Frigidaire Gallery
Odor from Bacterial Growth or Drain Contamination
Refrigerator has strong musty or sour odor that persists after cleaning.
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Possible Causes
Spilled food in hidden areas, Contaminated defrost drain pan, Mold growth in door gaskets, Stagnant water in drain system
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Step 1: Deep clean interior
- Remove all food and shelves.
- Clean all surfaces with a solution of baking soda and warm water or a mild disinfectant safe for refrigerators.
Step 2: Clean door gaskets
- Wipe gaskets with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove mold.
Step 3: Clean drain pan
- Unplug the refrigerator and remove the rear lower panel.
- Carefully slide out the drain pan (if removable) and clean with hot soapy water; dry thoroughly.
Step 4: Improve airflow
- Do not block air vents with food items; allow air circulation to reduce moisture.
When to call a technician: If odor persists and appears to come from inside the cabinet walls, there may be insulation contamination that is not economically repairable.
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Repair Difficulty
Very Easy
1/5
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