Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Emptying the refrigerator
• Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the refrigerator
• Part 3 of 3: Absorbing the last scents
• Necessities

Many people like to eat fish, but a fish smell in the refrigerator is very unpleasant and can affect other foods as well. To get a fishy smell out of your fridge, it's important to empty the fridge, clean everything thoroughly and use products to absorb the last of the odors. However, preventing your refrigerator from smelling of fish is always the easiest method. You can do this by keeping all packaging and bags tight and by using ingredients before they spoil.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Emptying the refrigerator

1. Remove all food from the fridge and freezer. It is easiest to thoroughly clean the refrigerator when it is empty. It is also important to clean the freezer, as the same air flows through both the refrigerator and the freezer. That means that the freezer can also start to stink of fish. To keep the food good while you get started, you can do the following:
   • Store the food in cool boxes with ice packs or ice bags
   • Keep the food in a friend's or neighbour's refrigerator
   • Put the food outside when it is cold enough
2. Discard spoiled and rotting food. To keep the fishy odor and all other bad smells from returning when the refrigerator is clean, find the source of the odor and throw it away. While you're at it, throw away any food that is spoiled, moldy, and rotting.
   • Smell all the food in the fridge to see if anything smells like fish. Foods that have not been properly packaged and stored may also smell like fish. Discard anything that smells like fish.
   EXPERT TIP

   Unplug the refrigerator. Getting a fishy smell out of the fridge will require a thorough cleaning and airing of it, and of course you don't want to waste electricity while you're at it. The best way to save electricity is to unplug the power cord when the refrigerator is completely empty.

   • Once you have unplugged it, make sure you leave the doors open until the refrigerator has thawed, otherwise mold can grow.
3. Remove all drawers, shelves and racks from the refrigerator. The fishy smell can be all over the refrigerator and the best way to get rid of the smell is to clean all surfaces. You can take the drawers, shelves and racks out of the fridge and you can clean them outside of the fridge a lot easier.
   • To make sure these items don't get in the way, put them on the counter or on top of the refrigerator until you are ready to clean them. Keep your work orderly and put the items you cleaned back in the fridge.

Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the refrigerator

1. Clean the refrigerator with soap and water. Fill a bucket with hot water. While the water is flowing into the bucket, add about five drops of liquid dish soap. Stir the water to create foam. Dip a sponge or cloth in the soapy water. Wring out the cloth and clean every inch of the interior of the refrigerator and freezer with the soap and water mixture.
   • During cleaning, periodically re-wet and wring the sponge or cloth.
   • When you are done, fill a bucket with clean water. Wipe the surfaces with the clean water and a clean sponge.
2. Prepare a disinfectant cleaning mixture. There are several products you can use to clean your refrigerator, and most of them are common household cleaners. Depending on what you have at home and your preferences, you can mix the following in a bucket:
   • Equal amounts of water and white vinegar
   • 120 ml bleach and four liters of water
   • Baking soda and enough water to make a paste
   • A liter of water, 60 grams of baking soda and a few drops of liquid dish soap
3. Sanitize the refrigerator and freezer. Dip a sponge or cloth into the cleaning mixture. Wring out the excess moisture from the sponge or cloth.Wipe down the walls, top, bottom, and all shelves, bins and other surfaces in the refrigerator and freezer. Keep dipping the sponge or cloth in the cleaning solution to keep it wet.
   • When you are done, fill a clean bucket with water. Wipe the surfaces with clean water to rinse away the cleaner residue.
   EXPERT TIP

   Dry the surfaces with a cloth. Use a dry microfiber cloth, rag, or towel to dry all surfaces in the refrigerator and freezer. This prevents water stains and the refrigerator dries faster in the air.

4. Air out the refrigerator and freezer. When the refrigerator and freezer have been thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with water, leave the doors open to air the refrigerator and freezer. You may have to tie the doors to something so that they stay open. Air the refrigerator and freezer for at least two hours. Do this for two days if possible.
   • Do not leave unattended children and pets in the area with the doors open to prevent them from becoming trapped in the appliance.
5. Clean and sanitize drawers, shelves and racks. When cleaning and sanitizing the drawers, shelves and racks, follow the same process you used for the rest of the refrigerator. Start by cleaning the surfaces with a mixture of water and soap, then wipe them with water. Wipe the surfaces with a sanitizing mixture, followed by water. Then rinse the items under the tap.
   • When you're done, set and lay the drawers, shelves, and racks outside to dry. Do not put them back in the refrigerator while you air it.

Part 3 of 3: Absorbing the last scents

1. Put all items back in the refrigerator and plug in the power cord. When the fridge and freezer have been able to air out long enough, place the drawers, shelves and racks back in the fridge. Plug in the power cord and let the refrigerator cool down.
   • Most refrigerators take about six hours to return to the correct temperature and up to 24 hours to be ready to cool food.
2. Put an odor absorbent in the fridge and freezer. An odor absorber helps to get rid of the last of the fish odors still hanging in the refrigerator. Put it in the fridge immediately when you switch it on again. Close the doors and let it sit in the fridge for 24 hours before putting the food back in the fridge. You can use the following odor-absorbing agents, among others:
   • Baking soda sprinkled on two large plates. Put a plate in the fridge and a plate in the freezer.
   • Two bowls of freshly ground coffee. Put a bowl in the fridge and a bowl in the freezer.
   • Crumpled newspaper that you put in the open areas in the fridge and freezer.
   • Bowls filled with charcoal without lighter fluid. Put a bowl in the fridge and a bowl in the freezer.
3. Return the food to the refrigerated refrigerator and freezer. After 24 hours, remove the odor-absorbing agent from the refrigerator and freezer. Put the food that you kept out of the fridge back in the fridge. When you've put in the fridge, you can put another bowl or plate of baking soda or ground coffee in the fridge.
   • If you continue to use baking soda or ground coffee as an odor absorber in the refrigerator, add a new amount every month.
4. Prevent new smells. There are a few ways you can keep your refrigerator clean and odor-free, and one of the most important is to clean up spills right away. Also, eat all food before it goes bad and throw away foods immediately when they start to spoil. Another important measure to combat odors in the refrigerator is to store food properly:
   • Store leftovers in airtight storage boxes.
   • Place unpackaged foods such as fish and meat in airtight containers or resealable bags.
   • Make sure the lids are on the boxes properly.
   • Make sure to seal freezer bags and other bags before putting them away.

Necessities

• Soap
• Water
• Three buckets
• Three sponges
• Disinfectant
• Towel
• Agent that absorbs odors