How to remove smell from fridge?

Does your refrigerator smell a little off when you open the door? Bad odours aren’t just unpleasant — they can be a sign of food spoilage, bacteria growth, or moisture build-up that may affect the taste and freshness of your food. The good news is that with the right approach, you can keep your refrigerator smelling fresh and clean.

In this guide, Electrolux Malaysia shows you how to remove smell from a fridge with simple steps, effective fridge smell removers, and alternative natural methods like vinegar and lemon. We’ll also share pro tips to prevent odours from coming back.

How to remove smell from fridge: Do deep clean

Before trying any deodorisers, the first step is always a deep clean. Here’s the process:

1. Empty your fridge completely: Remove all food, shelves, and drawers.
2. Discard expired items: Throw away spoiled or mouldy food.
3. Wash shelves and bins: Use warm soapy water to clean all removable parts.
4. Wipe interior surfaces: Mix baking soda with warm water and use a sponge to scrub inside walls and corners.
5. Don’t forget the drip pan: Located underneath the fridge, it can collect moisture and bacteria.
6. Dry thoroughly before returning shelves and food.

This first step eliminates the source of most odours and prepares your fridge for longer-lasting freshness.

Learn more: Complete guide on how to clean your refrigerator the right way.

How to get rid of smell from fridge with fridge smell remover?

For stubborn odours that regular cleaning can’t fix, a dedicated fridge smell remover is your best solution.

It an effective and eco-friendly product designed specifically to neutralise odours inside your fridge. Simply place it in the refrigerator compartment, and it continuously absorbs unwanted smells while keeping food fresh.

Alternative for effortless freshness:
For an easy and effective way to keep your refrigerator spotless and odour-free, try Electrolux Frigo Care Refrigerator Cleaning Spray. This powerful yet gentle cleaner makes fridge maintenance effortless. To apply, Spray on the surface to be treated, wait a few minutes, and wipe clean. Its easy-rinse formula removes dirt, stains, and residue while leaving behind a long-lasting, fresh scent. With Electrolux Frigo Care Spray, you can enjoy a cleaner, more hygienic refrigerator and spend less time scrubbing — making kitchen care simpler and more enjoyable. Recommended to use every 14 days for hygienic and clean refrigerator or freezer.

How to remove bad smell from fridge naturally

If you prefer a natural approach, several household items can work as effective fridge deodorisers:

• Vinegar: Soak a small towel in white vinegar, place it in an open bowl, and leave it in the fridge for 24 hours. Vinegar neutralises strong smells.
• Baking soda: Keep an open box or container inside to continuously absorb odours.
• Lemon slices with baking soda and salt: Add freshness and mild disinfection.
• Coffee grounds: Spread used coffee evenly on a plate to absorb smells while adding a pleasant aroma.
• Charcoal: BBQ charcoal pieces can also trap odours effectively.

These natural deodorisers are affordable and safe, though they need to be replaced regularly for best results.

Tips & tricks to keep your fridge out of bad smells

Once you’ve cleaned your fridge, follow these habits to keep odours away:

• Use Electrolux Frigo Care Refrigerator Cleaning Spray every two weeks to remove dirt, stains, and food residues. Regular cleaning helps prevent odour build-up and keeps your fridge hygienic, fresh, and spotless.
• Do regular fridge audits: Every 3–4 months, clean shelves and discard expired items.
• Follow the “first in, first out” rule: Place older foods in front so they’re used first.
• Store produce properly: Use humidity-controlled drawers like the Electrolux TasteLockAuto crispers to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
• Check the temperature: Keep the fridge at 4°C or lower to slow bacteria growth. Meat may require -2°C while some fruits are best at 7°C. Check out on how to set the correct refrigerator temperature in our article.

With the right fridge features, like the Electrolux UltimateTaste 900 with FlexStor and TasteSealAuto technology, you can reduce spoilage and keep food fresher, longer — which also means fewer odours.

Find more: Frequently asked questions about refrigerators