see a special device - a brush for cleaning this hole, since small particles of food often get into the channel along with water. Stagnation of moisture in combination with organic matter is almost ideal conditions for the development of colonies of pathogenic bacteria and mold, so regular cleaning of the canal is necessary. Fragment 2 shows a plastic tray (it can also be metal) into which a condensate drain tube goes. The difficulty in cleaning the tray is that it is difficult to get to it, since for this it is necessary to move the massive structure of the refrigerator away from the wall. After the container is rinsed, there will be no trace of the smell. It is recommended that this procedure be performed at least twice a year.

Cleaning the refrigerator

• When starting to fight odors, the first thing to do is to turn off the refrigerator and remove all food from it. In the course of their extraction, it is best to immediately sort and send obviously unusable food to the trash bin. A refrigerator with a conventional freeze must be left until it is completely defrosting, and appliances with the "NoFrost" system can be put in order immediately after emptying all the contents, but it would be more correct to give a short pause with open doors, about an hour and a half.
• An empty refrigerator should be rinsed with warm water and a little dishwashing detergent or regular baking soda. If the finished product has a strong aroma, then it is better not to use it.
• The water outlet must be thoroughly cleaned. And for disinfection, you can fill it with a syringe a small amount of hydrogen peroxide.
• After wet cleaning, the surface of the refrigerator must be wiped dry with a cloth.
• Next, you should make an audit of the sealing rubber bands attached to the sashes and doorways... If even small manifestations of mold are found inside them, it is necessary to take emergency measures to eliminate these foci.

It was a description, as they say, in general terms. Now let's take a closer look at what remedies are recommended to eliminate the problem of the smell from the refrigerator.

Means for removing odors from the refrigerator compartment

You can find a lot in stores special meansdesigned to remove unpleasant odors from refrigerator chambers. But there are also home formulations in which there are no substances harmful to human health a priori.

Ready-made formulations and special products

On sale there are both ready-made cleaning compositions made on a chemical basis or using natural ingredients, as well as special odor absorbers that maintain a fresh "atmosphere" inside the chambers.

The table below shows several odor absorbers for the refrigerator, which are enough to hang or put on one of the shelves of the chamber.

Illustration	Brief characteristics of the product	approximate cost
	Breesal is a bio-odor absorber. Activated carbon acts as a filler in a perforated bag placed in a plastic case. Therefore, this odor remover can be called environmentally friendly. This backfill is capable of absorbing three times more moisture and odors than ordinary charcoal. The presence of this absorber in the refrigerator helps to preserve the freshness of products, while it is absolutely safe for humans. The validity period of one package with activated carbon (80 gr.) Is 30 days. After that, you can open the plastic case and replace the bag with a new one.	RUB 250
	TOPPERR Lemon is an effective remedy for removing odors from the refrigerator compartment, consisting of activated carbon, placed in a perforated bag, placed in a plastic container made in the form of a nice ball. The package contains three balls, which will not only maintain freshness, but will become a kind of "decorative element". The ball is small, so it can be installed in one of the cells of the egg tray. To keep the fruit longer, one or more balls can be put with them in one container. This version of the odor absorber is designed to operate for two to four months. During this period, the manufacturer guarantees the freshness of the refrigerator and the extension of the shelf life of the products.	140 RUB
	"Oval" is another carbon odor absorber, which differs from the previously presented analogs in the shape of the plastic case, which is convenient for its wide base. With this configuration, the chassis will sit securely on the shelf surface. The odor absorber keeps the refrigerator well fresh, preventing the growth of food-damaging bacteria. One container will be enough to maintain a microclimate favorable for storing food for 30 ÷ 45 days.	120 RUB
	The "odor absorber" is another effective product, filled with activated carbon, which is placed in a bag enclosed in an egg-shaped housing. Thanks to the form plastic container, the product fits perfectly into the hole in the egg tray. The difference between this option and the analogs presented above is its low cost, but at the same time - with excellent quality, which is confirmed by numerous user reviews. This absorber will last one to two months.	RUB 70
	"Electrolux E6RDO101" - odor absorber, which is a container filled with gel. The gel is capable of releasing an active substance that binds organic molecules. Thanks to this quality of the composition, the smells of meat, cheese, various spices, fish and other products are neutralized. Despite storing different products in the same compartment of the refrigerator, they will transfer odors to each other. The composition of the gel and the body of the absorber do not contain toxic substances, therefore they are safe for human health. This version of the odor neutralizer is designed to operate for three months, but, however, its cost is quite high.	RUB 570
	"Topperr Pro 3108" odor absorber made in the form of gel granules (balls). Several types of "Topperr Pro 3108" are produced - with different lungs aromas. In this case, a container of lemon granules is presented. The container has a removable lid, so if necessary, it can be filled with other granules that can keep the fridge fresh. The product comes with double-sided tape, which allows you to fix the container in a convenient place on the shelf. The period of validity of the set of granules "Topperr Pro 3108" is 1.5 ÷ 2 months.	140 RUB

The range of solutions and sprays for cleaning refrigerators is also quite wide. For example, these include products from various manufacturers "Scrubman", "Sano Cleaning", "Luxus", "Selena", "Efsto", "Clean" and many others.

Most solutions are chemically based, and some contain chlorine. In this regard, many housewives consider their use unacceptable. However, in some cases it is better to use ready-made formulations, since they can help get rid of the smell faster.

For example, most new refrigerators have a peculiar "technical" plastic smell. If you do not get rid of it immediately, then all products will absorb it for some time. Removing this unpleasant aroma is not difficult at all. Leave the new appliance open for a while, and then wash the chambers with warm water, adding a little dishwashing detergent. Then rinse with just water, and wipe dry with a soft cloth. After rinsing, leave the refrigerator open for about a day.

