Removing Seafood Odor from Refrigerators

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated August 9, 2021)

Have you ever noticed just how nasty the smell of seafood can really be? What's worse, is that when this particular odor get's into your refrigerator it often seems like nothing will ever get it out. However, while it may seem difficult, removing seafood odor from refrigerators is actually something that anyone can do. In fact, there are a surprising number of methods that will work on removing this nasty odor, and ensuring that you are able to have a relatively decent smelling refrigerator once again.

While all of these methods are effective at removing seafood odor from refrigerators, keep in mind that there will need to be a little bit of work done on your part as well. Almost all of these methods will require that you, at the very least, remove everything from your refrigerator. However, many of these methods will require that as only the starting point, so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get some work done.

  • Bleach. Completely empty out the refrigerator, and then scrub every inch of the interior using bleach. You may want to repeat the process a few times to ensure that you are completely thorough. Be sure that you rinse the refrigerator out completely to remove all traces of bleach. In addition, change the water you are using between each cleaning and rinsing session to do a really good job.
  • Coal. Coal can do a wonderful job of removing all kinds of odors, and best of all it can be a fairly inexpensive method as well. Simply purchase a bit of charcoal from your local department store, and place several briquettes into a bowl. Place this bowl into the refrigerator, and then allow it to sit there for a few days, the odor should be absorbed without any undue problems. If you use this method, be sure that you use charcoal that doesn't have any lighter fluid in it, as that has it's own odors as well as posing a possible danger.
  • Lemon juice. Lemon juice can be used in much the same way that bleach can, so simply follow the same procedures. Be especially sure to remove all traces of lemon juice from the refrigerator when you are finished to ensure that you don't leave any behind to go bad over time.
  • Baking soda. Baking soda can be a great way to remove seafood odor from your refrigerator, and best of all you really don't need to do a whole lot of work with it either. Simply open the top of the package of baking soda, and place it into the refrigerator. Allow it to sit there for several days, and you should notice that the odor disappears over time.
  • Vinegar. Vinegar can be used in much the same way as bleach and lemon juice. Simply use it to wash the interior of your refrigerator, and then rinse out the fridge when you are done. Allow the refrigerator to completely dry before restocking it.
  • Boiling lemon juice. Boiling lemon juice can be used in much the same way as baking soda and coal. However, instead of letting it sit for a few days, remove the lemon juice once it has cooled down completely. Replace the cooled down lemon juice with some fresh boiling lemon juice, and allow it to cool down completely. Repeat the process as necessary until the seafood odor has been removed.
  • Vanilla essence. If you don't like the smell of lemon, you can always use vanilla instead. Use some vanilla essence (which can be purchased at most department stores) in the same manner that you would the lemon juice. You can either wash down the interior of your fridge, or place some boiling water and vanilla essence into the refrigerator. Both methods will work quite well at removing seafood odors.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

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