Insignia
Interior Contamination / Drain Stagnation
Refrigerator has a strong musty or moldy odor inside.
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Possible Causes
Spilled food or liquids in hidden areas, Mold growth in drain pan or drain tube, Long power outage with food spoilage, Poor air circulation due to blocked vents
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator and remove all food.
Deep clean interior:
- Remove shelves, bins, and drawers and wash with warm water and mild detergent.
- Wipe interior walls, door gaskets, and seams with a solution of baking soda and water or a mild disinfectant safe for refrigerators.
- Clean drain system: Flush the defrost drain and clean the rear drain pan as described in the drain-related scenarios.
- Air out the unit: Leave doors open for several hours with the unit unplugged to allow odors to dissipate.
- Use odor absorbers: Place an open box of baking soda or a refrigerator deodorizer inside after cleaning.
Note: Persistent odors may indicate contamination in insulation or non-accessible areas and may not be fully removable.
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Repair Difficulty
Very Easy
1/5
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