Why does my fridge smell? (And how do I get rid of it?)

Reason 1: Spoiled food.

The most likely reason your fridge smells bad is spoiled food. As food goes bad, it begins to rot, attracting mold and bacteria.

To confirm that spoiled food is the source of the smell, do the following:

• Inspect everything in the fridge.
• Look for visible signs of spoiling, as well as noticeable odors.
• Get rid of expired food. Double-check the expiration dates. Food may begin to go bad even before the expiration date. This is especially true of more perishable items like meat and dairy.

If you confirm that spoiled food is the reason behind the smell, it’s time for a deep clean to help remove lingering refrigerator odors. Follow these steps:

• Place all the unspoiled food items in a cooler.
• Throw out anything that’s gone bad.
• Use a mixture of soap and warm water to clean the fridge. Sometimes plastic absorbs odors even after removing the spoiled food, so clean thoroughly.
• After cleaning, leave an opened box of baking soda in the fridge. The box of baking soda will help remove the odor.

Reason 2: Mold or debris in the drip pan.

At the bottom of your fridge is a drip pan that collects drops of moisture that fall off of the condenser coils. Over time, the drip pan can accumulate food debris and other liquids. This can lead to a terrible refrigerator smell even if you clean the refrigerator interior thoroughly.

To clean the drip pan, use dish soap to create a soapy water solution. Scrub the pan with a sponge or washcloth soaked in the soapy water. Ensure the drip pan is dry before putting it back. This should leave your fridge smelling fresh.

Pro tip: You should also check for signs of mold near and around your fridge. For example, if you spilled a liquid or if your refrigerator has been leaking, you may see mold or mildew growth underneath or behind your fridge. This could be causing bad odors in your kitchen.

Reason 3: Insufficient cooling.

Even if you keep the fridge clean, the temperature may not be low enough to keep food fresh. The ideal fridge temperature should be under 40° F. Temperatures above this range may lead to food spoilage.

Most refrigerators have a control to adjust the temperature. Check your fridge’s manual for specific instructions on how to access and set it to the right temperature.

If you have the control set to an appropriate temperature, but it's still too warm, you may need to hire a pro to inspect it.

Related: Why is my fridge not cooling?

Reason 4: There’s something near the fridge.

In some cases, the cause of the smell may not be the fridge at all but something else near the fridge. If you’ve cleaned and checked for spoiled food, look around the sides of the fridge as well as underneath it. Sometimes, food items can end up in crevices in the kitchen and start to decay and smell.

Move your refrigerator away from the wall to look for bits of food that rolled under it. Have someone help you move the refrigerator if necessary to avoid injuries. You may also want to protect the floor from scuffing and scratching before you move the fridge.

How to fix and prevent odors in your refrigerator.

These maintenance tips will help you prevent smells from permeating your fridge before they start.

• Keep your refrigerator clean. Periodically cleaning your fridge can prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, stains, grime, and food particles. These can all lead to foul smells. Be sure to remove and discard any spoiled food as soon as you notice it.
• Use baking soda. Not only can a box of baking soda deodorize the fridge, but you can also use it to clean surfaces. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda over the shelves and trays in your fridge, and wipe with a wet sponge or cloth.
• Use coffee grounds. Coffee has a strong, earthy smell that can help neutralize unpleasant odors. However, try not to place it next to open food items. If you do, they may end up smelling like coffee as well. 
• Try activated charcoal. You can use activated charcoal to absorb bad smells in your home — including inside the fridge. Place an open container with the charcoal in the back of the fridge on one of the shelves.
• Clean the fridge with vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleanser that helps kill bacteria and mold. as well as remove odors. A solution of white vinegar and water is a non-toxic alternative to stronger cleaning agents like bleach.
• Air out your fridge. After a deep clean, prop the door open for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help circulate fresh air to remove smells.
• Store food properly. Avoid storing perishable foods in the refrigerator door, as they may spoil faster and start to smell.

Hire a pro to repair your refrigerator.

If your fridge has a stubborn odor even after cleaning it, it could be a sign of a serious issue. Mechanical issues and cooling problems typically require a repair technician's expertise.

With so many options, finding the right appliance repair service can be a challenge. The best way to find a refrigerator repair technician in your area is with Thumbtack. Download the Thumbtack app today to get free quotes for your refrigerator repairs.