Problem Overflow

Smoke, smells and damp getting into your apartment, and how renters stop them.

Other smells & stale air

The fridge smells off

Easy · About 30 minutes

Where I am
You open the door and get a whiff of something.
Where I want to be
A fridge that smells like nothing.
What's in the way
Spills or old food are hiding somewhere.

Try this first, free: Throw out anything old and wipe the shelves with warm soapy water. The smell is often one forgotten container.

The fix

  1. Take everything out and check the dates. Throw out anything doubtful.
  2. Wash shelves and drawers with warm water and dish soap, and wipe the door seals too.
  3. Dry everything and put it back.
  4. Leave an open box of baking soda on a shelf and swap it every few months.

What this won't fully fix: A clean-out fixes smells from food and spills. It won't fix a fridge that is failing or leaking inside.

Safety first: If the smell is sour and the fridge isn't staying cold, tell the landlord. Don't open the back panel yourself.

What to get

These open an Amazon search, so you can pick the one that fits. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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