Remove Fish Smell From Your Fridge In 4 Easy Steps

If you’re a seafood lover, then you know how delicious fish can be. But, what about the smell that lingers on your hands, clothes, and your fridge long after the meal is over? If you don’t take care of it, your refrigerator can quickly become a haven for unpleasant odors that can permeate everything else you store in it.

Don’t worry, though. Removing fish odor from your fridge is easier than you think. All you need is some patience and a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.

In this post, we’ll show you 4 easy steps to remove fish smell from your fridge and keep it smelling fresh and clean.

Keep reading to learn how to eliminate fish odors for good and enjoy your seafood without any unwanted scents.

Identify The Source of The Smell

If you’re trying to remove a fishy odor from your refrigerator, the first thing you need to do is identify the source of the smell. You may have left some fish leftovers in the fridge, or perhaps some spilled fish juice has dripped onto one of the shelves. It’s also possible that there is an expired fish product hidden somewhere in the back that’s causing the smell.

To identify the source of the odor, start by sniffing around the inside of the refrigerator. Pay close attention to any areas where the smell seems to be concentrated. If you’re having trouble locating the source, try removing everything from the fridge and giving it a thorough cleaning.

Once you’ve identified the source of the smell, it’s time to remove the offending item. If it’s something that’s still good, like a piece of fish, you can simply wrap it tightly and throw it away. If it’s something that’s expired, be sure to dispose of it properly.

After removing the source of the smell, you should give the inside of the refrigerator a quick wipe down. Use a damp cloth and some mild soap to clean up any spills or residue. This will help to ensure that any remaining odor is removed during the deodorizing process.

Identify The Source of The Smell

Check for Spoiled Food

The first thing you need to do is check for any spoiled food in your fridge. Remove anything that looks or smells off, especially if it’s fish or seafood. Discard any leftovers that have been in the fridge for more than three days.

If you notice a slimy film or a sticky texture on the food, it has likely gone bad. Also, if the fish smells rancid, it’s a sign that it’s no longer good to eat. To avoid this problem in the future, make sure you eat fresh fish as soon as possible and don’t let it sit in the fridge for too long.

1. Check for any fish or seafood that is past its expiration date
2. Remove any food that looks or smells off, including leftovers that have been in the fridge for more than three days
3. Check for any slimy film or sticky texture on the food
4. Discard any food that smells rancid
5. Regularly clean your fridge to avoid the accumulation of spoiled food
6. Store fish and seafood in airtight containers to prevent odors from spreading

Checking for spoiled food is crucial to finding the source of the fishy smell in your fridge. Once you’ve removed any spoiled items, you can move on to the next step in removing the odor.

Inspect for Leaks or Spills

Another potential cause of fishy odor in your fridge is leaks or spills. Inspect your fridge for any liquid stains, especially in the lower parts, where fish juice and water tend to collect. Be sure to check the drawers and shelves, and pull them out to get a closer look.

If you find any stains, clean them up immediately with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Use a clean cloth or sponge to scrub the affected areas, making sure to remove all traces of moisture and soap residue. Dry the surfaces with a clean towel to prevent further odors from developing.

Don’t forget to check the fridge’s door gasket, which can sometimes harbor moisture and bacteria. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.

To prevent future spills, make sure your food is stored properly and that containers are tightly sealed. You can also use a tray or a bin to contain any drips or leaks, making cleanup easier and preventing odors from spreading.

Clean The Interior of The Refrigerator

Once you’ve identified the source of the fishy smell, it’s time to give your refrigerator a good cleaning. Start by taking everything out and throwing away any spoiled food. Use a mixture of hot water and dish soap to wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, drawers, and walls.

For tough stains or stuck-on food, mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel.

Don’t forget to clean the seals around the doors, as they can harbor bacteria and odors. Use a mixture of white vinegar and water to wipe them down, then dry with a clean towel.

After cleaning, leave an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb any remaining odors. Change it out every month or so to keep your fridge smelling fresh.

Remove All Contents from the Refrigerator

Empty the Fridge: Take out all the items from your refrigerator and put them in a cooler.

