When the fridge continues to smell, it can become frustrating to deal with.
This is a serious concern for those who are looking to unplug a fridge and set it aside. You do not want to come back to the fridge and realize it has a terrible odor to it.
This is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
To do this, you will want to learn how to keep an unplugged fridge from smelling.
To keep an unplugged fridge from smelling, start by letting the airflow by opening the door for at least 24 hours. Once done, place a bag of activated charcoal on the middle rack. This will help cleanse the fridge and get rid of the odor.
Please note that it is also recommended to wipe the surfaces using a cleaner and also ensure you have alternatives available such as baking soda or cat litter.
Both of these solutions work well when it comes to handling bad odors.
This guide will let you know more about how to keep an unplugged fridge from smelling.
Table of Contents
Best Activated Charcoal For Fridge (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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Steps On How To Keep Unplugged Fridge From Smelling
1. Leave The Door Open For 24 Hours
To remove the smell from an unplugged fridge, you will want to look to increase the natural airflow in the appliance.
How can you do this?
You will want to look at opening the door(s).
This will ensure air can flow through the unit and cycle in a way that will help remove lingering odor. This might not get rid of the odor entirely but it is a good starting point.
It will help set the foundation for any cleaner or solution you use during the process.
When removing a smell from an unplugged refrigerator, you have to be diligent. This is why letting the air flow through the unit is a great way to help set a strong foundation for your cleaning process.

2. Wipe The Surfaces Using A Cleaner
Now you are going to want to get rid of debris that settles on the racks and/or surfaces inside the fridge.
This can be done in a few ways.
The best option is to look to take a cleaner and spray it on the insides of the unplugged fridge. When done, you are going to wipe it using a clean cloth.
This will get rid of residue that is causing the odor to linger.
While this is not enough to get rid of the bad smell in the unplugged fridge, it will eliminate some of it.
3. Place Activated Charcoal On The Middle Rack
Now it is time to look at the main step in the cleaning process.
You are going to use activated charcoal.
This will come in pack form and is ideal for setting inside the fridge. You are going to want to put it in a convenient spot such as the middle rack. However, it is also acceptable to place it on the top rack.
The goal is to have the air cycle through and then the activated charcoal will help get rid of the bad smell.
This is a proven solution and one that is used for all sorts of situations including gym backs and homes.

4. Re-Assess The Unplugged Fridge
Let’s assume you have done everything and there is still a smell inside the unplugged fridge.
What should you do then?
At this stage, you are going to have to look at two other options that are commonly used for this type of situation.
These two options will include cat litter and/or baking soda.
You are going to place them on the middle or top rack for maximum effect. This is going to be just as effective as activated charcoal and might work for you.
If you take the time to let these solutions work, they will get the job done.
Final Thoughts
These steps will work well as you learn how to keep an unplugged fridge from smelling.
To keep an unplugged fridge from smelling, it’s best to start by opening the door for at least 24 hours. Once done, wipe the surfaces using a cleaner, insert activated charcoal on the middle rack, wait a few days, and then reassess.
If this does not work, you will want to use cat litter and/or baking soda.
These are proven solutions that will help get rid of any smell that is inside the fridge. You will want to take your time with this as the smell might linger.
Do not get frustrated and go through these steps a few times.
You will get things to work as you want them to.
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