Special chemical agents for cleaning refrigerators are produced in different forms, but the best recommended gel, paste and sprays. They penetrate well into all hard-to-reach areas of the refrigerator compartment and do not leave scratches on plastic surfaces. However, chemistry should be used with caution, taking into account the manufacturer's recommendations. After washing the inside of the chambers, they should be left open for ventilation.

For other cases of cleaning the camera from odor, you can use environmentally friendly home remedies.

Homemade compositions

In your kitchen or home medicine cabinet, you can find everything you need to tidy up your refrigerator. It should be noted that the range of so-called improvised means is very wide, so you can choose from them the one that is currently available.

In this section, several products and substances that can be used for this purpose will be named, as well as explained how best to use them.

Deodors that neutralize odors include such compounds and products as vinegar, lemon, soda, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, activated carbon, coffee, beer, bread and others.

All of them are used after an audit has been carried out in the refrigerator, spoiled food has been removed, and all refrigerators are thoroughly washed and dried.

• Vinegar... A solution should be prepared from this product. To do this, add two to three tablespoons of 9% vinegar to a glass of water. The solution moistens a sponge, which thoroughly wipes all surfaces of the refrigerator chamber and sealing gum. It is not recommended to apply the vinegar solution on metal parts the device, since it has a destructive effect on the metal.
• Lemon... This product can both create an unpleasant odor in the refrigerator and help get rid of it. The "aroma" of a spoiled fruit forgotten in the far corner of the chamber or container is able to soak many foods, making them unusable. At the same time, fresh lemon, cut in half and placed in the chamber for a couple of days, can absorb the persistent unpleasant odor created by other products. It is important to remove the "absorber" left in the chamber in time, otherwise it will start to emit its own smell, and in the refrigerator with the "No Frost" system it will simply dry out.

Another use for lemon is to juice the surfaces of the refrigerator. It will help get rid of the persistent fishy odor, which sometimes even chemicals cannot remove.

The juice can be squeezed out of the pre-cut lemon slices little by little directly onto the surfaces to be cleaned on one of the shelves, and then rubbed with a sponge. Or immediately squeeze the juice out of the fruit using a manual juicer.

You can wipe the shelves and walls directly with lemon wedges without bothering to squeeze juice out of it.

The good thing about using lemon is that it doesn't take long. In addition, the chambers treated with this agent do not need to be ventilated - they can be loaded with food immediately after wiping them dry and the refrigerator can be turned on.

• Ammonia... This tool, according to the testimony of many users, is great for getting rid of the technical smell of plastic in new refrigerators. True, if you apply it skillfully, otherwise you can even aggravate the situation.

To prepare the solution, you will need a glass of water and 15 ÷ 20 drops of ammonia. Then the resulting solution is moistened with a napkin and wiped with it all surfaces of the previously washed and dried refrigerator. The appliance doors must be left open, and the plastic smell will disappear the next day.

The ammonia will also remove the smell of tainted garlic from refrigerators. Although garlic, by the way, is not at all worth putting in the refrigerator, since for it the best option is dry storage. However, various oversights occur on the farm.

Having chosen ammonia for processing the refrigerator, it must be remembered that it itself has a specific smell, therefore it is not recommended to bring it to your face. Contact with eyes should be avoided.

• Soda... Smells of onions, spoiled cheese, or cold meats will help remove the soda solution.

When placed in the refrigerator, raw chopped onion quickly spreads its aroma in the chamber, and if left for several hours, some food will become saturated with its smell. To get rid of this "ailment" will help you to prepare a soda solution.

For faster dissolution of soda, it is recommended to use hot water... A large spoonful of baking soda must be poured into a half-liter jar and filled with boiling water, and then stir vigorously. First, the can is poured into ⅓ of the volume, and then water is added to half of it - partial filling will help to avoid overflow of the solution onto the table when the initial violent reaction of soda with boiling water takes place. When the solution cools down to a warm state, all surfaces of the refrigerating chamber are thoroughly wiped with it. After complete drying, return the refrigerator to operation.

In addition to the aforementioned odors, soda will cope with other unwanted "flavors", and besides, it has certain bactericidal properties.

• Potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate)... This powerful bactericidal and oxidizing agent will help clear various odors from your refrigerator. For processing, it is necessary to make a pale pink solution, which is used to wipe all surfaces, as well as all the folds of the sealing gum.

• Hydrogen peroxide... It is recommended to apply this composition directly to the surfaces and to the folds of the seals in small portions. On contact with areas affected by mold, the peroxide will begin to bubble, which will show its active work to remove these formations. However, it must be remembered that in the open air hydrogen peroxide loses its disinfecting ability after 20 minutes, so you need to act quickly enough.
• Laundry soap... The soap solution also copes well with various odors in the refrigerator, since the alkaline environment is detrimental to most microorganisms, including fungal formations. But after treating the surfaces with soap, they must be washed with clean warm water and wiped dry.

• Dry home remedies... If the refrigerator is clean, and all spoiled food has been removed from it, but the smell is still preserved, then you can use dry adsorbing agents, which will be enough to put on for several hours or even keep constantly in the chambers. These tools include:

- Activated carbon;

- dry soda;

- grain or ground coffee;

- tea bags;

- dry or boiled rice;

- black bread, diced.

These funds are stacked or poured into a small container, which is opened in the refrigerator for several hours (or, if desired, even on an ongoing basis).

Video: Simple, effective ways to get rid of the smell in the refrigerator

How to get rid of mold in the refrigerator?

