Due to the recent hurricane, we’re getting many calls from customers regarding foul smells in their refrigerators that have defrosted due to lack of power. Wondering how to get rid of the stink? Let us show you how to remove refrigerator odor after power outages.
Follow These Tips If Your Refrigerator Smells Bad
If food has spoiled in a refrigerator or freezer, the strong odors associated with food spoilage can seem extremely difficult to remove. Luckily, getting your refrigerator to smell fresh and clean again is easy if you know how to address the problem properly.
Clean Inside the Refrigerator
The first step is to clean the appliance with a gentle household cleaning solution and water. Use a bleach solution (one tablespoon chlorine bleach per gallon of water) to rinse inside surfaces.
While the unit is unplugged, leave the door open for a day or two to air it out. Spray disinfectant around hinges and locks and into any openings. If the odor remains, try one of the following methods.
Add Odor Absorber
Place trays of activated charcoal, clean kitty litter, or baking soda on the shelves of the refrigerator or freezer. Run the appliance empty for 2 or 3 days. Activated charcoal can be purchased from stores that sell aquarium and terrarium supplies.
Use Coffee Grounds
Place freshly ground coffee on cookie sheets in the refrigerator or freezer and close the door. Again, run the appliance empty for 2 or 3 days. A slight coffee odor may remain but will disappear after washing and rinsing.
Pack Refrigerator with Newspaper
Pack each refrigerator or freezer shelf with crumpled newspaper. Set a cup of water on the top shelf or sprinkle the newspaper with water. Allow the refrigerator or freezer to run for approximately 5 or 6 days. This method is time-consuming but effective at removing strong odors.
Use Cleaning Products
Several commercial products are available for the removal of refrigerator and freezer odors. These products may be purchased at hardware, grocery, discount, and variety stores.
In many cases, we find that the odor has gone into the refrigerator’s insulation. If the odor has penetrated the insulation, it may be that drippings from meat, fish, or other protein have leaked into the insulation. Unfortunately, drippings that have leaked into the insulation of the refrigerator are nearly impossible to resolve.
In most cases, following these simple tips will help you eliminate refrigerator odor after power outages and restore its fresh scent. And if you find that your refrigerator isn’t working properly after power is restored, contact the refrigeration repair experts at Solar Appliance today!
