Frigidaire Professional Persistent Odor from Drain, Liner, or Insulation

Refrigerator has strong musty or sour odor that does not go away after cleaning.

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Possible Causes

Spilled food in hidden areas, Mold in defrost drain, Spoiled food in air ducts, Odor absorbed into plastic liner

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Unplug the refrigerator before deep cleaning interior components.

  • 1. Remove all food: Discard spoiled items and clean all shelves, bins, and walls with a baking soda solution.
  • 2. Clean drain system: Access the freezer drain trough and flush with a mixture of warm water and mild bleach. Ensure the drain tube is clear.
  • 3. Air out the unit: Leave doors open for several hours with the unit unplugged to ventilate. Place open boxes of baking soda or activated charcoal inside.
  • 4. Persistent odors: If odor remains, it may be in the insulation and not fully removable; replacement of the cabinet is not practical. Focus on regular cleaning and odor absorbers.
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Repair Difficulty

Very Easy 1/5
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