How do you get the mold smell out of a refrigerator that was closed?

Add a box of baking soda and leave it

Charcoal in open bowl.

If there is a drain tube to a drip pan make sure that is cleaned as well. Keep a box of baking soda inside. If it remains awful we had to haul ours out onto the porch and let it air out in the sun for a weekend. We did another thorough wash even using the hose inside and let it air out. You can also try stuffing it with crunched up newspapers to absorb the smell. The smell has probably gotten into the motors and air circulation parts. Also maybe with all the essential oils out there. Find a lemon one and dab drops near any vents. It can cover the smell.

Boil leftover lemon peels with half a gallon of water, once it cools down add a cup of vinegaR Pour into a spray bottle and spray the entire inside and let it sit for an hour. Then wipe it with damp cloths and let it air out. If it still smells use simple green, it kills mildew or leave a bowl full of cat litter overnight and it will absorbs any odor.

Wipe down the inside with vanilla extract on a sponge. I picked up this trick from a friend that cleans move outs.

Boil white vinegar .Let it cool to warm and scrub fridge with it.

You may never get the smell out as it may have permeated the insulation. You could try charcoal. Just put a bit inside and close the door again and see what happens.

Place 1/2 cup of pool shock in a dish and put the dish in the frig. Let it sit at least 24 hours with the door closed. You can put another half cup in the freezer. Do not wet the pool shock. This is what we did with the refrigerators in my Home Ec. department after Hurricane Rita. Pool shock can be bought at Walmart. I use it for pieces of furniture that have an old smell, too.