Molds in the refrigerator are often the source of unpleasant odors. And the fight against it should always be a priority, because if you do not get rid of it completely, the smell, even with high-quality cleaning of the chambers, will return again and again.

The most difficult to remove mold colonies like to be located in the folds of sealing gums, especially if they are deep enough. This is facilitated by the fact that sometimes some housewives do not even look inside the seals, just wiping them only from the outside.

Mold not only negatively affects products, emitting unpleasant odors, but over time it can even "eat through" the rubber of the seals. More precisely, it makes the material low-elastic, prone to cracks and breakouts. This leads to unnecessary worries - to the need to replace the seals, otherwise the refrigerator will not perform its functions efficiently, and then it will completely fail.

There are several remedies that can effectively combat mold colonies. You can buy them in the store or make your own.

Mold chemicals

There are many formulations on sale for combating mold and mildew. Most of them have an aggressive chemical base, so some owners of refrigerators refuse to use them. These types of household chemicals include "Domestos", "Comet", "Sif", "Sanotex", "Sillit", "Mister Muscle" and other compounds. Chlorine is most often the active disinfecting element in such liquids.

Therefore, in order not to harm the health of the household, such funds should be used strictly following the instructions attached by the manufacturer.

After treating moldy areas of the refrigerator compartment, they must be thoroughly rinsed. It should be noted that some of these compounds penetrate into the pores of the rubber, then releasing their vapors into the refrigerator, which are also completely unhealthy for humans.

Some advise treating the refrigerator in places where mold has formed. copper sulfatethat will help you get rid of mold. Yes, mold, indeed, will not, but this is absolutely impossible to do, since this substance is a poison that is no less toxic to the human body than mold spores. Therefore, it is forbidden to process cabinets, as well as refrigerators where food is stored.

Home remedies to combat mold in the refrigerator

The safest, most effective and affordable option for getting rid of mold from various parts of the refrigerator are the home remedies that every housewife probably has - vinegar and soda.

• Simple baking soda can not only clean up mold stains, but also prevent its occurrence in the future. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to put a small open jar of soda in the refrigerator. She will also adsorb foreign odors.

• To treat the identified areas of mold damage, it is good to use a soda solution, for the manufacture of which one liter of water and one large spoon of soda are taken. If the mold has developed in the folds of the sealing gum, it is necessary to put moistened soda (gruel) in them and leave it for 40 ÷ 60 minutes, depending on the size of the formation. After processing, the surfaces are wiped with a vinegar solution.

• Wet baking soda applied to the folds of the seals can be gently poured with a 9% vinegar solution. When these two compounds interact, a reaction will occur, during which mold will be removed not only from the surface, but also from the rubber structure.

• It is imperative to flush the drainage channel of the refrigerator with a soda solution or hydrogen peroxide, since it usually creates a very favorable environment for the formation and growth of mold colonies. It is convenient to pour the solution into the hole using a syringe, and then thoroughly clean it with a special plastic brush.
• Mold does not take root in a well-ventilated and heated space. Therefore, after soda cleaning, a fan heater can be used to dry the refrigerating chamber.

Ultraviolet treatment of refrigerator chambers

Another way to deal with mold formation is to treat the interior of the chambers with ultraviolet radiation. For this, a special lamp is used, which must be placed in the refrigerator for 30 ÷ 40 minutes and held there at closed door... Such disinfection will help to cope with the remains of mold, fungus, pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria.

An example is the LONGEVITA UV CURE * MINI UV lamp.

It is a special compact device measuring only 120 × 60 × 45 mm, so it does not take up much space. It will constantly maintain a microclimate favorable for storing food in the internal space.

The LONGEVITA UV CURE * MINI lamp has the ability not only to treat the chamber with ultraviolet irradiation, but also to ozonize the air. The simultaneous exposure of the environment to ozone and ultraviolet light is called photolytic ozonation. This comprehensive treatment effectively fights bacterial strains such as E.coli, Salmonella, mold, etc., and removes and prevents unpleasant odors.

• Ultraviolet light has bactericidal properties. UV radiation destroys the DNA of viruses, destroys microorganisms and their waste products. In a short time, it is guaranteed to disinfect the inner space of the chamber.
• Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that neutralizes toxic fumes and unpleasant odors. It has a detrimental effect on harmful bacteria and viruses, and also destroys vegetative forms of mold and fungi.

This device is designed to treat spaces with a volume of up to 8 m³, therefore it can be used not only for disinfection of the refrigerator, but also for rooms of the specified dimensions. The convenience of the lamp lies in its mobility, since it runs on only four batteries, which means it is not tied to the mains. Automatic switching off and switching on of the device for 3 minutes every 3 hours allows using one set of batteries for up to two months.

The operational resource of the device laid down by the manufacturer at ambient temperatures from 0 to - 40 ℃ is 15 thousand hours.

The product is certified as a sanitary and hygienic device and is safe for humans if the operating rules established by the manufacturer are observed.

In addition to the refrigerator, the UV lamp is designed to disinfect:

Any household appliances - microwave oven, washing machine or dishwasher;

- residential and basements;

- pantries for storing vegetables and fruits;

- dressing room;

- bathroom;

- locations of the litter box for pets.

In any of the above places, the device produces a bactericidal effect, while simultaneously removing unpleasant odors.

The lamp is installed at the highest point of the room or chamber, since ozone is heavier than air. Due to this, going down, ozone will cover the entire space. If local treatment of a specific area is necessary, the lamp is installed as close as possible to the object to be disinfected.

Preventive measures to prevent mold and odor

If it is not very difficult to get rid of the smell in the refrigerator, then it is difficult to remove it. This means that the "flavors" will soon return.

