[NancyR]

This isn't "exactly" about cooking, but since everyone is so experienced with food and food storage, I thought perhaps you could help. I was away for the summer (son at home) and when I returned the refrigerator had a foul odor, although I could not pinpoint exactly what 'dish' caused it. I dumped everything out, washed all I could in the dishwasher, washed the rest (including inside of frig) with baking soda and lemon essential oil. All seemed fine - but now when I open the frig there is a foul odor emitting from it. Could bacteria have crept into the blower? How do I get rid of it? Does anyone have any suggestions? Help! It's no fun being stinky!

[cakerookie]

Try sticking a box of baking soda in it.

Rgds Rook

[DMT]

Also give the gaskets around the door a good cleansing with the baking soda solution...
Work down into the grooves/overlaps, but be gentle...
An old tooth brush works pretty well.

[TheAvatar]

One trick I've used is filling the thing full of meat, bags of ice, or something that will retain temperature well, and turn it down to it's lowest temp setting for 24 hours. That usually kills everything.

Otherwise, just pull it apart and clean what you can. Using white vinegar on a rag helps, too.

[Kayakado]

some frigs have a tray underneath that collects moisture. sometimes these can fill up and not evaporate quickly enough and then they start to smell. Take the front air vent panel off the bottom front of the frig and look for this tray or check your appliance manual.