Complete Deodorizing Procedure
 |
Bad odor in refrigerators can sometimes be a hard problem to solve. Many companies and technicians will put this job off, because there are no saleable parts involved and they cannot guarantee that what they do will solve the problem. Odor is a non tangible subject to deal with. What one person finds to be an unacceptable foul odor, another may not mind or notice.
|
There are three different kinds of odors involved in refrigerators. The first is made from some component that has burnt out in which case the smell will be like burnt plastic or rubber. This type of odor will not linger once the source of the problem is gone.
The second is caused from bacteria that grow on dairy products and meat. In these cases, the source of the contamination will be easily noticed on close examination of the inside of your cabinet. Has some fluid spilled under the crispers?
And third, the most elusive and hard to remove odor, is from bacteria that grow on starch. You may be lucky enough to find the source, which could be a forgotten apple or head of lettuce, but that is not always the case. The odor is present it seems for no reason whatsoever, or maybe it started after a meltdown. But in any case no matter how many times you wash your fridge out, the odor lingers on, and may even be getting worse. It can sometimes create a foreign taste in your food.
What happened? When starchy types of foods, especially potatoes, wilt or shrink in size over a long period of time, they give off airborne starch and methane gas. This substance circulates in the air throughout the inside of the cabinet and eventually ends up invisibly coating all exposed surfaces. If your refrigerator is frost free, it will be especially deposited throughout the air passageways and the freezer coils that you normally can't get at to wash. The odor causing bacteria can then start to grow on this deposited substance, especially after a meltdown. Unfortunately the only procedure that works, is the one described below. It will take a good two to three hours, and the ability to take apart your freezer compartment.
In most situations method one will work, so try it first. It's much easier to accomplish and nothing has to be taken apart exept it might be a good idea to remove the coil cover (see the Section 5 article on how to do this) and spray the components in this area down as well. It's unsure why bacteria would be killed in the air passage ways using method one, perhaps the alcohol gives off a killing vapour. Failing method one try the next more involved method.
Method One
Make a mixture (50-50) of Vanilla Extract (not artificial) and rubbing alcohol. Put into a spray bottle, unplug fridge and SOAK down the inside of the unit, paying special attention to places where pieces come together, leaving a crevice, really soak these places heavy. After the entire unit is saturated, stuff with rolled up newspapers, close door and leave it running for 24 to 48 hours. It may be a hassle to remove the paper each time you want to get something behind it out but will be worth it in the long run.
Method Two
Step one:
Get yourself a commercial grade germicide and disinfectant from a local chemical supply company. The one that hospitals use to wash down operating rooms would be the best choice. Avoid germicides with strong odors or added perfumes. You don't want to cover the odor with another one, you are eliminating the source.
Step two:
Read the label and all the warnings, so you take all precautions necessary when using this substance. Germicides can do harm to your central nervous system if incorrectly handled. Wear a new pair of good quality rubber gloves.
Step three:
Unplug the fridge and remove all food.
Step four:
If your refrigerator is frost free, completely disassemble the freezer compartment. For details on this procedure see page 90. Do not detach the freezer coils themselves.
Step five:
Remove everything else that can come out. Air deflectors, fan blades, air damper controls, shelves, crisper glass, breaker strips, control dials etc.
Step six:
Wash all the removable parts in the sink with the germicide. Wash again with dishwasher detergent to neutralize, then rinse with clean water.
Step seven:
Wash down all inner surfaces of the cabinet and the door liner with the chemical, especially the door seals. Wash again with dishwasher detergent to neutralize, then rinse with clean water.
Step eight:
Place some of the chemical in the recommended concentration into a spray bottle, and spray it through the places that you can't get at with a cloth, especially the freezer coil fins. Next, spray through normal dish soap to neutralize, then finally flush with clean water.
Step nine:
Reassemble all fridge components, turn on the fridge and let it run with the doors open for about an hour. Meanwhile....
Step ten:
Replace all plastic bags with new, and wash off the outside of all jars and containers with ordinary soap.
Step eleven:
Don't be too discouraged if the odor seems to still be present. It will soon dissipate as its source is no longer present. You may need a substance to absorb lingering odor. What has been found by some to be more effective than baking soda is instant coffee, especially the freeze dried type. In the freezer section place the coffee on a pie plate or dish with a large surface area for a week or so.
Additional hints for refrigerators subject to odor problems:
* Always keep fruit and vegetables enclosed in plastic bags or wrap, especially onions and fish.
* If you have food stored that is starting to be at the point that no one will eat it anyway, chuck it now.
* Never store potatoes in your refrigerator.
* Clean up spills in the cabinet immediately after they happen.
* Freeze dried instant coffee is often more effective at absorbing odors than baking soda.
|
