Why Does My Fridge Smell? How to Find and Fix Fridge Odours
A fridge that smells bad is unpleasant and can affect the taste of foods stored inside. Fridge odours have several common causes, most of which are straightforward to fix without calling a technician. This guide walks through the most common causes and their solutions.
Common Causes of Fridge Odours
Spoiled or Forgotten Food
The most common cause. A single piece of forgotten produce, a leaking container or food pushed to the back of a shelf and overlooked can cause strong odours that persist even after the item is removed. The fix: empty the fridge completely, discard anything expired or spoiled, and do a thorough clean (see below).
Bacteria and Mould Growth
Even without obviously spoiled food, bacteria and mould colonies can build up in a fridge that hasn't been cleaned regularly. They flourish in spills, crisper drawer residue and around door seals. These produce a musty, damp or sour smell.
Cross-Contamination Odours
Strong-smelling foods — fish, certain cheeses, durian, some vegetables — can transfer their odour to other foods in the fridge. Well-sealed containers prevent this. A refrigerator without a dual evaporator (where the fridge and freezer share the same airflow) is particularly prone to odour cross-contamination between the fridge and freezer compartments.
Drain Pan Issues
Many fridges have a drain pan under or behind the unit that collects water from the defrost cycle. If this pan accumulates bacteria or mould (which can happen if the fridge is poorly ventilated), it can produce a persistent musty smell that seems to come from outside the fridge rather than inside.
Door Seal Mould
Fridge door seals (the rubber or silicone gasket that runs around the door) are prone to mould growth in their folds and ridges. This is easy to overlook during routine cleaning but can produce a persistent smell.
How to Fully Deodorise Your Fridge
- Empty the fridge completely and check expiry dates on everything. Place perishables in a cooler with ice.
- Remove all shelves, drawers and removable components and wash them in hot soapy water. Rinse well.
- Wash the interior surfaces with a solution of 1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda dissolved in 1 litre of warm water. Wipe all surfaces including the ceiling, walls, floor and door interior.
- Clean the door seal using an old toothbrush or small brush dipped in the bicarb solution, working it into all folds and ridges.
- Check and clean the drain pan (accessible from the back or bottom of the fridge). Wash with hot soapy water if dirty.
- Dry all surfaces thoroughly with a clean cloth before replacing components and restocking.
Preventing Odours from Returning
- Store leftovers and strong-smelling foods in sealed containers
- Check expiry dates weekly
- Wipe up spills immediately — spills in the crisper drawers are easy to overlook
- Keep an open box of bicarbonate of soda in the fridge to absorb ongoing odours (replace every 3 months)
- Place activated charcoal sachets in the fridge for persistent odour issues
Persistent Smell After Cleaning
If the smell persists after a thorough clean, the most likely remaining causes are:
- The drain pan is inaccessible or the smell is coming from bacteria in the drain tube
- Mould behind a removable back panel inside the freezer
- The fridge insulation has absorbed an odour (unusual, but possible after a severe spill)
If none of the above resolves the issue, the fridge may be beyond cleaning and replacement worth considering. Oceania Appliances stocks quality fridges in new and refurbished condition with free Sydney delivery. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park (open 7 days, 10am–8pm), call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492.