How To Get The Smell Out Of Refrigerator After Power Outage

A power outage can cause a lot of problems for your home, especially for your refrigerator. If the power is out for more than four hours, your refrigerator and freezer may not be able to keep your food cold and safe. This can lead to food spoilage, bacteria growth, and unpleasant odors.

If you have experienced a power outage and your refrigerator smells bad, don’t panic. There are some steps you can take to get rid of the smell and restore your refrigerator to its normal condition. Here are some tips on how to get smell out of refrigerator after power outage:

Step 1: Remove all food items and dispose of rotten ones

The first step is to remove all food items from your refrigerator and freezer and check them for signs of spoilage. If the food looks, smells, or feels bad, or if you are not sure about its safety, throw it away. Do not taste or cook spoiled food, as it may make you sick.

Some foods may be safe to keep if they have been kept at a safe temperature (below 40°F for refrigerated foods and below 0°F for frozen foods) during the power outage. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), some foods that may be safe to keep include:

• Hard cheeses, butter, margarine, yogurt, sour cream, and opened jars of salad dressing, jelly, relish, taco sauce, barbecue sauce, mustard, ketchup, olives, and pickles
• Fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been cut or peeled
• Fruit juices, dried fruits, breads, rolls, cakes, muffins, tortillas, waffles, pancakes, and bagels
• Fresh herbs and spices
• Raw eggs and hard-boiled eggs
• Nuts and peanut butter
• Frozen foods that still have ice crystals or feel cold to the touch

However, you should discard any foods that have been exposed to temperatures above 40°F for more than two hours or have an unusual color, odor, or texture. Some foods that you should discard include:

• Meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and egg products
• Milk, cream, yogurt, sour cream, soft cheeses, and shredded cheeses
• Cooked or cut fruits and vegetables
• Cooked or leftover foods
• Casseroles, soups, stews, pizza, and pies
• Mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish sauce, and creamy salad dressings
• Cookie dough and cheesecake

When disposing of spoiled food, make sure to wrap it in a plastic bag or a sealed container and place it in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid. You can also contact your local waste management agency for instructions on how to dispose of large amounts of spoiled food.

Step 2: Clean the inside of the refrigerator

The next step is to clean the inside of the refrigerator, including drawers and bins, with a mild cleaning solution of dish soap and water. You can also use a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 4 cups warm water. Here are some steps to follow:

• Unplug the refrigerator from the power source and let it cool down completely.
• Remove the drawers and bins from the refrigerator and wash them with warm soapy water. Rinse them well and let them air dry.
• Wipe down the interior walls, shelves, door seals, gaskets, and handles with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in the cleaning solution. Make sure to reach all the corners and crevices where food particles or liquids may have spilled or leaked.
• Rinse the cloth or sponge frequently with clean water and wring it out well.
• Dry the interior surfaces with a clean towel or paper towel.
• Plug in the refrigerator and let it run for a few hours before putting back the drawers and bins.

Step 3: If the smell lingers

If the smell lingers after cleaning the refrigerator thoroughly,

place baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb the lingering odor. You can use one of these methods:

• Sprinkle baking soda generously on a baking sheet or a shallow dish and place it in the refrigerator. Replace it every few days until the odor is gone.
• Fill a bowl or a sock with activated charcoal (available at pet stores or online) and place it in the refrigerator. Replace it every month until the odor is gone.

You can also use other natural odor absorbers such as coffee grounds, vanilla extract, or lemon peels to freshen up your refrigerator. Just place them in a small container or a mesh bag and place them in the refrigerator.