How to Get Rid of Fishy Odor in Your Refrigerator
Fishy smell comes from bacteria breaking down proteins—and it spreads fast
A fishy odor in your refrigerator almost always means bacteria are breaking down proteins from fish, shellfish, or meat that has started to spoil. The smell spreads because odor molecules travel through the air and stick to other foods, shelves, and the rubber seals. The good news: you can remove it completely, and the steps are straightforward. The key is finding the source, removing it, and then neutralizing what's already soaked into the fridge itself.
The smell lingers because your refrigerator is a closed space with poor air circulation. Even after you throw out the offending food, odor molecules cling to plastic, metal, and rubber. That's why cleaning the fridge itself is just as important as removing the source.
Key Takeaways
- Check the back of shelves, under drawers, and around the door seals first—the source is often hidden or forgotten.
- Baking soda neutralizes odor molecules rather than just masking them, making it more effective than air fresheners.
- Wash all removable parts (shelves, drawers, seals) with warm soapy water to remove the bacteria and proteins causing the smell.
- Open boxes of baking soda or activated charcoal left in the fridge will continue absorbing odors for weeks after cleaning.
- Store fish and shellfish in airtight containers on the lowest shelf to prevent drips and odor spread to other foods.
Find and remove the source first
Before you clean, locate what's causing the smell. Check the obvious places: the fish or seafood drawer, the back of shelves where containers get pushed and forgotten, under crisper drawers, and around the door seals where liquid can pool. Smell each shelf section by section. The strongest smell will lead you to the source.
Once you find it, remove the item and dispose of it. If you find spoiled fish or shellfish, seal it in a bag before throwing it away so the smell doesn't transfer to your kitchen trash. Check the area underneath where it sat—there may be liquid or residue left behind. Wipe that up with a paper towel and set it aside; you'll clean that spot thoroughly in the next step.
Clean all removable parts with warm soapy water
Remove every shelf, drawer, and removable seal from your refrigerator. This is the most important step because odor molecules are stuck to these surfaces. Wash each piece in your sink or bathtub with warm water and dish soap. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub all surfaces, paying special attention to corners and crevices where liquid collects.
For rubber seals around the door, use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to clean the grooves. Bacteria and food particles hide there, and they're often the source of lingering smells. Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean towel before putting it back.
If any shelf or drawer still smells fishy after washing, soak it in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water for 15 to 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse again. Vinegar breaks down the proteins that bacteria feed on.
Wipe down the interior walls and floor
While the removable parts are out, wipe down the inside walls, ceiling, and floor of the refrigerator with a damp cloth. Use warm water with a small amount of dish soap. Pay attention to the corners and the area where the walls meet the floor—spills and condensation collect there.
If you see any visible residue or staining, use a soft brush or cloth to scrub gently. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage the interior finish. Rinse your cloth frequently and wipe again with plain water to remove any soap residue, which can leave its own smell.
Use baking soda to neutralize remaining odors
After cleaning, place an open box of baking soda on a shelf in your refrigerator. Baking soda works by absorbing odor molecules rather than masking them with a stronger smell. It's far more effective than air fresheners or sprays. Leave the box open so the baking soda can contact the air inside the fridge.
Replace the baking soda every 30 days, or sooner if the smell returns. You can also place a small open bowl of baking soda on each shelf if you prefer. Some people sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda directly on the floor of the fridge, though this requires careful cleanup when you replace it.
Activated charcoal works the same way as baking soda and is another solid option. Both are inexpensive and safe around food. Do not use them together—one is enough, and using both won't speed up the process.
Prevent fishy odors from returning
Store fish and shellfish in airtight containers on the lowest shelf of your refrigerator, away from other foods. This prevents drips and odor spread if the package leaks. Keep the container sealed until you're ready to cook. If you buy fish more than a day or two before cooking, freeze it instead—freezing stops bacterial growth and odor development.
Check your refrigerator weekly for forgotten or spoiling food. Seafood spoils faster than other proteins, so don't let it sit longer than two days in the fridge. Wipe up any spills immediately rather than letting them dry, which makes them harder to clean and more likely to smell.
Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below. Warmer temperatures speed up bacterial growth and odor development. If your fridge doesn't have a built-in thermometer, place an inexpensive refrigerator thermometer on a shelf to monitor the temperature.
What to do if the smell won't go away
If the odor persists after cleaning and baking soda, the smell may have soaked into the plastic interior or the insulation behind the walls. This is rare but can happen if spoiled fish sat in the fridge for a long time. Leave baking soda or activated charcoal in the fridge for several weeks—sometimes it takes time for the odor to fully absorb.
You can also try placing a bowl of white vinegar or a bowl of ground coffee in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. Both absorb stubborn odors. Remove the bowl and replace with fresh baking soda afterward. If none of these steps work after two to three weeks, the smell may be coming from the refrigerator's drainage system or ventilation, and you may need to contact the manufacturer for service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lemon or vinegar spray instead of baking soda?
Vinegar and lemon can help clean surfaces and mask odors temporarily, but they don't neutralize odor molecules the way baking soda does. You can use vinegar as a cleaner during the washing step, but follow up with baking soda for lasting results. Sprays and air fresheners only cover the smell—they don't remove it.
How long does it take for baking soda to work?
Baking soda starts absorbing odors immediately, but you may not notice a significant improvement for 24 to 48 hours. Stubborn smells can take a week or more. The longer you leave the baking soda in place, the more odor it absorbs. Don't replace it too quickly—give it at least a few days before deciding it's not working.
Will the smell come back if I store fish in the same spot?
Not if you store it properly in an airtight container on the lowest shelf. The container prevents odor from spreading. However, if the container leaks or you leave fish uncovered, the smell will return. Always inspect fish packaging for leaks before placing it in the fridge, and transfer it to a sealed container if the original packaging isn't airtight.
Is it safe to eat food that was in the fridge when it smelled fishy?
If other foods were in the fridge while spoiled fish was there, the smell has spread but the food itself is usually still safe. Odor molecules don't make food unsafe—spoilage bacteria do. Check other foods for signs of actual spoilage: mold, slime, or a sour smell on the food itself. If the food looks and smells normal, it's safe to eat.
Can I use scented candles or plug-in air fresheners in my fridge?
No. Never place candles, plug-in fresheners, or any electrical device inside a refrigerator. They're a fire hazard and can damage the fridge's cooling system. Stick to baking soda, activated charcoal, or bowls of vinegar or coffee—all are safe, inexpensive, and actually work.