Fridge Smelling Like Fish & Other Gross Smells? Try These Solutions
By Marilee Nelson |
When your fridge smells bad, it’s not just frustrating, it’s downright gross! Not to mention, it can ruin your appetite.
However, no matter how hard you scrub, the smell will linger until you eliminate its source.
Whether it’s food gone bad, poor air circulation, or bacteria and mold build-up, identifying, removing, and cleaning up can eliminate stubborn odors.
At Branch Basics, we’ve spent many years perfecting and specializing in human-safe and natural cleaning solutions that tackle and eliminate tough smells without harsh synthetic chemicals.
In this article, we break down the causes of bad fridge odors and provide guidance on how to eliminate them safely and effectively.
Why Your Fridge Smells Bad
The first step is to figure out why your fridge smells bad. Could it be rotten food, poor air circulation, bacteria build-up, or a combination of the three?
Rotten Food
Old, expired, and rotting food in the fridge stinks. That’s because bacteria and mold are working to decompose the foods, a natural but smelly process.
Produce drawers are often the main culprit, as forgotten fruits and vegetables rot and leak a foul-smelling liquid.
Even strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions can contribute to odors if left uncovered. They release and blend with other smells, even if they haven’t gone bad yet.
Poor Air Circulation
An overcrowded and unorganized fridge creates moisture and prevents good air circulation. This traps and spreads odors throughout the appliance.
Bacteria Build-Up
Spills, debris, and rotten food create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. If left, the buildup of bacteria can produce unpleasant odors that spread throughout the fridge.
How To Get Rid of Those Gross Fridge Smells
Now that you’ve figured out why your fridge smells bad, the next step is to clean and get rid of the odors.
Remove Old Food
When left to rot, old food in the fridge develops unpleasant odors caused by bacteria and mold.
These smells are absorbed by other foods and the fridge’s plastic interior, making the odor worse.
Start by removing everything from the fridge and throwing away any expired and rotten foods.
Moving forward, plan to check for and remove old foods at least once a week, preferably on trash day.
Related reading: How To Keep Product Fresh Longer [Complete Guide]
Unplug and Defrost
Before cleaning, unplug the fridge and allow it to defrost (if needed).
Unplugging the appliance prevents electrical shock, while defrosting melts ice buildup and releases trapped odors, making it easier to clean.
Clean Removable Parts with Branch Basics
Cleaning the interior of your fridge, including the removable parts, helps eliminate odors by removing the sources often produced by rotten foods, spills, bacteria, and mold that build up over time.
Here’s how.
- Unplug the fridge to prevent any risk of shock.
- Remove the shelves, drawers, crispers, racks, and ice trays from the fridge.
- Spray everything with All Purpose and wipe clean. For stuck-on food, add some Oxygen Boost for a gentle abrasive, and allow a dwell time of 3-5 minutes.
- Scrub with a natural scrub brush, rinse, and dry completely.
- Next, clean the interior of the fridge, including the walls, ceiling, door, and door seals. Look for spills and food lodged in nooks and crannies. Spray with All Purpose and wipe clean.
- Leave the door open for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the interior to air out and dry.
- Return all removable parts and food. Close the door and plug the fridge back in.
Did you know that Branch Basics All Purpose spray is the ultimate safe, natural, and powerful all-purpose cleaner that tackles nearly any messy job in your home?
Learn more in How To Use Branch All Purpose: 47+ Ways.
3 Natural Deodorizers To Eliminate Foul Odors
If smells linger even after a deep clean, try absorbing and eliminating them with one of these three natural deodorizers.
Struggling with odors in other areas of the home? Check out 7 Non-Toxic Air Fresheners & How To Remove Odors Naturally.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural substance that neutralizes odor molecules by absorbing and eliminating them.
Branch Basics Oxygen Boost contains baking soda plus sodium percarbonate. Together, these ingredients work as a powerful natural deodorizer.
To use, add a few scoops of baking soda or Oxygen Boost to a bowl and place on a fridge shelf. Replace every month, or when you notice the odors returning.
For more uses around the home, check out Cleaning With Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): 12 Surprising Uses and How To Use Branch Basics Oxygen Boost [Complete Guide].
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is highly porous, giving it the ability to absorb and trap odors.
Add a few scoops to a bowl and place in the fridge. Replace every few weeks, or when odors return.
Coffee Grounds
Just like activated charcoal, used, dry coffee grounds are highly porous, which helps neutralize unpleasant food odors.
Add a few scoops to a bowl and place inside the fridge. Replace every few weeks, or when odors return.
Toss The Toxins with Branch Basics
Now that you’ve figured out why your fridge smells bad and cleaned it up, you can prevent unpleasant odors from returning by following these tips:
- Do a weekly clean-out. Plan to remove and throw out any old and expired foods at least once a week.
- Neutralize odors by placing a bowl of baking soda, activated charcoal, or coffee grounds inside the fridge.
- Wipe up spills as soon as they happen.
- Organize the fridge to avoid overcrowding and ensure good airflow.
By eliminating and preventing the sources of foul odors and opting for natural remedies and cleaning products, you can create a healthier kitchen and a more pleasant environment for everyone in the home.
To get started with Branch Basics, check out our Premium Starter Kits (available in refillable plastic or glass).
Each kit comes with our all-in-one Concentrate, a full bag of Oxygen Boost, and five bottles to make All-Purpose, Bathroom, Foaming Wash, Streak-Free, and Laundry products.
To complete your human-safe kitchen, be sure to grab a bag of our Dishwasher Tablets. These powerful, mineral and plant-based tablets are plastic-free and biodegradable.
Shop all Branch Basics products and start creating a healthier home today.
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Marilee Nelson
Marilee Nelson is an Environmental Toxins expert who has spent nearly 30 years advocating for the chemically-sensitive and chronically-ill. She is a Board Certified Nutritionist, Certified Bau-Biologist and Bau-Biology Inspector and specializes in Food As Medicine. She has helped thousands of families and individuals identify, heal and recover from toxic exposures and is on a mission to revolutionize the way American families view their health.
