Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator

We came home from vacation to a freezer full of spoiled chicken and meat. The stench continues throughout the house a week later. We have scrubbed the freezer with bleach and will try the baking soda now. Any more suggestions?

Debbie from Flanders, NJ

Answers:

Rotten Meat Smell From Freezer

We had a freezer with rotted meat also, we washed it good with bleach water. Then I put a bag
of charcoal in it and cut the bag open and shut the
door. Don't remember how long it took, but it got all the smell out.

Joyce (09/26/2006)

By Joyce

Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator

I put coffee and charcoal in fridge for a week the smell is still there. Is there something else I can do?

Editor's Note: Check the pan underneath the refrigerator. Take all the racks and drawers out. Any place that water can collect, under the vegetable drawers, in the tubes that help with the defrosting, etc. make sure they are clean by washing down good with baking soda. There may be some place that is keeping the smell in there. (04/23/2007)

By Debbie

Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator

My husband repairs refrigerators and sees this all the time. He uses one of 3 things.

• Wet newspapers. Put papers damp in refrigerator and change occasionally.
  
• Cat litter. Buy clay cat litter and set open in refrigerator. Change occasionally till smell gone.
  
• Charcoal. Same as above.

Sometimes, he comes across one that is totally hopeless. If those three things don't work you probably will either live with smell or buy a new one. (08/27/2007)

By DebraJ.

Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator

Clean the fridge with vanilla extract and water mixed together. That will get rid of the smell. (02/28/2008)

By Emma

Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator

Apple cider vinegar works well. (03/09/2008)