Keeping Your Fridge Freezer Free of Bad Odours

Before tackling the issue, it helps to know what’s causing it. The most common culprits of bad odours in your fridge include:

·       Forgotten food items at the back or bottom of the freezer

·       Spilled food or liquids that have seeped into drawers and/or shelves

·       Out-of-date dairy or meat left in the fridge a little too long

·       Poor airflow or overloading that prevents proper circulation

·       Although one of the more unlikely causes, power cuts can allow your food to defrost and spoil

If you’ve ever wondered how to get rid of smell in the fridge, identifying the cause should always be your first step.

A deep clean is often all it takes to banish bad smells. Here’s a tried-and-tested process:

1. Empty everything out of the Fridge Freezer

Take everything out of your fridge and freezer and store any perishables in a cool bag or box if needed.

2. Check Expiry Dates & Remove Any Offenders

Look for anything that is past its best before date and any items that look like they are past their best. Do you see a half-used pot of sour cream from last month? Time to bin it.

3. Take Out Shelves and Drawers

Wash all removable parts with warm soapy water. If you’re dealing with stubborn smells, the Wpro professional refrigerator and freezer hygienizing cleaner spray works wonders with its unique chlorine-free formula, quick drying and pleasant lemon fragrance. 

4. Clean the Interior

Wondering how to clean your fridge properly? Use the Wpro fridge care kit to wipe down all internal surfaces.

The kit’s cleaner spray will quickly get rid of all food residues and stains, while the microfibre cloth allows you to clean without the worry you will scratch your fridge’s interior.

Make sure you avoid using any harsh chemicals when cleaning the inside of your fridge, as they can leave odours and damage finishes.

5. Don’t Forget the Drip Tray

Drip tray? What drip tray? Many people forget about this feature which exists underneath the appliance. Over time, it can harbour mildew and odours. Check your manual to see how to remove and clean it.

Deodorisers That Work

If you’ve already cleaned but notice lingering smells, place a Wpro odour absorber inside your fridge. The highly absorbent active carbons present in this accessory can remove unpleasant odours from your kitchen appliance for up to three months.

You also receive peace of mind that the gadget is designed with a non-toxic gel, so it won’t alter the taste or flavour of your refrigerated food.

A few other kitchen staples which can help here include:

·       Baking Soda: Leave an open tub or small bowl inside your fridge as this will naturally absorbs odours.

·       Lemon Halves: These add a fresh scent and help neutralise unpleasant smells.

·       Coffee Grounds: Surprisingly effective at absorbing strong odours like garlic or fish.

This can be a tough one, especially if meat has thawed and refrozen during a power cut. If you’re searching how to get rid of meat smells from the freezer, try the following:

1.     Deep Clean with Vinegar: After defrosting, clean with the vinegar and water solution mentioned earlier.

2.     Use Activated Charcoal: Place a bowl in the freezer for a few days and allow the charcoal to absorb any persistent odours.

3.     Repeat If Needed: Don’t fret if the smell remains, even after the steps prior, as strong smells may take a few days to fully disappear. One option is to keep the door open (if safe) to air things out.

Prevention is key. Here’s how to keep your fridge smelling fresh long-term:

·       Wipe spills immediately and don’t wait for cleaning day

·       Label and date leftovers to avoid mystery containers

·       Use airtight containers for strong-smelling items like cheese or onions

·       Check at least once a week for any out-of-date items

·       Avoid overcrowding, so air can circulate freely

If you’ve cleaned everything and the smell still lingers, there may be an issue with the internal components, such as blocked vents or mould in hidden areas.

Hotpoint customers can benefit from accessing a comprehensive online fridge freezer repair advice hub, which has been put together by our own in-house experts. It is filled with answers to many common troubleshooting queries and how-to videos about our appliances, to help you solve your issue.

Failing that, you can browse our spare parts store to keep your appliance in top condition.

No one wants to deal with a smelly fridge, but with regular upkeep and a few natural remedies, it’s easy to stay ahead of the stink. Now that you know how to remove smell from the fridge and how to get rid of freezer smell, your fridge freezer will stay as fresh as the food inside it.