Odors that are extremely difficult to remove are normally caused by blood from thawed meats that has gotten into the liner of the refrigerator and freezer. This is especially true with older refrigerators as they “hold” the odor and can be very difficult to remove. Here are several tips to remove the stench:
General Solution – Clean all surfaces thoroughly by applying baking soda on a damp sponge and rinsing with water. Empty and clean the drain pan (if your model has one) located below the refrigerator (sometimes this has to be accessed from the rear after removing the lower rear panel). Remove the food from both the freezer and the refrigerator and leave the unit empty.
Specific Solution – WITH THE REFRIGERATOR RUNNING, fill the inside of the freezer and refrigerator with wadded up newspapers. Close the doors and let the unit sit for at least 48 hours. OR Put a shallow baking pan on several shelves in both sections and fill with charcoal briquettes (use the untreated type, not the quick lighting ones). OR Put fresh dust-free cat litter in a baking pan and sit on a refrigerator shelf. Also pour some on the floor under the crisper drawers. Close the doors and let the refrigerator run for 48 hours. OR Buy a commercial grade odor remover from my parts department and follow the directions on the container!
General Solution – Clean all surfaces thoroughly by applying baking soda on a damp sponge and rinsing with water. Empty and clean the drain pan (if your model has one) located below the refrigerator (sometimes this has to be accessed from the rear after removing the lower rear panel). Remove the food from both the freezer and the refrigerator and leave the unit empty.
Specific Solution – WITH THE REFRIGERATOR RUNNING, fill the inside of the freezer and refrigerator with wadded up newspapers. Close the doors and let the unit sit for at least 48 hours. OR Put a shallow baking pan on several shelves in both sections and fill with charcoal briquettes (use the untreated type, not the quick lighting ones). OR Put fresh dust-free cat litter in a baking pan and sit on a refrigerator shelf. Also pour some on the floor under the crisper drawers. Close the doors and let the refrigerator run for 48 hours. OR Buy a commercial grade odor remover from my parts department and follow the directions on the container!