Hello Shack,
Pew, what a problem! I once cleaned a refrigerator for a senior
citizen I care for. After scrubbing the whole fridge with Mr. Clean, I
sprayed Febreeze on a damp sponge and wiped down every surface, again.
I'd rinse and wring the sponge and add more Febreeze every few wipes.
I also soaked two damp rags with Febreeze and left them in her crisper
drawers for a few days, before adding her new groceries. It did the
trick. If that does not work for you, here are some alternative
remedies:
"Method One
Make a mixture (50-50) of Vanilla Extract (not artificial) and rubbing
alcohol. Put into a spray bottle, unplug fridge and SOAK down the
inside of the unit, paying special attention to places where pieces
come together, leaving a crevice, really soak these places heavy.
After the entire unit is saturated, stuff with rolled up newspapers,
close door and leave it running for 24 to 48 hours. It may be a hassle
to remove the paper each time you want to get something behind it out
but will be worth it in the long run.
Method Two
Step one:
Get yourself a commercial grade germicide and disinfectant from a
local chemical supply company. The one that hospitals use to wash down
operating rooms would be the best choice. Avoid germicides with strong
odors or added perfumes. You don't want to cover the odor with another
one, you are eliminating the source.
Step two:
Read the label and all the warnings, so you take all precautions
necessary when using this substance. Germicides can do harm to your
central nervous system if incorrectly handled. Wear a new pair of good
quality rubber gloves.
Step three:
Unplug the fridge and remove all food.
Step four:
If your refrigerator is frost free, completely disassemble the freezer
compartment. For details on this procedure see page 90. Do not detach
the freezer coils themselves.
Step five:
Remove everything else that can come out. Air deflectors, fan blades,
air damper controls, shelves, crisper glass, breaker strips, control
dials etc.
Step six:
Wash all the removable parts in the sink with the germicide. Wash
again with dishwasher detergent to neutralize, then rinse with clean
water.
Step seven:
Wash down all inner surfaces of the cabinet and the door liner with
the chemical, especially the door seals. Wash again with dishwasher
detergent to neutralize, then rinse with clean water.
Step eight:
Place some of the chemical in the recommended concentration into a
spray bottle, and spray it through the places that you can't get at
with a cloth, especially the freezer coil fins. Next, spray through
normal dish soap to neutralize, then finally flush with clean water.
Step nine:
Reassemble all fridge components, turn on the fridge and let it run
with the doors open for about an hour. Meanwhile....
Step ten:
Replace all plastic bags with new, and wash off the outside of all
jars and containers with ordinary soap.
Step eleven:
Don't be too discouraged if the odor seems to still be present. It
will soon dissipate as its source is no longer present. You may need a
substance to absorb lingering odor. What has been found by some to be
more effective than baking soda is instant coffee, especially the
freeze dried type. In the freezer section place the coffee on a pie
plate or dish with a large surface area for a week or so."
http://www.fridgedoctor.com/fridge-doctor-book/complete-deodorizing-procedure.html
" That involves a relatively simple seven-step process, according to
the folks at Amana, a refrigerator manufacturer. But the bad news is
you will be without a refrigerator for about two days.
1.
Remove all food.
2.
Dissolve four teaspoons baking soda in one quart of water. With
a soft, clean cloth, rewash all interior surfaces, including the top,
bottom, drawers and walls.Rinse surfaces with warm water. Dry with a
soft, clean cloth.
3.
Place crisper drawers on top shelves of the refrigerator.
4.
Pack the refrigerator, including doors and drawers, with
crumpled sheets of newspaper. (Black and white only -- no color
pages.)
5.
Place charcoal briquets (one large bag should do) randomly
throughout the newspaper.
6.
Close the doors and let stand 24 to 48 hours.
7.
Remove charcoal briquets and newspapers. Wash all interior
surfaces with a rag moistened with liquid dish-washing detergent
dissolved in warm water. Pay special attention to corners and
crevices.
If there's still a lingering odor, Clorox bleach spray cleaner should
help eliminate it."
http://www.mrscleanjeans.net/pages/HOUSEHOLD/cc_deodorizing.html
"
Warnings:
If the odor is in the refrigerator insulation, there is nothing you
can do to absorb it. The insulation may have to be replaced.
Tips from eHow Users:
Removing odors from a refrigerator by Joe T.
Try checking the bottom pan underneath the refrigerator (on the
exterior). We had an odor problem and when we checked the bottom pan
it had all sorts of things growing in it! After I cleaned it out, the
odor was eliminated and hasn't returned. On my fridge, the pan was
accessible from the front by removing the bottom plastic panel. It
seems the odor from this pan was rising up and getting into the
refrigerator through the cold air ducts. Check the bottom pan!"
http://www.ehow.com/how_18213_remove-odors-refrigerator.html
Other sites:
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http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/storm/getready/after/kitchen.html
http://homeparents.about.com/cs/householdtips/a/baksoda_part1.htm
http://msucares.com/pubs/infosheets/is1232.htm
I sure hope this helps you have a sweet-smelling refrigerator!
Regards, Crabcakes
Search Terms
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Deodorizing a refrigerator
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