In order not to face this problem, it is enough to follow a few simple rules:

• Food should be stored in tightly closed containers or wrapped in plastic wrap. This will help protect against mold and odor in the refrigerator, and besides, it will also protect food from drying out and chapping in appliances with the "No Frost" system.

• Regular revision of food will also keep the fridge fresh.
• If any liquid has leaked from one of the products or a drink has spilled, then wipe the spilled immediately and rinse the shelf or tray. Otherwise, the substances in the liquid will become a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria and mold.
• Every time the refrigerator is cleaned, even if there are no unpleasant odors in it, it is recommended to wipe the surfaces after washing with a soda solution.
• In addition to the aforementioned agents, silica gel can be used to reduce humidity in the refrigerator. It is usually put in shoe packages, new bags, and medicine jars. The granule sachets should not be thrown away as they can be placed in different sections of the refrigerator.
• General cleaning of the refrigerator should be done at least once every six weeks.
• Fully defrosting refrigerators is performed twice a year, unless circumstances force it to be done more often.

What is important to know about the rules for installing and operating the refrigerator?

In general, a refrigerator always requires special care and attention, even if it does not yet exude odors. Violation of the rules of operation can lead to a rapid failure of the device or to inadequate consumption of the energy consumed by the refrigerator. Read about this in detail in a separate publication on our portal.

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Having figured out the means by which you can rid the refrigerator of unwanted "odors" and mold, you can choose the option that seems more acceptable in a particular case.

An unpleasant smell in the refrigerator sometimes makes it impossible to further use it - it is transmitted even to food. What can be done at home to eliminate this phenomenon? Let's start by looking for reasons, and then we'll learn how to get rid of bad smells.

Causes of an unpleasant odor

Once again, opening the refrigerator and feeling a bad smell, each owner of such a unit probably thinks about how to quickly and permanently eliminate the stench. Factors for the occurrence of such a phenomenon are divided into those that are associated with damage to products and can be eliminated at home, and caused by technological defects and failure of parts of the mechanism.

Using a refrigerator involves constant contact with food. The longer the household appliance is used, the more microcracks and scratches on the shelves appear. In the manufacture of refrigerators, plastic is used, which over time is soaked in the vapors of the contents of the refrigerator. It's unavoidable. That is why it is difficult to remove odors from old devices.

Even responsible owners sometimes spoil the food, and then a stench arises in the internal cells. It is especially difficult to get rid of the consequences of a long stay in the refrigerator of the missing meat and fish. A strong rotten smell remains for a long time. If particles of such a product or substances released from it fall behind the casing, in many cases the unit can only be thrown away or.

A technical odor is usually associated with a malfunction of the machine parts such as wiring, refrigerant circuit, and so on. Having felt the chemical aroma, the owners lose time on unsuccessful troubleshooting, and in the meantime the device finally fails. In all difficult cases, such as a stubborn unpleasant odor, technical aroma, or even more the smell of burning, the best solution - professional. The master will quickly and reliably eliminate the cause of the stench, and you can continue to safely use the household appliance.

A musty stench usually accompanies refrigerators that have not been opened for a long time. This fate will not escape the dacha devices, left unattended for several months. If possible, leave the door of the switched off appliance ajar.

Procedure

First of all, in order to remove the smell, you need to revise the contents of the chambers, carefully sorting out all the edible components. You need to smell them, look at them, pay attention to the expiration date. Thus, you can identify the culprit and fix the problem simply by getting rid of it.

If the smell does not disappear after that, or the supplies are in order, the device is disconnected from the mains, freed from provisions. Parts such as shelves, drawers, small containers on the door can be removed. Soak everything in a solution of detergent, rub it well with the hard side of the sponge, especially stubborn stains, and hold it for a while. Treat the entire inner surface of the refrigerator with soapy water.

Sometimes it is recommended to dilute vinegar in water and use such a mixture. But this is applicable only in devices of the old type (like Mir or), in which the casing is made of metal. There, such a solution is an effective remedy. Acetic acid is harmful to plastic.

Smell in drip thaw refrigerators

A common problem with this type of apparatus is clogging of the drainage system.

Drainage system - a set of parts that provide condensate drainage outside the refrigerator. Most often found in devices, Posis,.

There is a hole at the bottom of the refrigerating chamber where the thawed water flows down. There accumulates mucus, dirt, food residues. This channel needs to be cleaned periodically. To do this, use a piece of wire, a cotton swab, a thin object, you can wind a cloth around it. Used for efficiency antibacterial agentdiluted in water. The cause of the blockage may be ice in the drain hole, it must be pushed through with a thin object.

Refrigerator owners are often unaware of the presence of a pallet - another part of the drainage system. It is located on the back of the device, at the bottom. It is a bowl screwed to the base. Such a sump is located on a warm compressor, so that the dripping condensate evaporates.

The reason for the bad smell may be hidden in this pallet. If mucus has accumulated there, food residues in liquid form (for example, milk) have seeped through the drainage hole, a rotten aroma will certainly appear. You can get rid of it by rinsing the bowl with detergent.

There are special odor absorbers, the effectiveness of which we will write an article about later. Now let's talk about inexpensive improvised means, thanks to which you can quickly and cheaply eliminate the smell in the refrigerator:

1. Bread is an effective adsorbent. Several slices are evenly distributed on the shelves. Do not expect the method to work in a few hours. The bread must be in the refrigerator for several days to eliminate the unpleasant smell.
2. Activated carbon copes well with the problem. A dozen tablets (or more) are placed in a container and left in the refrigerator for a long time.
3. A glass of baking soda diluted in water is a proven home remedy. This solution can stay inside the refrigerator for a long time.
4. It is worth trying to put lemon, orange peel, grain coffee on the shelves.
5. Do not forget that all products must be well packed, preferably in plastic wrap. Periodic revision will eliminate the need to remove the smell later.

