Expert Tips to Eliminate Fridge Odors for Good

A food safety professor shares simple ways to prevent unpleasant refrigerator smells through proper cleaning and storage.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Unwanted fridge odors can be a major annoyance, but a food safety expert from the University of Florida explains that regular cleaning and maintenance is key to keeping your refrigerator fresh and odor-free. From wiping down drawers to using baking soda, the expert provides simple tips to prevent bacteria growth and manage background smells, as well as advice on properly storing strong-smelling foods like fish to avoid cross-contamination.

Why it matters

Fridge odors can ruin your appetite, make guests uncomfortable, and indicate potential food safety issues if bacteria is allowed to grow. Following these expert tips can help keep your refrigerator clean, your food fresh, and your home guest-ready.

The details

According to Keith Schneider, a professor in the food science department at the University of Florida, the main cause of fridge odors is a lack of regular cleaning. Bacteria can build up in damp areas like the meat and produce drawers, leading to unpleasant smells. Schneider recommends periodically sanitizing these problem zones, as well as wiping down all food contact surfaces. He also suggests keeping an open box of baking soda in the fridge to help absorb background odors, and using fresh coffee grounds instead of used ones, which can get moldy. For strong smells from foods like fish, Schneider advises storing them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed packaging to prevent the odors from spreading.

  • Regularly clean out the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

The players

Keith Schneider

A professor in the food science and human nutrition department at the University of Florida who specializes in food safety and refrigeration.

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What they’re saying

“Typically, in a home fridge, a lot of the odors come from just not keeping the refrigerator clean.”

— Keith Schneider, Professor (southernliving.com)

“It's as simple as using sanitizing wipes for wiping down food contact surfaces as long as they don't touch raw food products.”

— Keith Schneider, Professor (southernliving.com)

“If you have something really fishy or, again, like Limburger cheese or durian fruit, baking soda won't mask it. [It] has a limited capacity for removing odors.”

— Keith Schneider, Professor (southernliving.com)

What’s next

Regularly cleaning the refrigerator, especially the meat and produce drawers, and using baking soda or fresh coffee grounds to absorb odors can help maintain a fresh, odor-free fridge.

The takeaway

Preventing fridge odors is all about proper maintenance - tossing expired items, wiping down surfaces, and storing strong-smelling foods properly. Following these simple tips can keep your refrigerator fresh, safe, and guest-ready.