- Remove all food items and removable racks and wash the entire inside of your refrigerator. This may not be necessary if you have a single item that caused the smell, but if you cannot determine the cause or notice a slow buildup of odor over time, then this is the best method. Use only cleaners that are safe for use around food. If you are concerned about chemicals, dilute distilled white vinegar with an equal portion of water and use this to wash your refrigerator. Vinegar has odor-eating properties that can help greatly with refrigerator stench.
- Keep an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator at all times. The baking soda draws in the odors, clearing your refrigerator's air. The method works slowly, but is good for general maintenance of a fresh fridge. For strong odors, spread the baking soda out on a cookie sheet or baking tray so more of it is exposed to the air. Discard the baking soda every 30 to 90 days, based on the odors in your refrigerator.
- Cat litter and activated charcoal both absorb odors and may work better than baking soda for strong smells. Spread either of these in a tray or shallow dish to absorb the odor and discard when the odor is gone or when you stop noticing a decrease in the smell. In the latter case, replace the litter or charcoal and repeat the process. Dry coffee grounds can also help absorb refrigerator odors.
- If the odor comes from an unknown cause or your food seems to spoil quickly, place a thermometer in your refrigerator and monitor the temperature. It should be 40 degrees Fahrenheit for best food preservation, so adjust the temperature controls accordingly. Cover all stored food tightly so if it does go bad it won't cause a smell. You can also introduce a temporary fridge-friendly air freshener by placing a cotton ball soaked in vanilla extract in a small dish in your refrigerator.
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