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Maraya1969

(22,441 posts)
Tue Sep 19, 2017, 08:58 AM Sep 2017

So my refrigerator sat for 8 days without power. I threw out a bunch of rotting food

And now it seems as if I can't get the smell out and it seems as if it is coming from behind the back of the freezer. I always used to get some gnats in the refrigerator which I just accepted as part of Florida but there was an awful lot of them in there when I began to clean it out.

I kind of fear putting food in there now and wonder if I should invest in a new refrigerator. I remember this happening to my mother's refrigerator a few years ago when they were gone for about 3 months and it lost power for at least several days and she ended up getting a new one.

Thoughts?

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So my refrigerator sat for 8 days without power. I threw out a bunch of rotting food (Original Post) Maraya1969 Sep 2017 OP
Homeowner insurance might cover the food and the fridge Not Ruth Sep 2017 #1
Here's what I found online janterry Sep 2017 #2
Baking soda and charcoal (crush up those briquettes) are good at odor removal too. n/t FSogol Sep 2017 #4
You might look for and clean the "drip pan". CentralMass Sep 2017 #3
For Gnats Ohiya Sep 2017 #5
Not uncommon for fridge to smell after it's been shut off for a while. Fla Dem Sep 2017 #6
My guess is the evaporator coils need cleaning TexasProgresive Sep 2017 #7
coffee grounds also remove odor crazycatlady Sep 2017 #8
How is your Mom, Maraya? hlthe2b Sep 2017 #9
regular old bleach Kali Sep 2017 #10
These are all good suggestions FakeNoose Sep 2017 #11
Chances are good you've got a little leak Codeine Sep 2017 #12
 

janterry

(4,429 posts)
2. Here's what I found online
Tue Sep 19, 2017, 09:03 AM
Sep 2017

Wipe the inside of the fridge or freezer with equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar provides acid, which destroys mildew.
Leave the door open and allow the refrigerator to air out for several days.
Stuff both the refrigerator and freezer with rolled newspapers. Close the door and leave for several days. Remove the paper and clean the interior with vinegar and water.
Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer.
Place a cotton swab soaked with vanilla inside the refrigerator and freezer. Close the door for 24 hours. Check for odors.
Use a commercial product available at hardware and housewares stores. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.


https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2012/07/how-to-remove-odors-from-a-refrigerator-after-a-power-outage/index.htm

Ohiya

(2,208 posts)
5. For Gnats
Tue Sep 19, 2017, 09:08 AM
Sep 2017

We had a gnat invasion this summer after harvesting lots of tomatoes.
This worked for us.
In a shallow bowl mix about half a cup of apple cider vinegar and a couple of drops of dish detergent stir and leave on the counter overnight. Rinse and repeat as necessary!

Fla Dem

(23,352 posts)
6. Not uncommon for fridge to smell after it's been shut off for a while.
Tue Sep 19, 2017, 09:16 AM
Sep 2017

I've moved several times and took fridge with me. Hung sock full of ground coffee inside fridge part and another in freezer. Never any odor, and one move had the furniture and refrigerator in storage for 3 months.

TexasProgresive

(12,148 posts)
7. My guess is the evaporator coils need cleaning
Tue Sep 19, 2017, 09:19 AM
Sep 2017

There are 2 sets of coils; condenser coils usually at the bottom and need to be cleaned regularly of dust and hair, the evaporator coils which are close to the freezer. This may require a service call. But first wipe out all surfaces of the fridge including the freezer, shelves, doors and seals with something like Clorox wipes. After that there is the old standby, baking soda. Putting an open box doesn't do much good, spread a layer on the bottom of the freezer and replace it every couple of weeks.

Kali

(54,990 posts)
10. regular old bleach
Tue Sep 19, 2017, 06:48 PM
Sep 2017

a tablespoon or two in a couple quarts of water - wipe down everything you can reach and then let the bowl sit uncovered in the fridge for a day or two. rinse and it should be good. use a small open bowl of baking soda or filter carbon/charcoal in the back. refresh every month or so...

(you can also just use a small box of baking soda itself instead of a bowl)

FakeNoose

(32,356 posts)
11. These are all good suggestions
Tue Sep 19, 2017, 06:55 PM
Sep 2017

I'd also say this: check to make sure you don't have a dead mouse or other critter under the fridge.
Florida has more than its share of critters!

Good luck

 

Codeine

(25,586 posts)
12. Chances are good you've got a little leak
Tue Sep 19, 2017, 08:37 PM
Sep 2017

in the fridge somewhere and the liquidy nastiness from the melting and rotting food dripped down under or behind the housing somewhere. If you can't find it rest assured it'll dry up and stop smelling eventually.

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