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How to Remove a Garlic Scent From the Freezer

Fresh garlic provides a savory addition to any meal, but the strong smell of garlic is sure to linger long after you have finished eating. Food stored in a freezer can easily pick up the odor of garlic, often resulting in an unpleasant aftertaste. The techniques used to rid your freezer of such pungent garlic odor can be applied to any strong smell lingering in your freezer or refrigerator.

Things You'll Need

  • Baking soda
  • Charcoal
  • Unscented chlorine bleach
  • Vinegar
  • Newspaper
  • Coffee grounds
  • Cat litter
  • Cotton swab
  • Vanilla extract
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dispose of any food items which carry the garlic scent.

    • 2

      Place an open container of baking soda in your freezer and wait a few days. If the smell lingers, proceed with the next step.

    • 3

      Remove all food items from your freezer and refrigerator and place them inside a cooler filled with ice for the time being. Unplug the freezer or refrigerator.

    • 4

      Remove any part of the freezer that is removable, such as shelves or ice trays. Mix a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water. Wash the removable parts in this solution.

    • 5

      Wash the interior of the freezer with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 quart of water. Wipe away the baking soda mixture using the same chlorine solution as before.

    • 6

      Dry the interior by leaving the door open for 15 minutes or until it has completely dried. If the scent still remains after cleaning, continue to the next step.

    • 7

      Mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Wipe the interior of the freezer with this solution and allow it to dry.

    • 8

      Place a shallow pan filled with activated charcoal, unused kitty litter, baking soda or coffee grounds inside your freezer to absorb any lingering smells. Keep the pan in your freezer for several days with the door closed and change whenever necessary. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in vanilla extract.

    • 9

      Roll up newspapers and place them inside your freezer for several days. After removing the newspapers, wipe down the interior with the vinegar-water solution.

    • 10

      Air out your freezer for several days with the unit unplugged.

    • 11

      Dispose of your refrigerator if you still cannot remove the smell. Make sure to follow your state's safety guidelines for refrigerator disposal. Most states require you to remove the door before throwing away the unit.