How to Remove Odours from a Refrigerator: A Complete Guide for Homes and Workspaces

• Michelle Peters
• 2026-03-23

A refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in any kitchen—whether at home or in a busy workplace. Yet despite its importance, it’s often overlooked when it comes to deep cleaning. Over time, spills, expired food, and poor airflow can lead to unpleasant odours that linger and even affect the taste of fresh food.

For businesses, especially those relying on shared kitchen spaces, maintaining a clean and odour-free refrigerator is not just about hygiene—it’s about professionalism and employee wellbeing. At Klean Keepers, a trusted cleaning company based in London Battersea, we understand how important cleanliness is in both domestic and commercial environments. Whether you’re managing a household kitchen or coordinating office cleaning London services, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about eliminating refrigerator odours effectively.

Why Do Refrigerators Develop Odours?

Before tackling the problem, it’s important to understand what causes these smells in the first place. Common culprits include:

• Expired or spoiled food
• Spilled liquids that go unnoticed
• Strong-smelling items like fish, cheese, or onions
• Improper food storage
• Poor air circulation inside the fridge

In office environments, shared responsibility often leads to neglect. This is why many businesses rely on commercial office cleaning services to maintain hygiene standards across communal areas, including kitchens.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Refrigerator Odour

1. Empty the Refrigerator Completely

   Start by removing everything from your fridge. This includes food, shelves, drawers, and removable compartments. Place perishable items in a cooler with ice packs to keep them fresh during the cleaning process.

   Check expiration dates and discard anything that is no longer safe to consume. In office settings, this step can be particularly revealing—many forgotten items tend to accumulate over time.

2. Identify the Source of the Smell

   Once the fridge is empty, take a moment to identify the source of the odour. Look for:

   • Sticky residues
   • Mould growth
   • Leaking containers
   • Hidden spills beneath drawers

   Pinpointing the origin will help ensure that the smell doesn’t return after cleaning.

3. Clean All Surfaces Thoroughly

   Use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to clean the interior surfaces. For tougher stains or lingering smells, a solution of baking soda and water works wonders.

   Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, as they can leave behind strong scents that may contaminate food.

   For businesses, hiring an office cleaning company London ensures that such tasks are handled professionally and regularly, preventing odour buildup in the first place.

4. Pay Attention to Removable Parts

   Shelves and drawers should be washed separately in warm, soapy water. Allow them to air dry completely before placing them back in the refrigerator.

   This step is often skipped, but it’s crucial for eliminating trapped odours that cling to plastic and glass surfaces.

5. Deodourise Naturally

   Once the fridge is clean, it’s time to neutralize any remaining odours. Natural deodourising agents are highly effective and safe:

   • Baking Soda: Place an open box inside the fridge to absorb smells.
   • Activated Charcoal: Excellent for trapping odour particles.
   • Coffee Grounds: Leave a bowl inside overnight for a fresh scent.
   • White Vinegar: A small container can help neutralize strong odours.

   These solutions are especially useful in shared office kitchens where maintaining freshness is essential.

6. Ensure Proper Air Circulation

   Avoid overloading your refrigerator, as this can block air vents and reduce airflow. Proper circulation helps maintain consistent temperatures and prevents odour buildup.

   In commercial environments, this is often monitored as part of office cleaning services in London, ensuring appliances function efficiently.

7. Maintain Regular Cleaning Habits

   Consistency is key. Make it a habit to:

   • Check for expired items weekly
   • Wipe up spills immediately
   • Clean the fridge thoroughly at least once a month

   For businesses, partnering with a London office cleaning company ensures that these tasks are scheduled and managed without disrupting daily operations.

Special Considerations for Office Refrigerators

Office kitchens present unique challenges. With multiple users, accountability can become an issue, leading to neglected cleaning duties.

Here are some practical tips for maintaining a fresh office refrigerator:

Assign Responsibility

Designate a team or individual to oversee kitchen cleanliness. This helps ensure regular maintenance and accountability.

Label Food Items

Encourage employees to label their food with names and dates. This makes it easier to identify and remove expired items.

Schedule Routine Cleanouts

Set a weekly or bi-weekly schedule for clearing out the fridge. Send reminders to staff to remove their belongings before cleaning.

Use Professional Cleaning Services

Hiring a professional cleaner for office cleaning can make a significant difference. Professional cleaners are trained to handle shared spaces efficiently and hygienically.

Businesses searching for office cleaning companies near me or office cleaning services near me often find that outsourcing these tasks saves time and ensures consistent results.

Preventing Future Odours

Once your refrigerator is clean and odour-free, the goal is to keep it that way. Here are some preventive measures:

• Store food in airtight containers
• Keep strong-smelling items sealed
• Avoid overcrowding
• Clean spills immediately
• Replace deodourising agents regularly

For offices, integrating these practices into your cleaning routine can significantly improve the overall environment.

The Role of Professional Cleaning Services

Maintaining cleanliness in a busy workplace can be challenging. This is where professional office cleaning services come into play.

At Klean Keepers, we provide comprehensive cleaning solutions tailored to businesses across London. From kitchen sanitation to workspace hygiene, our team ensures that every corner of your office is spotless.

Whether you’re looking for office cleaning London support or ongoing commercial office cleaning services, we serve all areas between zones 1–5, delivering reliable and high-quality results.

Why Choose Klean Keepers?

As a trusted office cleaning company in London, Klean Keepers is committed to excellence. Our services are designed to meet the unique needs of modern workplaces, ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for employees and visitors alike.

We understand that cleanliness goes beyond appearance—it impacts health, productivity, and overall satisfaction. That’s why our team uses proven techniques and eco-friendly products to deliver outstanding results every time.

Final Thoughts

A clean, odour-free refrigerator is essential for maintaining hygiene and comfort, whether at home or in the workplace. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively eliminate unpleasant smells and prevent them from returning.

For businesses, investing in professional office cleaning services London is a smart decision that ensures consistent cleanliness and peace of mind.

If you’re searching for reliable office cleaning near me or need expert support for your workplace, Klean Keepers is here to help.

For any information related to cleaning services, feel free to visit our website at www.kleankeepers.co.uk, email us at info@kleankeepers.co.uk, or call us on 0207 978 2004. We look forward to helping you maintain a cleaner, fresher environment.