Is there a lingering smell every time you open the fridge or freezer? Not only could this make fresh food seem unappealing, but it may also lead to bacterial contamination, shorter equipment lifespans and accelerated food spoilage. Even worse, customers may complain about bad smells and tastes or could become ill due to dirty equipment.
If you want to avoid all these detriments, it’s important to know how to deodorize a freezer and commercial fridge properly. To help get you started, let’s go over how to deodorize fridge & freezer equipment and keep the unwanted smells from coming back!
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Deodorize a Fridge and Freezer
1. Take inventory.
The first step in how to deodorize the refrigerator and freezer is to go through the items and check expiration dates. Remove any expired items and toss any you’re unsure of as well. As you do this, perform a “smell test” to confirm the source and ensure it will be eliminated.
2. Empty it out.
Then, you’ll need to transfer the other products. Place them in appropriate containers to maintain temperature, such as a cooler with ice. Once empty, unplug the equipment and defrost the freezer if necessary. Unplugging is essential for safety purposes and to limit energy waste.
3. Clean every corner.
Next, wipe down the shelves and interiors thoroughly. Use a bucket of warm water, soap and a highly absorbent microfiber cloth. You may also need a scrub brush for stuck-on grime. Be sure to get every crack, gasket and bin. Afterwards, rinse the interiors with clean water.
4. Tidy up the components and exterior.
If time allows, vacuum the condenser, coils and fans. Doing so removes built-up dust, prevents clogs and allows the equipment to run optimally, thus lowering utility bills. You could also detach the protective grill to deep clean with a brush. If possible, vacuum and mop behind the unit and wipe down the walls, top and exterior for superior, top-to-bottom results.
5. Disinfect.
No commercial fridge or freezer cleaning would be complete without a good disinfecting. Use a food-safe sanitizer on both the interior and exterior to eliminate the risk of contamination and chemical exposure. Lastly, plug the machines back in and reload the items in an organized, inventory-wise manner.
Ways to Keep Your Fridge and Freezer Odor-Free
Now that the equipment is odor-free, you want to make sure it stays that way. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to do so with everyday items you might already have on-hand. The first solution is baking soda. Proven to be an effective odor-absorber, an open container of baking soda is a go-to for many residential and commercial kitchens alike. Oats can also act as fridge odor absorbers. Simply pour some into a container and leave it in the fridge for a low-cost freshener.
You could also choose to neutralize odors. Used coffee grounds can be dried and stored in a spill-proof container out of the way to defuse odors from pungent sources. Another solution is fighting smells with good scents like vanilla. By soaking a cotton ball in the fragrant extract and placing it inside, any recurrent bad smells can be overpowered. You could also use lemon juice the same way or place a plate of freshly sliced lemons at the back of the fridge.
Common Causes of Fridge Odors
Unpleasant odors in a refrigerator often stem from a combination of factors, many of which can be prevented with regular upkeep. One of the biggest culprits is spilled liquids that seep into shelves and drawers, leading to bacterial growth. Even small amounts of juice, milk or sauces left unchecked can result in lingering smells that worsen over time.
Another major contributor is decaying food. Unused ingredients pushed to the back of the fridge can decompose, releasing strong odors that spread to other items. Expired dairy products and proteins – such as eggs, meat or seafood – can create particularly stubborn odors.
Ventilation issues can also make the refrigerator smell worse. Without proper airflow, odors become trapped, making it harder to keep a fridge smelling fresh. Regularly checking expiration dates and verifying there is proper ventilation can go a long way in preventing these common issues.
Natural Deodorizers: Vinegar, Essential Oils and More
When it comes to keeping your fridge fresh, natural deodorizers offer an effective, eco-friendly solution. White vinegar is a powerful deodorizing agent. Known for its antibacterial properties, vinegar not only neutralizes smells but also helps clean surfaces when diluted with water. Wiping down shelves and walls with a vinegar solution is a great way to keep odors at bay.
Essential oils can be an excellent option for those looking to add a pleasant scent to their fridge while tackling odor problems. Oils like lemon, lavender and tea tree have natural antibacterial properties while leaving behind a refreshing fragrance. Just like the vanilla method mentioned above, a cotton ball soaked in a few drops of essential oil and placed discreetly in the fridge can subtly freshen the air inside.
Additional DIY fridge deodorizer options include:
- Herbal Freshener Sachet – Fill a small mesh bag with dried lavender, rosemary or mint. Place it in the fridge to absorb odors while adding a fresh scent. Replace every 3–4 weeks.
- Activated Charcoal Pack – Place a few pieces of activated charcoal in a breathable pouch or open container. Store it in the fridge to naturally absorb moisture and odors. Replace every month.
- Citrus Peel Freshener – Save orange, lemon or lime peels and place them in a small bowl inside the fridge. The natural citrus oils help neutralize odors. Replace weekly for best results.
- Rice and Essential Oil Jar – Fill a small jar with uncooked rice and add 5–10 drops of essential oil. Stir occasionally to release a fresh scent. Replace every 4–6 weeks.
Maintaining a Fresh-Smelling Fridge
A well-maintained fridge is far less likely to develop persistent odors. Cleaning tips include establishing a cleaning schedule that involves wiping down shelves and drawers weekly to help remove spills before they lead to unpleasant smells.
You should also perform a deep clean every few months. This task should consist of disinfecting and scrubbing hard-to-reach areas to prevent buildup. You may even want to look into professional cleaning if your establishment has a lot of equipment or a high level of traffic.
Organization also plays a key role in refrigerator odor prevention. Keeping leftovers in airtight containers reduces the risk of food odors spreading. Labeling and dating food items makes it easier to keep track of expiration dates and minimizes forgotten, decaying items. Storing produce properly – such as keeping leafy greens in breathable bags and wrapping strong-smelling foods like onions separately – can also prevent cross-contamination of odors.
Looking for more advice? Check out our DIY refrigerator maintenance tips!
Choosing the Right Fridge Deodorizers
There are numerous options when it comes to fridge deodorizers, each with varying levels of effectiveness and environmental impact. For those who prefer commercial deodorizers, there are many highly effective products designed specifically for refrigerators. These often contain odor-absorbing gels or activated carbon that work to eliminate rather than mask smells. When selecting a commercial deodorizer, consider factors such as chemical content, safety around food and longevity of use.
In terms of natural vs. commercial options, natural deodorizers tend to be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, while commercial products may offer a more powerful and longer-lasting effect. Choosing the right one depends on individual needs and preferences, but a combination of regular maintenance and odor-fighting solutions is the best way to maintain a consistently fresh-smelling fridge.
Turn to the Experts at Iron Mountain Refrigeration & Equipment
Iron Mountain Refrigeration has been serving the commercial kitchen industry for years. We offer a range of quality products and cold storage equipment to meet the demands of all types of businesses. Browse all products to see what fits your needs.
You can also get in touch with us online or by phone. We look forward to hearing from you soon!