Randy Chandler
A foul odour emanating from a fridge can be quite distressing, especially when it resembles the smell of cheese. While the source of this odour may be elusive, there are several potential causes and solutions to address it. From spoiled food to mould and bacteria growth, a thorough investigation and deep cleaning are often required to identify and rectify the issue. In some cases, the solution may be as simple as cleaning the drip tray or drainage hole, while other scenarios may warrant calling a technician to address potential gas leaks or electrical faults.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Mould, bacteria, fungus, or rotten food |
| Solution | Clean the fridge thoroughly, including the drip tray, drainage hole, and condenser coils; use baking soda, vinegar, lemons, or bleach to eliminate odours |
| Prevention | Keep food in airtight containers or zip-lock bags, avoid overfilling the fridge, store highly perishable items at the front, and use baking soda or other natural odour absorbers |
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What You'll Learn
The drip tray at the back of the fridge may be clogged or blocked
If your fridge smells like cheese, it could be due to a clogged or blocked drip tray at the back of the appliance. This is a common issue with refrigerators, and there are several ways to address it. Firstly, locate the drip tray at the back of your fridge, usually between the compressor drip pan and the fridge body. This tray collects water run-off, and if it becomes clogged or blocked, it can result in an unpleasant cheese-like odour.
To resolve this issue, start by removing all the food items from your fridge and thoroughly cleaning the interior, including washing the drawers, bins, and shelves. This initial deep cleaning step will help eliminate any odour-causing agents and give you better access to the drip tray. Once the fridge is empty and clean, locate the drip tray again. If it is accessible, remove it from the fridge and clean it with a heavy-duty cleaner or a mixture of warm water and soap. Ensure that the drip tray is free of any debris, food particles, or grime that may have accumulated and contributed to the blockage.
In some cases, the drip tray may be difficult to access or remove. If this is the case, you can try using a piece of metal wire to gently push into the drain hole and clear any blockages. Additionally, check the rubber flap between the drip pan and the fridge body, as this can become dirty or stuck, impeding the proper drainage of water. If the rubber flap is dirty, clean it, and if it is stuck, try to gently dislodge it. However, if the rubber flap is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Another potential cause of a clogged drip tray is a frozen drain tube. This can occur when the thermostat is damaged, causing the fridge to get too cold and resulting in ice formation inside the drain tube. To address this, adjust your thermostat to increase the temperature in the fridge. If the issue persists, the thermostat may be defective and require replacement. Additionally, you can try defrosting your fridge for 6-12 hours by turning it off and leaving the doors open. This should help clear any ice build-up in the drain tube.
If the drip tray continues to fill with water and overflow even after your cleaning efforts, there may be another issue at play. It is possible that the drip tray or the water drain tube is defective and needs to be replaced. In this case, you may need to consult a professional technician or a manufacturer-approved engineer to assess the problem and provide a solution.
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Rotten food in a Styrofoam container could be the cause
To get rid of the smell, you must first locate the source. Take everything out of the fridge and check if any food items have gone bad. Throw away any rotten food, especially if it's in a Styrofoam container. Next, give your fridge a deep clean. Wash all the drawers, bins, and shelves with a mixture of baking soda and dish soap or an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal detergent. You can also use vinegar for cleaning. Cut a lemon in half and rub the inside of the fridge with it; the acidity of lemon breaks down any bacteria growing in the fridge.
If the smell persists, check the drip tray under your fridge. These trays often collect water and can be a source of foul odours. Clean the drip tray with a heavy-duty cleaner. If the smell is of vomit, it's likely that the drip tray is dirty and needs to be cleaned. If you can smell something foul even when the fridge door is closed, it could be a refrigerant leak or something not connected properly. In this case, it's best to call a technician to get it checked.
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A gas leak could be causing the smell
If your fridge smells like cheese, it could be due to a gas leak. While this may not be the first thing that comes to mind, it is important to consider as a gas leak can be dangerous. Ammonia or other strong chemicals like acetone can indicate a gas leak in your fridge. This is a serious issue and should not be ignored. The best course of action is to leave the house immediately and contact a technician to address the problem.
It is worth noting that a gas leak may not always be the cause of a cheesy smell in your fridge. Other potential causes include food spoilage, mould or bacteria growth, or a dirty drip tray. It is important to thoroughly clean your fridge, including all drawers, shelves, and the drip tray, to eliminate potential odour sources.
However, if the smell persists after cleaning and there are no signs of food spoilage or mould, a gas leak could be the culprit. In this case, it is crucial to take immediate action and contact a professional for assistance. Do not attempt to fix a gas leak on your own. A technician will have the knowledge and equipment to identify and repair the leak safely.
To prevent fridge odours in the future, consider adopting some maintenance practices. Keeping food in airtight containers or zip-lock bags, especially strong-smelling items, can help contain odours. Additionally, avoid overfilling your fridge to prevent items from being forgotten and becoming mouldy. Regularly cleaning your fridge and using natural odour absorbers like baking soda can also help eliminate smells.
While a cheesy smell in your fridge may have various causes, it is important to be vigilant and not ignore the possibility of a gas leak. Your safety should always come first, so if you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the premises and seek professional help right away.
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Odours may be lingering and getting worse over time
If you've thoroughly cleaned your fridge and removed all food, and the smell keeps coming back, it's probably time to call a technician. A professional will be able to identify the source of the smell and advise on the best course of action. In some cases, a strong chemical smell, such as ammonia or acetone, can indicate a gas leak, which can be dangerous to your health. In this case, it is recommended to leave the house and seek professional help immediately.
If the smell is not due to a gas leak, it could be caused by a number of other factors. For example, a burning smell could be due to a build-up of dust and debris on the condenser coils at the back of the fridge. Alternatively, it could be a problem with the fan or another electrical fault. A dead animal or "death" smell is likely caused by mildew inside the fridge.
To prevent odours from lingering or returning, there are several measures you can take. Keep food in airtight containers or zip-lock bags, especially strong-smelling items like fish or leftovers. Don't overfill your fridge, as this can cause you to forget about items at the back, which may then go mouldy. Keep highly perishable items at the front of your fridge so that you can easily keep track of their freshness.
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The light bulb could be the culprit
A burning smell coming from your refrigerator can be caused by a faulty internal lightbulb. Most refrigerators have a switch that controls the light function. If the light is not turning off when the door is closed, this could be due to a faulty door switch or door alignment. A regular incandescent bulb can get hot and produce a burning smell.
If the light bulb is the culprit, you should first check the door alignment. If the door alignment is at fault, you will need to replace the switch or bulb socket. You could also consider replacing the bulb with an LED light, as they produce less heat.
If the bulb is not the source of the smell, you should turn off the fridge to investigate further. If you cannot find the source, call a professional for help. Attempting to fix the issue yourself could be dangerous and cause further damage to the refrigerator.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheesy smell could indicate mould, bacteria, or fungus growing in your fridge. Even if you can’t see anything, the growth may still be there.
You can try cleaning your fridge with vinegar, lemons, or a harsher chemical or detergent, ensuring that it is anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal.
If the smell persists, it may be coming from the drip tray, drain pipe, or drip pan at the back of the fridge. Clean these with a baking soda solution or a mild bleach solution.
Keep food in airtight containers or zip-lock bags, especially strong-smelling items like fish or leftovers. Don’t overfill your fridge, and keep highly perishable items at the front of your fridge so they are visible.
Move the fridge out of position to check what is underneath or behind it. The source of the smell may be something that has gotten stuck there.
