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Removing odors from your refrigerator is simple, but can take a little while if you haven't cleaned it out for a while.

First, check out expiration dates on everything in your fridge. If it has expired, then throw it out. If it doesn't have an expiration date and you can't identify it or can't remember when it found its way in there, then it belongs in the garbage. Don't forget to check the items in your refrigerator doors, crispers, and deli drawers.

Once you have identified and removed all sources of the offensive odor, you need to remove the remaining items and place them in a cooler. If you don't have a cooler large enough for all your items, then line a large box with a thick bath towel. Place all refrigerated items inside and cover with another large towel. Don't worry, they won't be in there long enough to go bad.

Now that you're looking inside an empty refrigerator, it's time to wipe it down with a solution made from water and a little dish soap. Remove any drawers or crispers and wash them at the sink in hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Turn them upside down on paper towels to drain. Once you have thoroughly cleaned all the shelves and hard surfaces, go back over it with a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining soap residue.

Now that you have a clean fridge, you need to wipe all bottles and containers with a damp cloth before putting the items back into the refrigerator. This will help eliminate any odors lingering on your containers.

I also recommend placing a large, open container of baking soda inside your fridge. It will absorb food odors and keep your now sparkling fridge smelling fresh.

Freezers are not usually the source of any major odors because most odor causing bacteria can't survive in temperatures below freezing. However, it is a good idea to go through your freezer and toss out any meat, poultry, or seafood items that are more than a year old. Toss out any items that are past their expiration dates and anything hidden beneath a barrier of freezer burn.

Don't forget to take all the garbage to your outside waste bin or you'll be sorry in the morning!

Learn more about this author, Kaitlyn Hamilton.
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