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How to Remove Fish Odor in Refrigerators

Angela LaFollette

A lingering fish odor in your refrigerator is not pleasant. Depending on the severity of the smell, the odor may be difficult to remove. You will need to clean your refrigerator thoroughly, taking the time to clean all the shelves and drawers properly to remove the fish odor.

Fish and other seafood products can leave a strong, unpleasant odor in your refrigerator.

Eliminating the fish odor from your refrigerator will require more than a basic cleaning, and it may take more than one day to remove the odor.

  1. Remove all the food and items from your refrigerator. Store them in several large coolers, or another refrigerator.

  2. Remove the drawers from the refrigerator. Add 1 cupful of bleach to 1 gallon of hot water, and use a washcloth to clean the drawers and shelves.

  3. Place the drawers on a towel to air dry.

  4. Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator with the diluted bleach. Clean any cracks and grooves with the bleach to remove any hidden smells.

  5. Rinse the refrigerator with cold water. Dry the refrigerator completely with towels. Place a box of open baking soda inside the refrigerator.

  6. Place crumpled sheets of newspaper into the doors and drawer sections. Put charcoal briquettes on top of the crumpled newspaper.

  7. Close the refrigerator door. Leave the door closed for 48 hours.

  8. Wipe off any glass jars and plastic containers with warm water and a washcloth. Replace the food items in your refrigerator.