RCA
Odor Contamination / Mold Growth
RCA freezer has a strong musty or sour odor inside.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Spilled food or liquids, Power outage causing food spoilage, Mold growth on interior surfaces or gasket
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the freezer before deep cleaning. Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation.
Steps to remove odor:
- 1. Empty and inspect: Remove all food. Discard any spoiled items.
- 2. Clean interior: Wash all interior surfaces, shelves, and baskets with a solution of baking soda and warm water or a mild detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- 3. Clean gasket: Gently pull back the door gasket folds and clean inside with a mild bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per quart of water) to kill mold. Wipe dry.
- 4. Deodorize: Place an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal inside the empty freezer for 24–48 hours to absorb residual odors.
- 5. Prevent recurrence: Wipe up spills promptly and avoid storing unwrapped strong-smelling foods.
Note: Persistent odors after thorough cleaning may require replacing porous parts like the gasket or plastic bins.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Very Easy
1/5
Advertisements