Extreme Fridge Smell.

[TheLovelyBoots]

Just that, really. Every time I open my fridge, I get a waft of foul odor. I clean it frequently, there's nothing old or smelly in it - do I need to have it serviced?

thanks.

Have you cleaned out the water channel thing at the back inside the fridge? Also have you pulled the fridge out and emptied/cleaned the bit at the back on the outside that collects drainage water?

No! I can't say I know where the water channel is- I will google this. Thanks!

there is normally a channel along the back of the inside that leads to a wee hole in the middle (sometimes has a wee plastic pokey thing in it to help clean it out)

As well as cleaning out the drainage hole which can get gunked up, empty the fridge and give it a very thorough wipe out using a cloth rinsed in hot water and dissolved bicarbonate of soda.

I had to do this several times after the stench of a very ripe Camembert clung to the plastic fridge lining long after the cheese had gone. It knocked you back.

Vanilla essence on a small saucer will also get rid of any lingering odours.

Thanks - enrique, it seems it might have been stinky cheese. My husband took some out this am that had been there probably a year? But in a tupperware container/airtight. Not sure if this is the source.

A year!!!!

I know. It was blending into the cheese drawer for having been there so long. Bad, bad fridge management.

Yup, the 'aged' cheese'll do it every time.
Follow the cleaning tips, but be prepared to repeat a few times. You will get rid of the smell with persistence.

It's seemingly already gone! Thanks to all.