Strong, unpleasant odor inside the refrigerator or freezer that persists after basic cleaning.

Safety: Unplug the refrigerator before deep cleaning or removing panels.

• Remove all contents: Discard spoiled food and remove shelves, bins, and drawers for separate cleaning.
• Clean interior thoroughly: Wash all surfaces with a solution of baking soda and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage plastics.
• Check drain pan: Access the rear bottom and remove the drain pan if possible. Clean it with hot soapy water and dry completely.
• Inspect drain and ducts: Clean the defrost drain and any accessible air ducts with mild disinfectant, then rinse.
• Deodorize: Place open boxes of baking soda or activated charcoal in both compartments for several days.
• Persistent odor: If odor remains after thorough cleaning, internal insulation may be contaminated (common after long outages). In severe cases, cabinet replacement may be the only permanent solution.