Cleaning up a smelly freezer

Question

My freezer was unplugged and sat for days. The result was spoiled meat, bloody water in the bottom and an awful smell. How do I get rid of the awful smell and clean up the freezer?

Paula Smith · Answer

This happened to me during a hurricane where we had to evacuate and the power was out for over a week. Empty everything out and wash down the entire inside with vinegar (not diluted). I also cut a lemon and rubbed it on the inside walls. It took a few tries but eventually, the smell was gone. Good luck!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

With the above place open boxes of baking soda.It will aid in absorbing the odors.

Cheryl Pierce · Answer

After doing the above steps - you can place crumpled newspaper in the running freezer (overnight) - kind of filters the air. Kitty Litter can also be used.

Elaine Marchant · Answer

The best deodorizer is a dish of coffee grounds (unused).  I once worked for a freight company where someone had loaded boxes of fresh fish on ice in a trailer with a wood floor.  You can imagine the odor after the trailer had been in the sun for about four hours.  The melting ice had soaded right into the wood floor.  It was swept out and two pounds of coffee sprinkled on the floor closed up and left for another couple of hours and swept again and was odor free.  I would leave the coffee in the freezer overnight then vacuum it out the next day and it should be fine.

Lori · Answer

You must get 'activated charcoal'.   Any place they sell chemicals will be able to get you some.  Wash out the freezer, put in the activated charcoal and a week later it is gone.  Honestly, it was a miracle and we used the freezer again for years.  Good luck.

Mitzie Pikert · Answer

few drops of essential lemon oil

Johnchip · Answer

Deodorizing is one thing, getting rid of the bacteria you have is another. I would wash out with clorox (genuine). Then rewash with a neutralizing detergent (borax is good). Then air out and  in sun if possible.

Lynne Webb · Answer

This happened to a friend who had relatives who were Korean. Speaking no English, but gesturing, he said to put fresh cut grass in the freezer. They had raving success because of the chlorophyll in the grass. They finished up with chemical products but the fastest most direct punch, was the grass.

Cleaning up a smelly freezer

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Cleaning up a smelly freezer

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