If you have ever opened your fridge, expecting a refreshing burst of cool air, and found your fridge smell like a dead animal, that makes you wonder what could be causing it. Weird smells coming from our refrigerators could be a pain. Some possible culprits are leftover food that has been forgotten and gone destructive, spilled liquids left to rot, or even malfunctioning fridge components. In this article, we will delve into each potential cause and offer straightforward solutions to rid your fridge of these unpleasant odors.
In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of unpleasant fridge odors and provide practical tips to eliminate them for good. From forgotten leftovers turning into science experiments to spilled liquids left to rot, we’ll uncover the sources behind those stinky smells.
Reasons Why Fridge Smell Like a Dead Animal
When you open your fridge and are greeted by a terrible smell that reminds you of a dead animal? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. This is a common issue, and there are multiple reasons why your fridge smells so bad.
1: Spoiled Food
When food goes wrong, it becomes spoiled and is no longer safe to consume. This can occur if you leave food in the refrigerator for an extended period or if it is stored incorrectly. As the food spoils, it begins to decay and emit unpleasant smells. These odors can affect other items in the fridge, causing a bad smell.
2: Spilled Liquids
Spilled liquids in the fridge can cause a stinky smell. When we accidentally spill things like juice or sauce and don’t clean them up, they can decompose and release smelly gases.
3: Low Temperature
The low temperature helps keep your food fresh, but some bacteria can still survive and produce smelly gases. Moisture from warm air can also create mold and mildew, adding to the odor.
4: Poor Air Circulation
When the air inside a fridge doesn’t move properly, it can cause a bad smell. This happens because food’s different aromas mix and create an unpleasant odor. Stagnant air also makes the fridge warm and humid, which is perfect for growing bacteria and mold, making the smell even worse.
5: Improperly Storage
Improper storage in the fridge can cause nasty smells. This happens when we need to store food correctly. For example, if we don’t cover leftovers tightly, their smell can spread to other foods. Spills can also make the fridge smelly because bacteria grow in them and produce bad odors. If we keep expired food in the refrigerator, it decomposes and makes everything smell bad. Strong-smelling foods, like onions, can cause other foods in the fridge to stinky if stored together. Raw meat can also create a foul smell if not appropriately covered.
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7 Easy Methods to Fix Fridge Smell
Using these easy methods, you can quickly eliminate bad smells from your refrigerator. Make these techniques a part of your routine, and keep your food storage area smelling nice and fresh.
1: Dispose of Expired Food
When food in the fridge goes wrong, it can also make the fridge smell bad. To fix this, you need to get rid of the expired food. Check the food in your fridge for signs like mold, strange colors, or bad smells. Take out the expired food and put it in a sealed bag or container. Throw it in the trash bin. Then, clean the fridge with soapy water.
2: Regular Cleanups
Regular Cleanups mean cleaning your fridge regularly to keep it fresh and smelling nice. First, remove all the food from your fridge and clean the shelves and drawers with soapy water. Then, use a cloth or sponge to clean the inside of the refrigerator with soapy water too. Make sure to check for expired food and throw it away. Once everything is clean and dry, put the food back in an organized way.
3: Wash it With Water and Diluted Bleach
First, unplug the fridge and take out all the food. Mix a little bit of bleach with a lot of water. Then, use a cloth or sponge to wipe the fridge’s inside with this mixture. Make sure to clean all the shelves and drawers too. Leave the mixture in the refrigerator for a few minutes, then rinse it with plain water. Let the fridge dry with the door open, and put the food back in when it’s dry.
4: Do Not Open the Door for Too Long
Avoid keeping the fridge door open for extended periods as warm air accelerates food spoilage. Be quick when taking things out or putting them in, ensuring the door is promptly closed. Regularly check food for signs of spoilage and dispose of anything that looks or smells bad. Clean up spills and messes promptly.
5: Clean The Drip Pan
Find the drip pan, usually located at the bottom behind a panel, and carefully remove it to avoid spills. Empty the pan into a sink or bucket as it may contain dirty water and dirt, causing a bad smell. Clean the pan with warm water and mild soap, scraping with a cloth or sponge to remove any filth. Rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry the pan with a towel or let it air dry completely. Put the clean pan back in its original place in the fridge. Finally, plug the refrigerator back in and allow it to operate normally.
6: Clean Condenser Coils
Sometimes, our fridge can start to smell bad because of dirt and dust that build up on its coils. These coils help keep the refrigerator cool. To solve the problem, we need to clean these coils. First, we unplug the fridge and find the coils, usually at the back or bottom. We gently remove the dirt and dust using a vacuum cleaner or a brush. We must be careful not to press too hard or bend the coils.
7: Check the Door Gasket Properly
The rubber strip around the fridge door is called the door gasket. It keeps cold air inside and warm air outside. Sometimes, a foul smell comes from the fridge because the gasket is damaged and malfunctioning. To fix it, check the gasket for tears or holes. You can also place a piece of paper on the door and see if it slips out easily. If there’s a problem, ask an adult or technician for help.
Conclusion
If you ever notice a bad smell in your fridge, like a dead animal, there are a few common reasons. Spoiled food, spilled liquids, low temperatures, poor air circulation, and improper storage can all be to blame. Luckily, there are simple solutions to get rid of these smells. Throw away any expired food and clean your fridge regularly with soapy water. You can also use a mixture of water and a little bleach to wipe down the fridge’s inside.
Avoid leaving the door open too long, and clean the drip pan and condenser coils if needed. Lastly, check the rubber strip around the fridge door, called the gasket, for any damage. By following these simple instructions, you may eliminate bad smells and maintain a clean, fresh fridge.