Check Expiry Dates: Discard any spoiled or expired items, especially any fish or seafood products that might be causing the smell.

Remove Shelves and Drawers: Remove any removable parts of the refrigerator to clean them thoroughly. This will also help you to identify the source of the smell more easily.

Wash Removable Parts: Wash all the removable parts of the fridge with warm, soapy water, and dry them well before returning them to the fridge.

Deodorize The Refrigerator

Use Baking Soda: Place an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge to absorb any odors. Replace it every 2-3 months to keep the fridge smelling fresh.

Try Activated Charcoal: Another effective option is to place activated charcoal in a bowl or mesh bag in the fridge. This absorbs odors and can last up to 6 months before needing to be replaced.

Use White Vinegar: Wipe the inside of the fridge with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. This will help eliminate any lingering odors and sanitize the fridge at the same time.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and is effective in removing foul smells from your fridge. It neutralizes and eliminates odors, rather than just masking them. Here’s how to use baking soda to deodorize your fridge:

1. Remove all contents from your fridge: Take out all the food and other items from your fridge to access the entire interior space.
2. Mix baking soda with water: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water. Stir until the baking soda is completely dissolved.
3. Clean the interior of the fridge: Use the baking soda solution to wipe down the interior surfaces of your fridge, including the walls, shelves, and drawers.
4. Rinse with water: Rinse the interior of your fridge with clean water to remove any residue from the baking soda solution.
5. Dry the interior: Use a clean towel to dry the interior of your fridge thoroughly.
6. Replace the baking soda: Place an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves in your fridge. It will absorb any future odors and keep your fridge smelling fresh.

Using baking soda is an easy and effective way to deodorize your fridge. It’s also a natural alternative to chemical sprays and air fresheners that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Give it a try!

Charcoal

Another great option for deodorizing your fridge is charcoal. Activated charcoal is a highly porous material that can absorb strong odors effectively. You can either use regular charcoal or purchase activated charcoal from a hardware or pet store.

• Prepare the charcoal: If you are using regular charcoal, break it into small pieces and place them in a bowl. If you are using activated charcoal, leave it in the original packaging.
• Place the charcoal inside the fridge: Put the bowl of charcoal or the package of activated charcoal inside the fridge and leave it for a few days to absorb the odors.
• Replace the charcoal: After a few days, replace the charcoal with a fresh batch if the smell has not completely disappeared.
• Dispose of the charcoal: Once the smell has disappeared, dispose of the charcoal properly.

Note: Do not use charcoal briquettes for this purpose as they may contain chemicals and additives that could be harmful if ingested.

Vinegar Solution

A vinegar solution is an excellent natural deodorizer for your refrigerator. It is also effective in removing stains, spills, and dirt. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Remove all contents from the refrigerator before spraying the solution on the interior walls and shelves. You can also use a cloth soaked in the vinegar solution to wipe the surfaces.

After wiping down the surfaces, let the solution sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water. Wipe the surfaces with a clean cloth and leave the refrigerator door open for a few hours to air out. The vinegar smell will disappear as it dries out, and you will be left with a clean and fresh refrigerator.

Note that you should not use undiluted vinegar as it can damage the interior surfaces of the refrigerator. Also, do not use vinegar to clean the rubber gasket as it can damage it.

Keep The Refrigerator Smelling Fresh

After going through the effort of cleaning and deodorizing your refrigerator, it’s important to take steps to keep it smelling fresh. Here are some tips:

Regularly check for expired food: Make it a habit to check for expired food items regularly and throw them out. This will prevent unpleasant odors from developing.

Use odor-absorbing materials: Place a box of baking soda, activated charcoal, or even coffee grounds inside your fridge to absorb any odors that may arise. These materials will help keep your fridge smelling fresh.

Keep your fridge organized: A disorganized fridge can lead to spills and leaks, which can create unpleasant odors. Keep your fridge organized and clean up any spills immediately to prevent odors from developing.

Wipe down surfaces regularly: Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces inside your fridge regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and food residue that can create odors. This will help keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean.

