Refrigerator emits strong musty or rotten odor that does not go away after cleaning food spills.

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator before deep cleaning. Use gloves and adequate ventilation.

Steps:

• 1. Remove all contents: Take out all food and removable shelves/drawers. Discard any questionable items.
• 2. Clean interior: Wash all surfaces with a solution of baking soda and warm water, then rinse and dry.
• 3. Clean drain pan: Access the drain pan under the unit from the rear. Remove and clean it with hot soapy water and a mild bleach solution, then rinse thoroughly.
• 4. Air out unit: Leave doors open for several hours with the unit unplugged to allow odors to dissipate.
• 5. Use odor absorbers: Place open boxes of baking soda or activated charcoal in both compartments after restarting.
• 6. If odor persists: Severe contamination in insulation may not be fully correctable and could require professional assessment.