How to Get Rid of Smell in the Fridge
12.07.2026
To get rid of fridge smell, empty the fridge, toss anything expired, and wipe every interior surface with a solution of one tablespoon baking soda per quart of warm water. Dry it, then leave an open box of baking soda or a bowl of coffee grounds on a shelf to absorb lingering odors. Most smells clear within a day or two.
What you'll need
- Baking soda (one box for cleaning, one to leave inside)
- Warm water and a bucket or large bowl
- Microfiber cloths or clean rags
- An old toothbrush for door gaskets and seams
- A cooler or a few reusable grocery bags to hold food while you work
- Optional odor absorbers: fresh coffee grounds, activated charcoal, or plain white vinegar in a shallow bowl
- Trash bags
Step by step
- Move perishables into a cooler or insulated bags. In a small NYC kitchen, set them in the sink or on a towel so you don't lose counter space.
- Empty the fridge completely and throw out anything expired, moldy, or that you can't identify. Spoiled food is almost always the real source of the smell.
- Pull out the shelves, drawers, and bins. Wash them in the sink with dish soap and warm water. Let them air-dry fully before they go back in.
- Mix one tablespoon of baking soda into a quart of warm water. Wipe down every interior wall, the ceiling of the compartment, and the door.
- Use the toothbrush and the baking soda solution to scrub the rubber door gasket. Trapped crumbs and spills hide in those folds and hold odor.
- Check the drip pan and the small drain hole at the back of the fridge floor. A clogged drain can trap water and smell. Clear it gently with the solution.
- Dry every surface with a clean cloth. Moisture left behind invites new odors.
- Reload the food, then set an open box of baking soda, a bowl of coffee grounds, or activated charcoal on a shelf to keep absorbing smells.
What NOT to do
Don't reach for bleach inside a fridge. It leaves a strong residual smell that transfers to food and is hard to rinse out of a compact compartment. Skip abrasive powders or scouring pads on the plastic liner and shelves; they scratch the surface, and those tiny grooves trap odor and stains permanently. Never use a razor or metal scraper on the interior walls. Don't pour water directly into the compartment to rinse; in a tight apartment fridge, runoff pools under the drawers and behind the drain, creating the exact smell you're trying to remove. And resist masking the odor with air freshener before you clean, since the underlying spoiled food will keep the smell coming back.
When to call a pro
If you've cleaned thoroughly and the smell persists for more than a few days, the source may be behind or under the unit, in the drip pan, or in a drain line you can't safely reach in a rental. A musty smell that returns can also point to a moisture problem in the kitchen itself rather than the fridge. If you're moving out and need the kitchen turned around fast, or you simply don't have the time and space to pull everything apart in a small apartment, book apartment cleaning with CleanWhale and let a team handle the whole kitchen.
FAQ
How long does it take for baking soda to remove fridge odor?
An open box of baking soda usually takes a day or two to noticeably cut odor, and it keeps working for about a month. Replace it monthly, or sooner if you've had a spill. It absorbs smells rather than covering them, which is why the fridge needs to be cleaned first.
Why does my fridge still smell after I cleaned it?
The most common reasons are a spill you missed in the door gasket, a clogged drain hole at the back of the compartment, or a forgotten container pushed to the back of a shelf. Check those three spots. Odor can also soak into scratched plastic liners, which hold smell even after wiping.
Does coffee grounds or charcoal work better than baking soda?
All three absorb odor. Baking soda is the cheapest and easiest to find. Fresh coffee grounds work well but add a faint coffee scent. Activated charcoal is the most effective absorber and is worth it for a stubborn smell in a small fridge where a lingering odor is hard to escape.
Can I use vinegar to clean the inside of my fridge?
Yes, a diluted white vinegar solution works as a cleaner and helps cut greasy film. Wipe it on, then wipe with plain water and dry. It's a good alternative if you're out of baking soda, though it won't keep absorbing odor after you're done the way baking soda left on a shelf does.
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