How to Clean Your Fridge and Remove Bad Odours

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

A fridge can develop bad smells even when it looks clean. One poorly stored food item, a small leak, internal condensation or dirt trapped in door seals can create a stubborn odour.
In this situation, you should not cover the smell. Instead, you need to remove the source with a correct and repeatable cleaning routine.

In this guide, you will learn how to clean a fridge, remove bad odours and prevent them from coming back. You will also find practical DIY options and an eco-friendly method for more effective results.

Key points of the article

• The refrigerator should be cleaned regularly to prevent bad odours.
• Food residues and spills contribute to persistent smells.
• Use cleaners suitable for food-contact surfaces.
• Proper drying reduces moisture and bacterial growth.
• Regular maintenance improves hygiene and food preservation.

Why a fridge can smell bad even when it looks “fine”

In most cases, fridge odours come from three issues working together:

• Food residue: small drops, crumbs and spills can stay on shelves and drawers. Over time, they break down and start to smell.
• Open or unsealed food: cheese, fish, cold cuts and cooked meals release odours. These smells spread and other foods absorb them.
• Moisture and condensation: humidity supports mould and bacteria, especially in hidden areas such as seals and corners.

For this reason, effective cleaning is not about adding fragrance. Instead, it focuses on removing residue and cleaning internal surfaces properly.

When a fridge smells bad, you usually need to clean shelves, seals and hidden corners where moisture and residue build up.

How often to clean the fridge to prevent bad odours

A simple routine stops smells from becoming persistent:

• Every week: check food, throw away old open packs and wipe small leaks.
• Every 2–4 weeks: do a quick internal wipe of shelves and drawers.
• Every 2–3 months: do a full deep clean, including seals and the condensation drain area.

DIY methods: what to use to remove fridge odours

Natural solutions work well for routine maintenance and odour prevention. They are also useful when the smell is light.
However, they may not solve heavy residue or greasy films.

1) Baking soda (for light odours and gentle cleaning)

Baking soda is one of the easiest ways to reduce mild fridge smells.

How to neutralise odours

• Place a small open bowl of baking soda on a shelf.
• Replace it every 3–4 weeks.

How to use it for cleaning

• Mix baking soda with water to create a soft paste.
• Apply it to dirty areas, then wipe and rinse with a damp cloth.

This method works best when you want simple maintenance and a neutral result.

2) Citric acid (for neutral cleaning and light streaks)

Many people choose citric acid because it is practical and does not leave a strong scent.
In addition, it helps keep surfaces fresh and clean.

How to use it

• Dissolve a small amount of citric acid in water.
• Spray it or apply it with a cloth on shelves and inner walls.
• Wait a few minutes, then wipe and dry.

This option is useful when you want regular cleaning without aggressive products.

3) Sodium percarbonate (for deeper hygiene when odours persist)

Sodium percarbonate releases active oxygen in water. For that reason, people often use it for stronger DIY cleaning.

How to use it correctly

• Dissolve it in warm water.
• Apply with a cloth or sponge on washable parts.
• Rinse well and dry.

This method suits stronger odours when you still want a DIY approach.

How to clean a fridge properly: a simple and complete routine

To get stable results, follow a clear sequence. This prevents odours from returning after a few days.

Step 1: Empty the fridge and find the source

Remove all food and check for common causes:

• open packages
• leaking containers
• spoiled fruit or vegetables
• strong-smelling foods that are not sealed

Step 2: Remove shelves and drawers

Wash parts separately with water and a mild cleaner.
Then dry them completely before putting them back.

Step 3: Clean internal walls and corners

Use a well-wrung cloth and work from top to bottom.
Focus on:

• corners
• areas under shelves
• streaky or sticky spots

Step 4: Clean door seals and edges carefully

Seals trap moisture and residue. Therefore, they often cause persistent odours.
Use a cloth or a tool that reaches tight areas.

Step 5: Dry everything to prevent smells from returning

Residual humidity encourages odours to come back.
So, dry with a clean cloth and leave the door open for a few minutes.

When should you use a specific fridge cleaner?

DIY methods work well for light maintenance. However, they may not be enough when:

• you have greasy dirt on shelves or near cooked foods
• the smell is persistent
• streaks return after a few days
• you want a faster and more repeatable routine

In these cases, a targeted solution can help. At the same time, it should remain safe for domestic kitchen use.

Eco-friendly method: PULI ECO + a melamine sponge pad

If you need a deeper but controlled clean, especially to remove grease films, streaks and stubborn odours, you can combine PULI ECO with a melamine sponge pad.

• PULI ECO is a ready-to-use multipurpose degreaser suitable for everyday cleaning, including washable food-contact surfaces. It helps remove dirt and odours without leaving harmful residues when you rinse properly. In addition, it is fragrance-free and solvent-free.
• A melamine sponge pad improves the mechanical cleaning action. Therefore, it works well on shelves, edges and door seals where residue tends to stick.

How to use them correctly

1. Empty the fridge and remove crumbs or visible residue.
2. Spray PULI ECO onto the internal surfaces (shelves, walls and seals).
3. Leave it for a short contact time, depending on the dirt level.
4. Gently rub critical areas with the melamine pad (edges, shelf guides and seals).
5. Wipe residue away with a clean cloth. Then rinse with water if needed.

This method is ideal when you want a clean and repeatable routine without strong fragrances. PULI ECO supports deep cleaning, while the melamine pad helps remove stubborn marks more effectively.

How to prevent bad fridge smells (without cleaning every week)

After cleaning, a few habits help stop odours from returning:

• store food in sealed containers or cover it properly
• wipe small leaks immediately
• avoid leaving open packages for too long
• dry fruit and vegetables before storing them
• check drawers and the bottom area regularly

Conclusion

To remove fridge odours, take a practical approach. First, remove the source of residue and moisture. Then, keep the fridge clean with a simple routine.
Baking soda, citric acid and sodium percarbonate can help, especially for maintenance and odour neutralisation.

However, when dirt becomes stubborn or smells persist, you get better results with a targeted eco-friendly method. In particular, PULI ECO combined with a melamine sponge pad helps clean internal surfaces and seals more effectively, while keeping the process controlled and repeatable.

For a more structured management of the kitchen, you can choose our KITCHEN KIT: a complete system combining specific cleaners and technical accessories for every level of dirt.

Still have doubts?

Recurring odours or stubborn stains may be caused by hidden residues or unsuitable products.
Using the correct method helps prevent the problem from returning.
👉 Contact the Marbec technical team for tailored advice.