Did you recently open your freezer for some ice cream, only to be greeted by a whiff of something foul? 

Don’t worry. A smelly freezer is something that every household experiences at one time or another. 

But why does it happen? What’s causing your freezer to stink so bad?

In this blog post, we’ll talk about some of the more common culprits. Let’s jump in!

Spoiled Food

This is probably the most obvious reason for freezer odors. As we all know, food stinks when it goes bad. Whether containers weren’t sealed properly or certain items (like vegetables) were stored incorrectly, rotting food will produce an unpleasant odor.

And don’t forget: Spoiled food in the refrigerator may also cause your freezer to stink, as the scent can waft upwards. So make sure you check both the fridge and freezer for rotten items!

Freezer-Burnt Food

Did you know that freezer burn can also lead to an unpleasant smell? This occurs when food isn’t stored in an airtight container, when the temperature is too low, or when the food is frozen for too long.

You’ll know it’s freezer-burnt if you see fuzzy-looking ice or ice crystals on the food’s packaging. 

Bacterial Growth in Ice Maker

If your freezer has an ice maker, be sure to inspect this component as the source of the odor. Since water and moisture are constantly present in your ice maker, it’s easy for bacteria to grow and thrive in the corners and crevices. 

Bacteria builds up when you don’t routinely clean your ice maker and ice storage bin. And bacteria, as we know, often emits funky smells.

How to Neutralize Freezer Odor

Once you’ve thrown away any spoiled or freezer-burnt food that’s causing the odor, do a thorough cleaning of your freezer. Thankfully, it’s super easy:

• Empty the freezer of all its contents.
• Create a simple solution of 1 tbsp. of liquid chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of water.
• Use this solution to clean the entire unit, including shelves, ice trays, ice maker, and drawers.
• Once clean, return frozen items to freezer.
• Leave a full, open box of baking soda inside the freezer to absorb any lingering odors. 

After you’re done, your freezer should be odor-free in just a few days!

If you have any further issues with your refrigerator, freezer, or another home appliance, don’t hesitate to give us a call! Morris County Appliance Repair is here to help.