National Clean Your Refrigerator Day is November 15th! But this cleaning step is important many times of the year. One example is after a power outage.
Power outages can happen at anytime, not just when bad weather strikes. After a long power outage, food stored in the refrigerator and freezer may be unsafe and spoil. This leads to strong odors inside the appliance. Can these odors be removed? It’s possible, but can be difficult.
Here are some tips from the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service:
- Dispose of any spoiled or questionable food.
- Wash shelves, crispers, and ice trays with hot water and detergent. Sanitize with a bleach solution (1 teaspoon bleach per quart water).
- Wash appliance interior, door and gasket with hot water and baking soda. Sanitize with a bleach solution.
- Leave door open for air circulation.
For lingering odors, try these tips:
- Wipe inside with solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
- Let appliance air out several days.
- Stuff appliance with wads of newspaper. Close door for several days. Remove paper and clean with vinegar and water.
- Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda in a shallow pan, place inside appliance to absorb odors.
- Place cotton ball or swab soaked with vanilla inside appliance. Close door for 24 hours, check for odor.
- Use a commercial product for cleaning appliances.
If all else fails, the appliance may need to be discarded. But remember to discard it safely.
- “Childproof” old refrigerators or freezers so children do not get trapped inside. The surest way is to take the door off.
- If the door will not come off, chain and padlock the door permanently and close tightly, or remove or disable the latch completely so the door will no longer lock when closed.
It is unlawful in many jurisdictions to discard old refrigerators or freezers without first removing the door.