Keep Food in Air-Tight Containers

• Prevent Odors: Keeping food in air-tight containers prevents the spread of odors in the fridge.
• Reduce Spoilage: Food exposed to air will spoil faster than food stored in air-tight containers, reducing waste and saving money.
• Keep Food Fresh: Air-tight containers help maintain the freshness and flavor of food for longer periods of time.
• Easy to Organize: Containers make it easy to organize food, making it easier to find what you need and helping to prevent forgotten leftovers from spoiling.
• Easy to Clean: Using containers makes cleaning your fridge easier, as you can quickly remove and wash the containers as needed.
• Reduce Cross-Contamination: Air-tight containers help prevent cross-contamination between foods, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

Using air-tight containers is an easy and effective way to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh and clean. Be sure to label containers with the date and contents, and always use food-safe containers made of materials such as glass, plastic, or stainless steel.

Regularly Clean the Refrigerator

Cleaning your refrigerator regularly is key to maintaining a fresh smell. Try to clean it at least once every three months.

Remove all contents and clean the inside with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Don’t forget to remove any spills and stains.

Check expiration dates on all items before returning them to the fridge. Discard any expired or spoiled food to prevent odors from spreading.

Wipe down the exterior of the fridge with a damp cloth and dry it with a clean towel to remove any dirt and dust buildup.

Additional Tips For Removing Fish Odor From Your Fridge

Vinegar and Lemon Juice: Create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and lemon juice, soak a cloth in the solution, and use it to wipe down the interior of your fridge.

Activated Charcoal: Place some activated charcoal in a container and leave it in your fridge for a few days to absorb any lingering odors.

Coffee Grounds: Place some coffee grounds in a container and leave it in your fridge for a few days to absorb any odors.

Baking Soda and Water: Mix baking soda and water to create a paste, apply the paste to a cloth, and use it to wipe down the interior of your fridge.

Citrus Peels: Place some citrus peels in a container and leave it in your fridge for a few days to absorb any odors. The natural oils in the peels will help to neutralize the odor.

Store Fish Properly

Wrap fish tightly: When storing fish in the refrigerator, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the odor from spreading to other foods.

Use odor-proof containers: Use air-tight containers that are specifically designed to block odors to store fish in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the fish smell from permeating the entire fridge.

Keep fish at the back of the fridge: The back of the fridge is the coldest part, which makes it the best place to store fish. This will keep the fish fresh longer and help contain any odors.

Use Odor-Absorbing Products

Another effective way to remove fish odor from your fridge is to use odor-absorbing products. These products work by trapping and neutralizing the odor molecules, leaving your fridge smelling fresh and clean. Here are some examples of odor-absorbing products you can use:

• Baking Soda: Placing an open box of baking soda in your fridge can help absorb odors. Replace it every 3 months for best results.
• Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal can be used to absorb odors in the fridge. Simply place a few pieces in a bowl and leave it in your fridge for a few days.
• Zeolite: Zeolite is a natural mineral that can be used to absorb odors. Place a small amount in a breathable container and leave it in your fridge for a few days.
• White Vinegar: Placing a small bowl of white vinegar in your fridge can help absorb odors. Change it every 2-3 days until the smell is gone.
• Coffee Grounds: Used coffee grounds can be placed in a bowl in your fridge to absorb odors. Replace them every few days until the smell is gone.

It’s important to note that these odor-absorbing products may not completely eliminate strong fish odors, but they can certainly help reduce them. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to clean your fridge regularly and store fish properly to prevent odors from building up in the first place.

Avoid Strong Smelling Foods

Another way to keep your fridge smelling fresh is to avoid keeping strong smelling foods in the fridge. These include onions, garlic, and spices such as cumin and curry powder. These foods can leave behind strong odors that can be difficult to get rid of.

Instead, try to store these items in a cool, dry place outside of the fridge. If you must store them in the fridge, make sure they are tightly wrapped and sealed in an airtight container to prevent the odors from escaping.

You should also avoid keeping food past its expiration date as it can also produce unpleasant odors. Always check the expiration dates of the food before putting them in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions