Fridge "off food" smell

[peekaboob]

Mistakenly left something perishable in an underused fridge. Gone to go in fridge and there was a science experiment in there. Have rid the fridge of everything but the smell is so bad. What's the best way to get rid of it? Opening the door for a second causes a whiff that travels through the house

Leaving lemons cut in half is meant to help?

I would bleach the fridge savagely then leave a large tray of bicarbonate of soda in there as it can help absorb smells.

I've not had it in the fridge but we had a terrible smell in the car from spilt milk. Bicarb helped a lot but the biggest thing was discovering we'd missed a bit cleaning up. If your fridge really still smells that terrible after the science experiment has gone you've probably missed a bit. Scrub from top to bottom

Thanks both. After a google search I have thoroughly cleaned and emptied the fridge. It's now got coffee grounds in it to absorb any remaining smell.

If it persists check the drip tray. They’re only designed for water to run through and evaporate and if a bit of the “science experiment” fell through it could be growing in there.

A good clean and I have a lo tg of my food in tubberware with lids to keep fresh and prevent smells. Home bargains sell fridge organisers which seem to help keep the fridge clean- easy to wipe under them

Having thoroughly cleaned it (and remember the defrost drip tray round the back), you can wipe the plastic lining with a clean sponge moistened with washing-up liquid. This will dry to leave a thin film on the inside which prevents bacterial or fungal growth and odours. You will wash it away next time you clean the fridge.

Presumably any food you put inside will be wrapped or packaged, so not in contact with the WUL.

Best thing for fridges is to clean with bicarb and warm water solution and then just leave a small dish of bicarb powder in there to absorb any left over smells.