Smell bad in the freezer? This often happens during a power outage or when laying open products. How to get rid of extraneous “aroma” in the chamber, you will learn in our article.
Why there is an unpleasant odor
The reasons can be several:
- The smell of plastic from new technology. If you just bought a refrigerator, then there is nothing wrong with that: over time, the aroma will disappear.
- Non-compliance with food storage rules. In the department there were products that had already lost their expiration date. Regardless of the cooling system in the refrigerator, it must be periodically turned off and washed. If you have not done this for a long time, then it is not surprising that an unpleasant smell is kept inside.
- Products are poorly packaged or stored completely unpackaged. It is recommended to store all products separately: put meat, fish, vegetables in plastic bags or containers. After that, place in the freezer.
- The freezer is not cold enough – there was a breakdown or a power outage. Returned after a vacation, and the meat in the department smelled? You need to look for the cause of the defrosting.
- The drain hole is clogged. Condensate on the walls flows into the hole and is removed from the system. The hole needs to be cleaned.
How to remove rotten smell
First of all, we turn off the refrigerator from the mains, take out the remaining products, and throw the rest away.
Important! Check expiration dates for meat and fish. Do not store them frozen for more than three months. The food becomes stale and unfit for consumption.
You need to give the equipment time to defrost. Preferably at least 24 hours if you have the opportunity to move the products to another place.
In the case of a two-compressor refrigerator, it is enough to turn off one freezer, while the refrigerator compartment will work.
Remove all shelves and tray from the chamber. The following solution will help wash it and eliminate unpleasant odors: dissolve 1 tsp in 1 liter of water. any washing gel, add 5 ml of vodka. This will help to cope with pollution and “aromas” in the department. Thoroughly wash the walls, corners, sealing rubber. The latter can even be bent, because during the defrost, dirty water flows into the cracks. If the contamination is not completely eliminated, over time it will be necessary to defrost again.
Also wash the shelves, then walk with warm water on all surfaces. Let the refrigerator dry out.
Be sure to pay attention to the pan and the tube through which the water flows. If they are not washed, the smell will remain after cleaning.
If meat or fish is rotten in the freezer, this stench is difficult to compare with something. But you can eliminate it in folk ways:
- A solution of water and vinegar. The latter has long been used for washing windows and other surfaces. Soak a cloth in the solution and wipe the compartment. Then wipe with a dry cloth and let dry completely.
- Soda and salt are famous for their ability to draw out unpleasant odors. Thick gruel should not be used in the freezer, as abrasive particles can damage the surface. Dissolve 2 tbsp. soda and salt in warm water. Wash all internal elements, shelves, containers. Then rinse. Finally, put baking soda and salt in a bowl in the compartment – they will absorb residual aromas while the walls dry out.
- Ammonia. It allows you to destroy bacteria, and also fights mold on the seal. Dilute it in water in equal proportions and treat the surfaces.
- Activated or charcoal. Has absorbent properties. It can be used without disconnecting the equipment from the network. Crush a few tablets in a bowl and place in the chamber.
- Coffee beans are similar in properties to coal. You can use ground coffee: also pour into a vessel and send it to the freezer until the smell is eliminated. It not only neutralizes it, but also saturates the air with a faint aroma.
There are foods that are excellent absorbers. They are found in any kitchen:
- Lemon. Half a lemon is recommended to wipe the inner surface of the camera. You can also dilute lemon juice in water and wipe the walls. Spread the peels in the compartment further and leave until the next day.
- Apple. Cut the fruit in half and place in the compartment. After a while, replace with a new one.
- If you don’t want to bother with a replacement, you can put it on the shelf bread or rice, which also smell.
- kitchen herbs. Place them in a linen bag or just wrap them in cheesecloth and send them to the freezer.
If folk methods did not help eliminate the smell completely, use store products. They get the job done quickly. In the department of household chemicals you will find:
- refreshing balls. They are laid out on a shelf for three to four months, after which they are thrown away.
- Eggs with pellets. Egg-shaped absorbers contain granules inside, such as activated carbon. The product is a strong absorbent.
- Means with a dispenser. It is possible to set the installation date in order to complete the replacement on time.
- Ionizers. Work from batteries. They emit ions that not only kill odors, but also fight bacteria.
- Wipes allow to remove dirt and disinfect the surface.
Cleaning the new camera
After buying and installing a refrigerator, did you find that the freezer smelled strongly of plastic? You need to deal with this before loading the department with products. For this:
- Dilute laundry soap in water and process.
- Additionally wipe the surface with 9% vinegar.
- Open the door and let the freezer dry for a couple of hours.
- Arrange lemon peels or place lemon juice in a saucer.
Maintain hygiene in the refrigerator, then it will not smell bad. Don’t forget to check the expiration date of the products, and also place them in separate containers.
A few more folk tips: