Freezer has a strong musty, sour, or chemical odor

Safety: Unplug the freezer before deep cleaning. Wear gloves when handling moldy or spoiled items.

Steps to remove odors:

• Remove all contents: Discard any spoiled or questionable food. Place remaining items in a cooler.
• Clean interior: Wash all interior surfaces, shelves, and baskets with a solution of baking soda and warm water. Pay special attention to gasket folds.
• Clean drain pan: Pull the freezer away from the wall, remove the rear lower panel, and carefully slide out the drain pan. Clean it with hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
• Deodorize: Place open boxes of baking soda or activated charcoal in the freezer and run it empty for 24–48 hours.
• Check for chemical smells: If you detect a sharp chemical or solvent-like odor along with poor cooling, this could indicate a refrigerant leak, which must be addressed by a certified technician.

Tip: Regularly clean spills and avoid storing unwrapped strong-smelling foods to prevent odor buildup.