Getting odor out of fridge

**madhen** · 02-16-2011, 01:16 PM

I have a mini fridge that was used for storing essential oils for over a year. I want to use it for something else now, but after over a month of not having EO's in it, and standing open, it still smells strongly of its former contents. I tried closing it up with baking soda, and with coffee grounds, with no reduction in the smell.

It smells great and is currently unplugged and acting as an air freshener in my bedroom , but I would like to store Half and Half in it, and I suspect EO-tasting Half and Half wouldn't be pleasant.

Any ideas of how to deodorize this little bugger?

**Ceashels** · 02-16-2011, 01:42 PM

What about a container of boiling water and baking soda then shutting the door so it steams. The heat might help release the scent of the oil from the interior plastic.

**frugalwarrior2** · 02-16-2011, 01:48 PM

Vinegar will absorb. Then baking soda will absorb the vinegar. Put vinegar (white) in a big bowl or several small ones.

or
I put bleach w/ water in a spray bottle 1/6. then I wipe it out after about 1/2 an hr. Spray it throughly w/ water and wipe. If you can air it out for a while all the better.

There are times w/ teens I wish my fridge smelled like essential oils-enuf said!! good luck.

**Jamauk** · 02-16-2011, 02:10 PM

After I clean my fridge, I take a cotton ball soaked with pure vanilla extract (not imitation) and swab down the whole inside.

**brennasmom** · 02-16-2011, 02:21 PM

I was also going to suggest placing a bowl of vinegar in there. That has worked for me in the past

**madhen** · 02-16-2011, 02:36 PM

Okay, I'm going to try the vinegar, followed by baking soda, approach. I love the idea of vanilla, but then wouldn't that just make the interior smell like vanilla?

**Ramona** · 02-16-2011, 04:09 PM

I'd wash down the walls with a mixture of baking soda and warm water. After the treatment, is it feasible to let it lie opened in the sun?

**frugalfranny** · 02-17-2011, 01:59 AM

I have no ideas MH but be sure to let us know what works.........when you find something that does.

GOOD LUCK!

**shp1055** · 02-17-2011, 02:13 PM

I've used charcoal briquettes before. It was bad & they worked. Just tear open a small bag & stick it in there for several days.

I'd still do the vinegar too.

**FrugalKate** · 02-17-2011, 10:21 PM

Wash it down a few times with Vinegar. Vinegar is wonderful for cleaning just about anything.

**MikeInPdx** · 02-17-2011, 11:26 PM

Wash it out thoroughly with baking soda, and then put a dish of ground coffee in there for a few days. A lot of landlords use that trick to absorb odors from fridges when they've had a particularly dirty tenant.

**madhen** · 02-19-2011, 12:13 PM

Tried the vinegar, and now it just smells like EO and vinegar. Hmm....

**frugalfranny** · 02-19-2011, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by madhen

Tried the vinegar, and now it just smells like EO and vinegar. Hmm....

KEEP TRYING............we are counting on YOU for a solution!!

I once bought a freezer that had been used for fish storage ('after fishing' type of thing) and I just washed it out REALLY good......and left it open........took awhile.......but it went away.

You have got to do something that 'cuts' the oil.........don't know what...but..........

I broke a bottle in my basement awhile back and thought the STRONG smell would never leave. Liked the scent......but WHEW......was more than a few drops!!

**madhen** · 02-19-2011, 05:14 PM

Two washings with vinegar, with no change in the smell (except now the bedroom reeks vaguely of vinegar). I already tried both baking soda and coffee grounds, with no success after several days each. No briquets in the house, and I'm too lazy to go out and buy a bag, but I found a bag of activated charcoal, so I think I'm going to bring out the big guns and wash the thing down with ammonia, then stick the charcoal in there overnight to see what happens.