Why would a refrigerator smell?

Refrigerator odors come from either bacteria or mold, often from food spoilage or moisture buildup in the wrong places. If a bad smell persists after you clean your fridge, you likely missed some lingering microbes.

How do I get my fridge to stop smelling?

For particularly pervasive refrigerator smells, mix up a sanitizing solution of 1 tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water and use it to wipe the bins and shelves down; then rinse in plain water and air dry.

Why does my fridge stink all of a sudden?

The stink of microbes

The long and short answer is that bacteria and molds cause the foul odors coming from your fridge. These menacing microbes thrive in areas that have moisture. That moisture can come from spilled food, condensation from the fridge, and humidity from the outside.

What does a refrigerator leak smell like?

Odd Smells

Freon and other types of refrigerant emit an almost musty smell, particularly if your refrigerator is in a contained space, such as your garage.

Can you smell Freon leak refrigerator?

Freon is mostly odorless, but if you smell a chemical odor in or around your fridge you should investigate the possibility that your refrigerator is leaking Freon. Your fridge should not produce any smells during normal operation. Be aware that Freon is a colorless gas, so you won't be able to see it.

Fridge has BAD Odor Smell? Here's Why!

Why does my fridge smell like burnt plastic?

Have your refrigerator repaired if it produces a burning smell. A burning smell coming from your refrigerator is definitely cause for concern and should be dealt with immediately. This may indicate potential overheating in the electrical wiring of the appliance.

Why does my fridge smell like rotten eggs?

The source of the rotten-egg smell in a refrigerator's water may be the home's water supply. Homes that have private or community wells may have hydrogen sulfide or sulfur water. This naturally occurring substance gives off the rotten-egg smell.

Why does my fridge smell like sick?

The drip pan is a container that collects condensation from the defrost drain, leading to a build up of water. If the fridge isn't given a deep clean regularly, that drip tray can collect some pretty nasty stuff… and you likely won't realise until it emits a truly awful smell.

Does a broken fridge smell?

The first thing you should do is to clean the condenser coils at the back of your fridge as the build up of dust and other debris with the warmth of the coils can cause a burning smell from the back of the fridge. If this doesn't work, it is likely that there is a problem with the fan or another electrical fault.

Why does my fridge smell like Freon?

A leak detection kit can help locate the refrigerator Freon that's escaping from the appliance or other issues. Leaky coolant can also affect the temperature of the appliance. If the refrigerator is warmer than usual, it may be a coolant leak causing the chemical smell.

Can a fridge motor smell?

If the condenser fan fails, the ambient air around your fridge starts to overheat and produce some bad smells. Here's how to change that fan motor.

Why does my kitchen smell like vomit?

Noticed a strange smell hanging around your kitchen? We're sorry to tell you this, but the problem might be bigger than needing to take the bins out. If that lingering odour smells a bit like vomit, your home could be dealing with a summer infestation of drain flies, also known as sewer flies.

Why is there a chemical smell in my refrigerator?

The gas-based form of Freon, which has been modified over the years to make it less harmful to the atmosphere, is known to emit a strong chemical smell not unlike that of nail polish remover.

Can a refrigerator compressor start a fire?

One might never think of a refrigerator being a fire risk; however, an overheated compressor or an electrical short can cause fires. In addition, a light that stays on all the time can be hazardous.

Can a refrigerator give off fumes?

Fridges contain toxic gas - don't worry, it's only a small amount that helps it to work - and occasionally this can start to leak if there is a fault with the appliance.

Why does my freezer smell like it's burning?

If the thermostat or timer malfunctions, the defrost heater may continue to warm the evaporator coils indefinitely, creating a burnt plastic smell and causing the freezer to stop cooling.

Where is the drainage hole in a fridge?

The first thing to check is the drainage hole. You should find it at the back of the fridge at the bottom of the back wall. Fridges are designed so condensation can filter through this hole into a small pan that sits on top of the compressor. The heat from the compressor then causes the water to evaporate.

What number should my fridge be on?

It should be set between 37°F and 40°F—the ideal refrigerator temperature to keep food fresh and cold but not frozen. If you have a numbered dial setting instead of a temperature reading, the highest number is the coldest (usually 5).

Where is the defrost drain on a refrigerator?

On most refrigerators the defrost drain tube and drain hole is located inside the freezer at the bottom back. Look in the freezer near the bottom and locate the drain tube and the drain hole. There may be a panel made from plastic that covers the drain tube and hole. Remove the panel with a screwdriver if applicable.

How do I find a Freon leak in my refrigerator?

Can a refrigerant leak make you sick?

While tasteless and odorless, Freon does make a large impact on your air and health. Refrigerant poisoning is a serious condition that can lead to difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea and vomiting, skin and eye irritation, and coughing.

Do refrigerators still have drip pans?

While refrigerators vary in design, the drip pan is almost universally located in the bottom of the unit.

How do you test a refrigerator drain pan?

Check the Drain Pan for Damage

A refrigerator's drain pan is located on the bottom of the unit, near the floor. It typically can be accessed by removing the grill on the front of the refrigerator and sliding the pan forward. Clean the pan thoroughly and check for cracks or splits.