Removing chemical odor

After buying a unit, owners often smell plastic. This applies to both expensive units (, Bosch,), and more budgetary analogs (, Beko, Biryusa). This is normal and will disappear after a few days. The new device must be washed with detergent and dried.

When buying, you should pay attention to the material from which the casing is made. Manufacturers of devices with a budget price are trying to reduce the cost in different ways, one of them is the inner surface of inexpensive plastic. When making such a purchase, you need to be prepared for the smell of plastic of varying intensity.

This problem can be avoided by purchasing units with ABS casing.

The widespread belief that an unpleasant odor is caused by a freon leak is mostly wrong. Today's producers use gas that cannot be felt. However, to lubricate the inside of the compressor when the refrigerant is circulated, it is mixed with oil, which can cause a chemical odor.

However, in older machines, a leak can still be detected by smell. The exact mix used is indicated on the information tag attached to the back wall. In case of such a problem.

The technical aroma often occurs in No Frost refrigerators. This is due to improper fan operation. Also, in this case, food begins to disappear faster, since the normal air circulation is disrupted.

The chemical smell causes excessive heating of some parts and wiring. It is difficult to determine the cause of this phenomenon on your own; it is better to seek help from an experienced master.

The electric refrigerator was invented almost 100 years ago. And before that, there were special glaciers in the houses for storing food. So called wooden cabinets with ice. The ice was cut into large blocks so that it would not melt for as long as possible and kept cold. Of course, in the 21st century, every family has a refrigerator, and even despite the high cost, many manage to periodically update the equipment. If you've just made a purchase and are expecting delivery from the store, tips on how to clean your new refrigerator before using it for the first time will come in handy to get you started.

New technique: first cleaning rules

Before starting operation, it is imperative to clean the refrigerator from dusty deposits that have formed in it during storage in the warehouse. And also get rid of the insignificant "technical" smell that new household appliances exude. By the way, it is better not to buy a refrigerator with a poisonous plastic smell, you are unlikely to be able to cope with such amber.

The first wash of the refrigerator will not take long. There are two easy wayshow to get rid of the smell in the refrigerator immediately after buying it. The first is suitable for those who trust household chemicals more. Others can be used by those who prefer exclusively natural recipes.

"Soft" store products

The choice of "chemistry" for cleaning refrigerators is huge. But it is better to give preference to creamy, liquid or gel preparations. A cleaner of this texture will not leave small scratches on the surface. Use purchased funds follows in five steps.

1. Dilute the product with warm water according to the instructions.
2. With the resulting composition, use a sponge to process the inner walls of the refrigerator, pallets, shelves, drawers, door shelves.
3. Thoroughly rinse all surfaces after cleaning. You can use a spray bottle filled with plain water.
4. Wipe dry.
5. Leave the refrigerator with the door open for several hours, and preferably overnight, so that the smell of plastic and household chemicals completely disappears.

Plain soda

This versatile product is effective for cleaning any kitchen surface. She will help out in the case of the refrigerator. Proceed in four steps.

1. Dissolve two to three tablespoons in a liter of warm water baking soda.
2. Use a soft sponge to scrub all surfaces and removable parts of the refrigerator compartment with a baking soda solution.
3. Rinse off the remaining baking soda well clean water.
4. Wipe dry and leave the refrigerator open to dry completely.

Don't forget the freezer. Before use, it must be washed in the same way. Do not use metal scrapers, scouring abrasives or alkalis for washing. Use a sponge or soft cloth. Do not plug in your new refrigerator until it is completely dry.

How to remove a rotten smell from the refrigerator

Even if we use different compartments for storing food, the food aromas still mix. And often a thin nose smells of smoked fish or meat balyk in fresh cottage cheese, and homemade casserole or cake will absorb the aromas of sauerkraut or garlic salad. But these are common food smells. To isolate them from each other, you just need to tightly close the pans and use cling film.

But it happens that a specific, musty smell of missing products appears in the refrigerator, which is not always possible to remove. And here we need serious measures. And the sooner the better.

Preparation phase

Regardless of what you choose, store-bought chemicals or simple folk remedies, before washing the refrigerator:

• disconnect the device from the power supply;
• free the refrigerator from its contents;
• identify the source of the suspicious odor;
• remove all shelves, grates, drawers from the refrigerator;
• decide on a cleaner and get to work.

Why is the foul smell so strong and how to deal with it. The range of popular solutions to the problem.

It is very important to keep the refrigerator clean to prevent the formation of bacteria and, as a result, unpleasant odors. So that your kitchen assistant does not become the cause of spoiled appetite, take on board the following "grandmother's" recipes on how to get rid of rotten meat in the refrigerator.

• Table vinegar. To remove bad odors from the refrigerator, dilute vinegar in warm water in a 1: 1 ratio. With a solution of washing the walls of the chamber and removable parts, rinse with clean water and wipe the surfaces dry.
• Ammonia. To eliminate the unpleasant odor, you need to prepare a solution: take one or two tablespoons of ammonia and a liter of water. We mix and process surfaces, then wash off several times.
• Soda. Baking soda is one of the most respected products in household... It will not only get rid of the smell in the refrigerator, but will also help kill germs, since it has disinfecting properties. Just wash the inside of the appliance with a warm solution of two tablespoons of soda powder and a liter of water.
• Lemon. You will need one lemon, the juice of which we squeeze into a liter of warm water (Fresh fruit can be replaced with a bag citric acid). After processing, it is enough to wipe the surfaces dry with a cotton cloth. Meticulous housewives will appreciate the lesser-known "lemon" recipe for washing the refrigerator. You need to mix lemon juice with vodka in a ratio of 1:10.
• Beer . Beer is recognized as the first effective means of combating a very persistent fishy odor, which is sometimes difficult to remove. To clean the inside of the refrigerator from the smell of fish, you need to moisten the sponge well with beer and wipe all surfaces, and especially those places where the fish lay.
• Potassium permanganate. Rotten eggs are often the cause of the stench. How can you remove the rotten smell in the refrigerator? According to reviews, cleaning with potassium permanganate helps, popularly - with potassium permanganate. You must first discard the source of "aroma", and then process the insides of the appliance with a light pink solution of potassium permanganate. KMnO4 is better than other products to cope with this stench, including neutralizing the smell of rotten meat in the freezer.

