How to Clean Your Fridge and Stop Odours
8 April 2026 · 3 min read · GlowSpark
A smelly fridge usually means a spill, an out-of-date item, or a blocked drain, not a fridge that needs replacing. A proper clean every few weeks keeps food fresher, safer and odour-free. Here is how to do it thoroughly and stop the smells coming back.
Empty and sort first
Take everything out and check dates as you go. Bin anything past its best, and set aside jars with crusted lids or sticky bases to wipe. An empty fridge is far easier to clean and lets you reach every corner.
Wash the inside
Remove the shelves and drawers and wash them in warm water with a little washing-up liquid. Let glass shelves reach room temperature first, or they can crack under hot water. For the interior, a solution of bicarbonate of soda in warm water cleans and deodorises at the same time.
- Wipe from the top down so drips land on surfaces you have not cleaned yet.
- Avoid strong bleach on food surfaces, as the smell lingers and can taint food.
- Dry everything before you put it back, to stop damp and mould.
Do not forget the details
The parts people miss are usually the source of the smell.
- Door seals: wipe the rubber gaskets, where crumbs and mould hide.
- Drip tray and drain hole: at the back of the fridge floor, clear the small drain hole with a cotton bud so water does not pool and stagnate.
- Handles and exterior: wipe these down for hygiene, especially around the door.
Stop odours coming back
Simple habits that keep it fresh
- Keep an open pot of bicarbonate of soda on a shelf to absorb odours, and replace it monthly.
- Cover or seal all food, as uncovered leftovers and strong cheeses spread smells fast.
- Wipe spills the moment they happen, before they dry on.
- Check for forgotten leftovers once a week.
Keep it at the right temperature
A fridge should run between 0C and 5C. Warmer than that and food spoils faster, which causes both smells and food-safety risks. If food is spoiling before its date, check the thermostat and make sure air can circulate, so do not overpack the shelves.
How often
Wipe visible spills straight away, give the shelves a quick clean weekly, and do a full empty-and-wash every three to four weeks. It takes twenty minutes and saves wasted food.
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