How to Eliminate Fish Odor and Keep Your Refrigerator Fresh: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to eliminate the unpleasant fish odor from your refrigerator with simple and effective home methods:

10 Steps to Clean and Disinfect Your Smelly Refrigerator

1. Empty the Refrigerator
   Start by removing all food from the refrigerator, as it is easiest to clean when empty. Don’t forget to clean the freezer as well.

   • To preserve the food, store it in another fridge, in coolers with ice packs, or outside if the weather is cold enough.

2. Dispose of Spoiled or Contaminated Food
   Smell every item in the fridge to check for fish odor, and discard anything that smells of fish.

3. Unplug the Refrigerator
   Unplug the fridge and leave the doors open to allow the ice to melt completely. This will prevent mold growth.

4. Remove Shelves and Drawers
   If possible, remove any removable drawers and shelves, as this makes cleaning much easier.

5. Clean the Refrigerator
   Fill a bucket with hot water. Add about five drops of dish soap to the water and stir until it foams.

   • Use a sponge or cloth to wipe every inch of the fridge's interior with the soapy water. Re-soak the sponge and wring it out frequently to keep it damp.

   • Once finished, rinse the sponge in clean water and wipe down all surfaces with clean water.

6. Disinfect the Refrigerator
   Mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a bucket, or use a bleach-water solution (half a cup of bleach to a gallon of water) or a baking soda paste (mix ¼ cup of baking soda with enough water to form a paste).

   • Use a cloth or sponge soaked in the disinfectant to clean all surfaces. Wipe down the walls, shelves, and trays.

   • Once done, rinse with clean water to remove any excess cleaner.

7. Dry the Surfaces
   Use a microfiber towel to dry all the cleaned surfaces.

8. Leave the Doors Open for Two Hours
   Leave the fridge doors open for at least two hours to allow proper airflow and prevent mold. You may need to prop the doors open with something.

Effective Household Items to Absorb Bad Odors

Once your fridge is cleaned, use these household items to absorb any remaining odors:

1. Baking Soda
   Place a small bowl of baking soda in both the fridge and the freezer to neutralize odors. Replace it monthly.

2. Coffee Grounds
   Fresh coffee grounds (used or unused) can also absorb odors. Place small bowls of coffee grounds in both compartments.

3. Old Newspaper
   Crumple some old newspaper and stuff it into open spaces inside the fridge and freezer.

4. Charcoal
   Place bowls of charcoal (the type used for grilling, but without lighter fluid) in the fridge and freezer.

5. After 24 Hours
   After 24 hours, remove the odor-absorbing materials. You can replace them if needed.

6. Regular Maintenance
   Clean any spills promptly, check food expiry dates regularly, and store leftovers in airtight containers. Move opened items like fish or meat into sealed bags or containers to prevent future odors.

By following these simple steps, your fridge will be fresh and odor-free once again!