Check the quality of food before sending it to the refrigerator. This will save the device from unpleasant odors. For example, to determine the freshness of an egg, you need to put it in a container of water. Fresh will sink to the bottom, old and spoiled - will rise to the surface.

Suitable household chemicals

If you decide to remove odors from the refrigerator using household chemicals, give preference to products from reputable manufacturers that use high-quality and relatively harmless ingredients. After all, a refrigerator, like a stove, is a “breadwinner”. This means that from our choice detergents the health and safety of all family members depends. Most often, to solve this unpleasant everyday problem, they use:

• regular balms and dishwashing gels;
• special napkins with impregnation for refrigerator care;
• special sprays based on natural oils and herbal ingredients.

Refrigerator care sprays quickly eliminate even the most stubborn odors. But they are more expensive than other funds. For example, the price of the popular universal drug OdorGone is 800 rubles per 500 ml (data as of July 2017). When choosing store-bought products for washing the refrigerator, inside which an unpleasant smell has settled, get a cleaner with a neutral scent. Otherwise, the chemical aroma bouquet will saturate the walls of the unit.

Effortless Removal: Top 10 Amber Absorbers

There are cleaning methods that will tell you how to eliminate the unpleasant smell in the refrigerator without physical effort. But provided that its source is not dried drips of milk and cucumber brine a month ago. In the following list, you will find the names of substances and products that have adsorbing characteristics, that is, the properties of absorbing impurities from the air. It is enough just to place one of the ten described products on the shelf, it removes the amber.

1. Soda. Place an open carton with the product on the shelf of the refrigerator or pour the powder into a separate bowl.
2. Black bread . Place several slices of lightly toasted rye bread on the shelves. Place napkins underneath to avoid crumbs.
3. Coffee. Leave a small container with coffee beans or natural ground coffee in the refrigerator. For convenience, use a cream tube or baby food jar.
4. Black tea . Place two to three tea bags on the shelves. Take the used ones after cooling completely. You can change them every day as a preventive measure.
5. Figure: Place a saucer of rice grains on the shelf. But as a sorbent, rice works more efficiently when cooked.
6. Oriental spices... Take a plastic jar lid and pour turmeric, cloves or cinnamon into it, put in the refrigerator.
7. Citrus fruits. Leave the sliced \u200b\u200blemon or orange, or their peeled peels. You can also pour soda into half a lemon with the pulp removed.
8. Activated carbon... You will need five to seven tablets that can be put in the refrigerator both whole and crushed. Preheat the charcoal in the microwave. This is one of the most effective materials. It is not in vain that it is used in the production of carbon filters for refrigerators and special devices for absorbing odors.
9. Charcoal . The one we buy for barbecue will do. Chop the charcoal and heat it up a little in the microwave. Place in a container on a refrigerator shelf.
10. Cat litter... This odor neutralizer is based on a natural mineral - zeolite. Along with coal, zeolite is the main absorber of household odors.

In addition to natural products, you can also use ready-made odor absorbers - filters, balls, as well as air ionizers, fragrance sprays. In addition to spoiled food, a clogged refrigerator drain can give off an unpleasant odor. Rinse it off with warm water a couple times a year. Detailed advice on how to do this correctly is contained in the instructions for your household appliance.

If mold appears

There are several reasons for the appearance of mold in the refrigerator: from violation of the rules for storing food to high humidity inside the unit. Mold spores are dangerous to the human body, they are toxic and allergenic. A favorite place for mold is on the door sealing gum. If your refrigerator has become a hotbed of fungus, follow these tips.

• Whiteness. Liquid chlorine effectively destroys fungal spores. Dilute one part of whiteness in ten parts of water and wipe off all affected areas with this solution. Rinse with plenty of clean water, wipe dry and leave the refrigerator open for ten hours. Work with gloves and in a ventilated area. Children should not be at home at this moment.
• Hydrogen peroxide... Soak a sponge in pharmacy peroxide and wipe the moldy areas with this disinfectant. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
• Vinegar. Using a spray bottle or washcloth, apply regular vinegar to problem areas. You can leave in this state for an hour and then rinse well with water.
• Ammonia... Mix ammonia in equal proportions with water, treat the mold, rinse thoroughly after a couple of hours.
• Soda. Dilute a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water, use a sponge or spray to treat the surfaces. This solution does not need to be washed off, just dry the inside of the refrigerator well.
• Laundry soap... Ordinary brown soaps are alkaline and can fight mold. Use a saturated soap solution.

Freezer Care

The freezer must also be completely clean. However, power outages can ruin even frozen food, and make you worry about how to get rid of the smell in the freezer. If the camera stinks for a long time, then it is worth taking advice as soon as possible.

If you are faced with such a problem, without much hesitation, choose one of the above methods. Start washing after completely defrosting the chamber and try to pay attention to hard-to-reach places (gaps, sealing gum), where the remnants of meat juice or water from melted berries could have flowed.

