Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator
The last tenants left food in the fridge with a ton of meat and the electricity was turned off. So there was flies and larvae everywhere. We took to whole thing apart and cleaned it with bleach. It still smells. Any other ideas to clean it? And should we be concerned with larvae in any other areas?
By Rachel from Royal Palm Beach, FL
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RE: Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator
I would still advise you to get a new one. Those maggots lay eggs everywhere and will be inside the insulation...extremely unhealthy!
Post by catastrofy
RE: Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator
I had the same problem when one of my renters moved out. You could try putting several boxes of opened baking soda in it. You could also try wiping down the entire refrigerator with vinegar, but I would suggest you leave it unplugged and open for a day or two if you do that. Charcoal should work also but with that you would need to keep the refrigerator closed. Good luck!
Post by kitkatk100
RE: Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator
Put a 20# bag of charcoal in the bottom of the cleaned fridge. Tear open and leave in there about a week. You cannot use the fridge while doing this.
Post by PeggyLee
RE: Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator
Check a second hand appliance store for a used clean 'fridge, or the "for sale ads" in your local paper. I am presently selling a really nice one cheap, as I got a new black one cheap. So keep an eye out. Don't use the one you have. It's unsanitary and can make you really sick! Better to spend $50 and scrimp on something else than to get botulism, or worse!
Post by catastrofy
RE: Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator
In this case, I'd inform the landlord of your attempt to thoroughly clean/disinfect the refrigerator with no pleasing results. Perhaps they will allow you to get a new or nearly new refrigerator and take it off the rent or they will get one to replace the smelly one.
Post by Lorelei
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