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Housekeeping

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My fridge smells

4 replies

PostingForTheFirstTime · 27/01/2022 19:30

I need some advice, please.

Every fridge I've ever had has a drainage system where the condensation dribbles down the back of the fridge until it hits a trough with a hole in the centre, through which the moisture then escapes into an accessible shelf external to, and at the back of, the fridge, where it evaporates.

My latest fridge (an upright Liebherr larder fridge) does not allow access to any such exterior drainage shelf, if one even exists (it has a welded-on wire-mesh protector at the back, so I can't see any such shelf).

So, there is now a pong coming from the back of the fridge but I don't know how to tackle it. In the past, this has happened where e
.g. a defrosting chicken or joint has leaked meat, which has seeped into the trough and out into the shelf. The remedy was to flush the internal trough and clean out the external shelf.

This happened about six months ago, and my solution them was to pour a caustic soda mix into the internal trough while crossing my fingers and clicking my red-shoe heels together. (It worked, the smell went, but I'm not comfortable with this as a long-term method of dealing with a recurring problem.)

The fridge itself is Very Clean, and since the last episode I defrost everything in a large tupperware, so that there is no melted-blood drip.

Any ideas, please?

OP posts:
IloveLemurs · 26/01/2023 00:27

I have a free standing under the counter fridge on its last legs which although cleaned last week smells stale. I’m trying to hang onto the fridge as I hope to be moving and putting in a new kitchen with integrated appliances. Any magic tips on how to get rid of the odour? I’ve tried bi carb/ baking powder/ half a lemon/ fridge smelly thing.

RiverSkater · 26/01/2023 00:31

Could you shove a pipe cleaner in there in case something is stuck ?

IloveLemurs · 26/01/2023 10:43

I use a cotton bud to mop up any fluid in the drain and have been known to gently twist a skewer if there’s still a little water retained.
I may just have to bite the bullet and buy a new one and resell when I move.

FuzzyPinkTaco · 26/01/2023 10:45

Check for a rogue chunk of Camembert lodged at the back Grin

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