Stinky freezer

[Itchywoolyjumper]

A couple of weeks ago our freezer defrosted itself :(
It took us a day to notice and in that time all the meat and fish had become a bit stinky. Despite DH defrosting it and giving it a good scrub it still stinks. I've just defrosted it and cleaned it all again with antibacterial cleaner and put some cut lemons in to try and get rid of the smell. We've also tried bicarbonate of soda but the smell is still there. Any ideas?

Turn off the power or unplug, pull it out and have a look round the back. If it is a frost-free, or if it is a fridge-freezer, there will be a dish on top of the motor where defrost water collects. This may be full of mould and slime. Clean it out with a small brush and wipe with bleach. Make sure no water spills out onto an electrical part. Verify that the little water pipe is not blocked with mould.

It is also possible that stinky water ran out onto ther floor under the freezer.

I suppose you could wipe the internal plastic lining with bleach and water, but I'm surprised the antibac cleaner hasn't done the job. You can get a special spray for cleaning fridges and microwaves that may help.

Thanks, I'll have a look at that :)

Another thing that's good for cleaning freezers/fridges is bicarbonate of soda, that really gets rid of smells. Make up a solution, a couple of teaspoons ( I think) in a bowl of water and use it wipe.