Reasons for a Refrigerator to Smell Bad

Expired Food

• It's all too easy to overlook the necessity of cleaning out the refrigerator. Leftovers from dinners past can leave an unpleasant odor as they begin to go bad. Packaged foods and condiments can expire if checking labels hasn't been a top priority. This can also lead to an unpleasant smell waiting to greet you once the door is opened. Staying on top of label checking and using leftovers in a timely fashion can help prevent rotten and expired food odors.

Mold and Mildew

• While we often think of mold and mildew in warm places, these fungal growths can live in colder temperatures such as your refrigerator. The smell of mold and mildew is unmistakable and should be dealt with promptly for health reasons as mold and mildew can lead to respiratory and skin irritation for some people. Clean up mold with soapy water and discard foods that have mold or mildew on them. Sanitize the refrigerator with a weak bleach solution before putting food back in. The seal around the door is a place where mildew and mold can easily hide undetected if moisture has been a problem. Use an old toothbrush to clean it out. Wear gloves, a mask and glasses to keep yourself safe while dealing with this ugly problem.

Spills and Dirtiness

• Rings left behind from leaking containers and spills that go unattended can make your refrigerator dirty and smell that way, too. Every so often it helps to take everything out and give the refrigerator a thorough cleaning. Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator with warm soapy water. If old stains aren't coming up without a fight, make a paste of baking soda and water to help scrub them away. Leave the refrigerator open to allow it to air dry and cycle fresh air through it before putting food back in.

When Something's Wrong

• If your refrigerator has been cleaned out and cleaned thoroughly and no amount of baking soda, bleach or other odor-absorbing and eliminating material seems to help, the problem may require a professional. Lingering odors may be the result of spills that may have gotten into the insulation. Chemical and burning smells can also be an issue. If the smell is not from food or mold and you suspect it's a mechanical problem, unplug the refrigerator and contact an appliance professional or the manufacturer immediately.