Freezer interior smells bad or has a strong odor

Safety first: Unplug the freezer before cleaning. Wear gloves and a mask if odor is strong.

Steps:

• Remove all contents: Discard any spoiled or questionable food.
• Clean interior: Wash all interior surfaces, shelves, and baskets with a solution of baking soda and warm water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Clean drain pan: Remove the rear lower panel and slide out the drain pan if accessible. Clean with warm soapy water and dry.
• Deodorize: Place an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal inside the empty freezer for 24–48 hours before restocking.

Note: Severe odor after a long outage may be difficult to remove completely; in extreme cases, liner replacement may be required.