How do I get the smell out of my mothers refrigerator?

My Mother passed away. Her house sat empty for over 11 years (as she lived with her parents taking care of them). There was electricity to the house, and unfortunately there was food inside, as well as the freezer. I unplugged it, cleaned it out and can't get the smell to go away. I used Pinesol, soapy bleach water, straight vinegar, scrubbed with baking soda, tried vinegar/baking soda mix. I let it dry completely, with the doors open. Plugged it back in, and put bottled water in there so we could have cold drinks while we remodeled. After a few days went back to work over there, opened the fridge and BAM!! That horrible smell was back. I put a big bowl of baking soda in the fridge and the freezer, and the smell won't dissipate. I tried adding coffee grounds, and still nothing. PLEASE HELP! The refrigerator is almost new, I don't want to get rid of it, but am at my wits end.

  5 answers
  • Renae Kidd Wilkinson Renae Kidd Wilkinson on Mar 25, 2019

    Did you check under and behind it? Also check lines for ice maker or water dispenser if there are any.

  • Tilly Tilly on Mar 25, 2019

    have you tried vanilla?. and also place onions in the freezer to eliminate the smell. it might just help. also check the drain pipe at the back, maybe there is still something in the pipe that will not go away, and that might keep the odour in.

  • I cleaned under it, but will check the water line and the drain lines. Hadn't thought of vanilla and onion- next on my list. Thank you both for the suggestions.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Mar 25, 2019

    Plain charcoal on newspaper is a great odor absorber.

  • Grandma Judy Grandma Judy on Mar 25, 2019

    This may seem difficult but if it is a good frig, this solved the same problem for me...I wheeled the frig outside, and tilted it back toward the sun...in really hot country, you’ll want to place a sheet or light blanket over the door, but otherwise, let the sun do the work...door open, frig looking at the rays, and the ultraviolet ‘soaks’ through...our electricity went out while we vacationed...everything melted, ran down and throught he elements and mildew/mold was rampant. I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned and every time I’d start it up...the odor was back...my father suggested what I have suggested to you. Do NOT leave the door open in hot, hot sun or you will warp the interior.