As of: January 27, 2024, 4:00 p.m
Comments
Press
Split
Does your refrigerator suddenly smell unpleasant?
There can be different reasons for this.
In any case, it's not always the cheese.
When opening the refrigerator, everyone has probably been greeted by a bad smell.
Then it's a lot of guesswork because the reason for it can often not be found.
What can be the causes if the refrigerator stinks - and what you can do about it.
Causes: Why does the refrigerator stink?
If the refrigerator smells strongly of cheese, you have probably stored the good piece openly.
(Symbolic image) © IMAGO/xLenorIvx
If the refrigerator smells bad, the following reasons are usually behind it:
Spoiled food:
If there is an unpleasant smell coming from the refrigerator, it is usually due to rotten food.
Therefore, first check whether vegetables, open sausages, etc. are still OK and dispose of them if necessary.
Strong food odors:
Sometimes, however, strong odors from food, such as cheese or fish, have settled in the device and in the seals.
This is especially the case when food is stored in the refrigerator without a cover.
Then only thorough cleaning will help.
Incorrect temperature setting:
Have you accidentally adjusted the control and the temperature in the refrigerator is too low?
Then bacteria settle very quickly, which can be to blame for the smell.
The optimal refrigerator temperature is seven degrees Celsius.
However, there are different temperature zones in the refrigerator, which can be colder or warmer.
Therefore, always store the food in the right zone so that it does not spoil prematurely.
Technical defect in the device:
According to
Bild.de
, technical defects can also cause a smell, for example if the coolant is leaking, the ventilation is not working or the compressor is defective.
However, there is usually a smell on the outside of the refrigerator.
In this case, it is best to call a professional to eliminate the defect.
You can find everything about household and garden tips in the regular living newsletter from our partner Merkur.de.
Login here!
Thorough cleaning helps
If strong smells from food or spoiled food are the reason why your refrigerator smells unpleasant, only a thorough cleaning will help.
If you have discovered mold in the refrigerator or on food, it is certainly not enough to just clean the affected areas.
Then the whole refrigerator has to be cleaned properly.
To do this, completely empty the refrigerator and defrost it if necessary.
Now clean the refrigerator down to the last corner, including all compartments and shelves, and don't forget the seals.
Odors can also settle here.
My news
Cleaning floor tiles: Two home remedies will make your tiles shine again
How often do you have to change washcloths - weekly or should you prefer daily? read
Many people don't clean their shower heads often: dishwasher tablets ensure that the shower heads are sparkling clean
On the lookout: Unusual places in the apartment where pests can hide read
Read about the cleaning mistakes you should definitely not make on a glass ceramic hob
New regulation from 2024: Read which fireplace stoves will soon be banned
Warm water and a little dishwashing liquid are sufficient cleaning agents.
Alternatively, you can also mix vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and use it to wipe the device.
The home remedy has an antibacterial and neutralizing effect.
According to
consumer advice centers,
the refrigerator should be cleaned in this way at least once a month to prevent bad smells in the future.
Home remedies that can help against bad smells
As a first aid measure, home remedies can also help to get rid of unpleasant smells in the refrigerator.
Baking powder or baking soda, for example, neutralize unwanted odors - simply put a bowl of it in the fridge for at least 24 hours and the smell will disappear.
Half a sliced lemon also provides a fresh scent in the fridge.
However, after three days it should be thrown away.
Also often recommended: coffee powder or beans, which trap bad smells in a bowl and give off a pleasant coffee scent.
Many people also swear by having a small bowl of salt in the fridge - it keeps vegetables fresh for longer.