Cleaning fridges

[Tomorrowisanewday]

I just moved home after a six month secondment. While I was away, I let my friend's son live in my flat - the flat he was in had to have major emergency repairs done, and he was going to be homeless.

Moved back, and it's all been kept tidy and clean. Except for the fridge, which stinks. Smells like there has been food in it that has gone off. I've emptied everything out, and cleaned it three times, but I can't get rid of the smell. Any advice? I'd rather not be replacing a fridge freezer at this time of year.

Have you tried a bicarbonate solution in it? Or using one of these type of things? www.robertdyas.co.uk/croc-odour-fridge-deodoriser-pack-of-2

I tried bicarb the last time - I might use a stronger mix and try it again

Try cleaning out the drip tray on the back.
Also, try cleaning inside it with white vinegar.

I would try Milton. Leave for half an hour if you can. And if possible, leave it off with the door propped open and windows open for a few hours.

I had the same problem last week, but I used this product amazon , and it really helped me with the stinky smell.

Activated charcoal - the stuff you can buy for fish tanks - put a bowlful in the fridge. In my case it was a freezer and I left it closed for two weeks, but that might not be possible if you need to use the fridge. But probably not necessary - should work. From smell of rotten defrosted meat to no smell at all. I has cleaned it throughly, used all the other suggestions but this was really the best thing.

Check the the drip tray and the drain hole at the back - they can get gunk in them and really reek

In addition to cleaning the drain hole at the back, you can also leave a little ramekin with a few teaspoons of bicarb in the fridge. Apparently that helps absorb smells too. Have you cleaned inside the seals? That can harbour grime too.

We left a woman minding our house when we worked away. Unknown to us, she let her teenage son stay there! The glass shelves in the fridge were smashed and the plastic drawer was cracked. The rest of the house was even worse!

Oh, I'm not blaming the young lad, apart from the fridge, everything was as I left it. He'd even cut the grass, and I'm fairly sure he's not gardened before!