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By Say Goodbye to Unpleasant Smells with These Proven Methods from the Pros
Opening your fridge should be a refreshing experience—not one that leaves you holding your breath. Yet, bad odors in refrigerators are incredibly common and can ruin your appetite fast. Leftover food, spills, or forgotten produce can quickly create a lingering stench that spreads through your entire kitchen.
At Orchid Cleaning Services, we’ve seen (and smelled) it all. Our team specializes in professional cleaning for homes and offices across Palm Beach County and North Broward, and we’re here to help you eliminate fridge odors once and for all.
Here are five simple but powerful cleaning tricks you can use to keep your refrigerator smelling as fresh as it looks.
Remove Bad Odors from a Refrigerator
1. Empty the Entire Fridge and Toss Expired Items
Odors often come from spoiled food hiding in the back or tucked away in a container you forgot about. The first step is always a full inventory check.
How to do it:
- Remove everything from your fridge—including condiments, beverages, and leftovers.
- Check expiration dates and toss anything questionable.
- Look for spills or sticky jars that may have leaked unnoticed.
- Place perishable items in a cooler with ice packs while you clean.
Pro tip: Do this at least once a month to avoid buildup and odors.
2. Deep Clean with Baking Soda and Warm Water
Once the fridge is empty, it’s time for a full wipe-down. Avoid using harsh chemicals near your food—baking soda is a gentle, food-safe solution that neutralizes odors naturally.
How to do it:
- Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water.
- Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to scrub shelves, drawers, and walls.
- Remove shelves and drawers if possible and wash them in the sink.
- Don’t forget hidden spots like door seals, under drawers, and around light fixtures.
Pro tip: Dry all surfaces completely before restocking to avoid moisture buildup.
3. Place an Open Box of Baking Soda Inside the Fridge
This old-school trick works because baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odor-causing molecules in the air.
How to do it:
- After cleaning, place an open box of baking soda in the back of your fridge.
- Replace it every 30 days for maximum freshness.
- For better results, write the date on the box so you know when to swap it out.
Alternative: Activated charcoal or coffee grounds in an open container can also work.
4. Clean and Deodorize the Drip Pan and Drain Hole
Most people forget the drip pan—a hidden tray beneath your fridge that collects condensation. Over time, it can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria.
How to do it:
- Unplug the fridge and locate the drip pan (check the user manual if you’re unsure).
- Carefully remove and empty it.
- Wash it with warm, soapy water and disinfect it with a bit of vinegar.
- Dry it thoroughly before putting it back.
Bonus: Use a pipe cleaner or straw brush to clear the fridge’s drain hole, where spills can collect and rot.
5. Use Natural Deodorizers for Extra Freshness
Once your fridge is clean and odor-free, keep it that way with natural deodorizers that don’t take up much space.
Options include:
- Lemons: Cut a lemon in half and place it on a small dish to add a fresh citrus scent.
- Vanilla-soaked cotton balls: Dab cotton balls in vanilla extract and place them in the fridge.
- Oats: Believe it or not, oats can absorb odors just like baking soda.
- Coffee grounds: Put fresh (unused) grounds in an open container to neutralize smells.
Rotate these options every few weeks for a lasting fresh scent.
Bonus Tip: Schedule a Professional Deep Clean to Remove Bad Odors from a Refrigerator
If you’ve tried everything and the smell still lingers, it might be time to call in the pros. At Orchid Cleaning Services, we offer deep cleaning services that cover all kitchen appliances, including those tricky fridge areas most people avoid.
Our experienced team tackles not just visible dirt, but hidden grime and bacteria that often cause long-lasting odors. We clean and disinfect every surface inside and around your fridge, so you can enjoy a spotless, odor-free kitchen once again.
Remove Bad Odors from a Refrigerator. Ready for a Fresher, Cleaner Home?
Bad fridge smells can be frustrating, but with the right techniques—and a little professional help—you can get rid of them for good. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or a full kitchen refresh, Orchid Cleaning Services is here to make your life easier and your home healthier.
Contact Orchid Cleaning Services today to schedule your deep cleaning and enjoy a fresh, odor-free kitchen in no time.