If it smells like No Frost

No one is immune from such everyday troubles as an unpleasant smell in the refrigerator: a "smell" can appear both in the old one and in new technology... True, modern refrigerators with the function of dry freezing (without ice) "No frost" / No Frost are equipped with innovative ventilation systems, which should largely eliminate the problem. But, oddly enough, the forums are full of messages about how difficult it is to clean such a refrigerator from the smell, because none of the methods helps.

Most likely, in this case, the cause of the stench does not lie inside the refrigerator, but outside - in the condensation tray. Most often it is located in a hard-to-reach place, sometimes it is even necessary to remove the rear panel of the unit. After thorough washing of this container, there will be no trace of odors.

Housewives are advised to audit the products in the refrigerator once a week, regardless of the brand of the unit. And at least once a month, do a "general" cleaning: you should wash the refrigerator inside to eliminate odors, accumulated dirt and streaks. Full defrosting is recommended twice a year.

The refrigeration unit often becomes a breeding ground for unpleasant odors, so sooner or later any housewife has to think about how to get rid of the smell in the refrigerator.

First of all, it is necessary to understand the reasons for its occurrence, and then select the optimal solution among various options, starting with folk remedies and ending with the use of household chemicals. And what could be the reasons and how to properly deal with the emerging unpleasant odor at the same time? We will discuss all questions in detail in this publication.

The stench from the refrigerator compartment can be triggered by various factors. It often appears when storing products without containers or packages.

Food that has a characteristic smell, such as fish, quickly spreads it, which will soon cause the entire compartment to smell.

The danger is the storage of food for a long time. It must be remembered that low temperature slows down the process of decay, but cannot radically stop it.

The rules and storage temperatures for popular products are discussed in.

If food and semi-finished products with a specific aroma are openly stored in the refrigerator, the closed refrigerator chamber will very quickly fill with its not always pleasant smell.

Food spoilage can occur if refrigeration equipment does not maintain the required temperature due to breakdown or incorrect settings.

An extremely unpleasant factor is a malfunction of the refrigeration unit or a power outage. Doing so could damage the contents of the main compartment and the freezer compartments, causing rapid development microorganisms and a persistent "cadaverous" smell.

Sometimes, irregular or poor-quality washing of the refrigerator can become the cause of the stench. If it is rarely cleaned or not thoroughly enough, then on work surface, bacteria or fungus colonies may appear in the drain system or on the rubber door seals. Detailed will help avoid such a problem.

Random loading of the shelves also contributes to the appearance of odors. In this case, it is difficult to control the status of stocks, while even a small moldy piece of bread or rotten fish can give off a disgusting aroma.

A large amount of food stored in the freezer can cause an unpleasant odor, which prevents free air circulation.

Newly purchased household appliances have a specific smell of plastic. This is especially the case with inexpensive units, for the manufacture of which not very high-quality polymers are used.

However, many consumers also complain about the production scent, which can be felt even near high-end models of reputable brands.

Folk ways of dealing with "aromas"

There are many tools available to effectively freshen the air in a confined space.

To flavor the interior of the refrigerator, it is good to put in closed chamber a slice of lemon or other citrus fruit

Option # 1 - cleaning and disinfecting compounds

Well-known substances widely used in households will help to neutralize aromas.

An effective way to disinfect, clean and absorb the stench can be to wipe the shelves and walls with a solution of 6% vinegar, taken in equal proportions with water.

It is undesirable to use a strong vinegar solution if an antibacterial coating is applied to the working surfaces of the refrigerator. It is also advisable to make sure that vinegar is safe to use on the surface of household appliances by applying a small amount of the product on an inconspicuous area.

Lemon juice is an equally effective remedy. For cleaning, it is recommended to mix one part of squeezed citrus and two parts of water. A pronounced disinfecting effect is possessed by a mixture consisting of 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed juice with 10 tbsp. l. vodka.

A teaspoon of ammonia per liter of H 2 O (water) will effectively remove dirt and bacteria from the surface of the refrigerator, so you can get rid of even the pronounced stench. After processing, ventilate the chamber well by leaving the door open for several hours.

Option # 2 - absorbents from available tools

This category includes substances that can effectively absorb foreign odors. The list is quite large. A proven drug is considered charcoal: pieces of it in a saucer are placed inside the chamber. An alternative would be 8-10 tablets of crushed activated carbon.

Charcoal is an effective absorbent that collects and neutralizes negative odors, which can be placed on a saucer or loaded into a hanging container.

Good Stench Absorber - Common dry rice... Two handfuls of cereal are poured into a bowl or other container, which should be changed every two days.

Can act as an adsorbent rye breadsliced \u200b\u200binto thin slices and laid out in the corners of the refrigerator. The same role can be played by raw potato slices or half an apple.

The adsorbent products are placed for 10-12 hours, otherwise they themselves will become sources of infection and odor spread.

To achieve an effective result, thoroughly rinse the refrigeration unit and dry it before using any method.

An effective means of absorbing "aromas" is baking soda... The powder is filled into saucers, which are placed on one or several shelves of the refrigerator.

Salt has the same effect, while it is better to give preference to its coarse-crystalline modification.

Option # 3 - homemade odor removers

Here are two homemade recipes for effective preparations that have absorbing and refreshing properties.

Recipe # 1 - soda + lemon

A small lemon or lime is cut into two halves and the pulp is removed. Soda is poured into the resulting "cups", which can be replaced with crushed charcoal or activated carbon.

The filled peels are placed in suitable stands on the refrigerator shelves, where they are kept for a week.

To prepare the simplest remedy that neutralizes an unpleasant odor in the refrigerator, you will need soda and lemon - inexpensive ingredients that are always available on the market.

Recipe # 2 - Epsom Salt + Soda

A glass of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is mixed with the same amount of baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture with a tablespoon of water and 5 drops essential oil citrus or tea tree. The resulting composition is laid out in open jars and placed inside the unit.

The presented aroma mixtures are easy to prepare and use. With their help, you can effectively resolve the issue of how to quickly and efficiently remove an unpleasant odor from refrigerators of different brands.

Option # 4 - natural flavors to mask odor

This type of product includes substances that have a strong pleasant aroma. They do not eliminate odors, let alone destroy the causes of their occurrence, but they mask them quite well.

To overcome extraneous "aroma" will help dry spices and fragrant herbs... Cinnamon rolls, cloves, turmeric, dried basil, or thyme work well for this. The selected spice or mixture of spices is poured into a salt shaker, which is placed open in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, after which its contents are replaced with a new one.

Coffee beans or ground powder are often used to freshen the air in the refrigerator. You can also put a cup of freshly brewed drink on the shelf after turning off the equipment

Popular homemade flavors are dried lemon or orange peels, coffee, and pomegranate peel.

Some authors of home advice suggest to use to clog an unpleasant "aroma" onion or garlic... These vegetables certainly have a strong odor and phytoncidal properties that help kill bacteria. At the same time, their aroma can hardly be called pleasant, so care must be taken when using.

An overview of household chemicals to combat stench

There are a large number of ready-made preparations produced by domestic and foreign manufacturers for freshening the air in the refrigerator.

Prefabricated means and preparations are fully prepared for use, convenient to use, effective in action

Preparations for cleaning and disinfection

Chemical industry products include specialty wipes, cleaning sprays and gels, as well as fragrances and absorbents.

Examples of popular remedies include:

• OdorGone;
• Top House;
• Oro Fix 02012;
• Clean Home;
• ZOOL ZL-377.

Remedy # 1 - Top House

High-quality products for the care of household appliances are offered by the renowned German manufacturer Top House.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video below highlights the most effective waysto eliminate unpleasant odors:

To prevent unpleasant odors that may appear in the refrigerator, it is important to pay special attention to preventive measures.

At the first sign of a stench, it is necessary to find out the cause of its occurrence and take measures to eliminate it. Then, without delay, you should treat the surface with one of the folk or industrial means and place an adsorbent or air freshener.

What methods do you use to get rid of the odors in the refrigerator compartment? Share your secrets with other visitors to our site in the comments section.

If you can't get rid of the annoying unpleasant smell, ask other refrigerator owners for advice. Ask your questions below the article, and our experts and site visitors who have successfully solved this problem will share their experience.

This note is intended for those who do not know how to remove the smell from the refrigerator at home.

Let's figure it out together!

Causes of occurrence

The most common the reasons for the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the refrigerator are:

Now let's find out how to get rid of these odors already.

Odor elimination methods

The easiest and most effective way to get rid of unpleasant odors is thorough washing of the refrigerator.

Wait! Let me guess. Did you want to do without a sink?

Without washing, only odor absorbers (which will be discussed a little later) can help to some extent, but they are, in our opinion, a half measure.

We need to find the source of the stench. Find and neutralize!

So let's continue.

• Disable the technique from electrical network, we take out all the products, immediately throwing away the spoiled ones.
• In the most thorough way we wash all the walls, pallet, seals.
• It is allowed to use special household chemicals, laundry soap.
• We wash and dry well all shelves, boxes, trays.

If the smell is too persistent and you don't want to use the chemicals, you can use proven folk remedies:

• Vinegar. Dissolve it with water in equal proportions and wipe the walls, shelves, seals and drawers that were previously washed with a solution. Leave the doors open for a short time to dissipate the smell.
• Lemon juice. We dilute it with a tablespoon of alcohol in a ratio of 1:10 or with water (1: 2). Freshly peeled peel of any citrus will help to consolidate the effect.
• Ammonia. Add one spoonful of ammonia per liter of water, rubbing all the insides of the refrigerator with the resulting solution.

Now you know how to remove the smell from the refrigerator at home, but it is also important how to prevent the reappearance of unpleasant odors.

Frequency of washing depends on the type of cooling system.

Equipment with should be processed 2-3 times a year, while drip system will require monthly similar procedures.

Let's repeat ourselves once againthat spoiled products should be thrown away in a cut, and spilled juices, compote, milk, broths should be wiped off instantly.

You can leave a crouton of black bread or cut raw potatoes on a plate, changing them periodically.

Activated carbonoven-baked, or a cup of ground coffee (most inexpensive) also tends to absorb foreign odors.

In the freshness area (lower vegetable tray), crumpled thick paper will help remove the musty smell.

You can use more modern methods.

The ultraviolet germicidal lamp effectively kills multiplying microorganisms, mold and fungi, not only eliminating unpleasant odors, but also prolonging the freshness of the food.

Odor absorbers

Purifiers and odor absorbers are small devices designed to freshen the air in refrigerators.

There are models additionally equipped with the ionization function.

Operating principle similar to an air filter. Air streams are drawn into the device and passed through the filter element.
Modern purifiers remove about 96% of all kinds of bacteria.

FACT! Modern purifiers remove about 96% of all kinds of bacteria. They say that three hours of operation of the device can even destroy E. coli.

In parallel with the bacteria, the source of unpleasant odors and harmful fumes is destroyed.

Regular operation of the device is many times more effective in coping with the problem of musty air than bread crusts and lemons.

Today consumers are offered several types of absorbers:

Using the above recommendations, you can not only get rid of unpleasant odors in the refrigerator, but also exclude their reappearance, prolong the freshness of stored products. Tips are easy to implement, do not require much time and effort.