Light Odors

• To treat a slightly-off smell, wipe down the shelves with distilled white vinegar; the acid in the vinegar destroys many odor-causing fumes. Wait for the refrigerator to dry, then moisten three or four cotton balls with a dab of almond, lemon or vanilla extract; place one ball on each shelf of the refrigerator and close the door. The aroma of the extract will flood the fridge, filling the shelves with the scent of freshly baked sweets.
  
  

Moderate Odors

• To remove stubborn smells from the refrigerator, remove the contents, then sprinkle baking soda over the shelves and wash them down with a damp cloth; baking soda is alkaline in nature and will neutralize odors it comes into contact with. Wait 30 minutes to give the baking soda a chance to work, then wipe the residue away with a wet sponge and pat the shelves dry. Fill a small tub with charcoal briquettes or activated aquarium charcoal and set it directly in the center of the fridge. The return the food to the refrigerator and shut the door. The presence of naturally absorbent charcoal should keep unpleasant odors under control for two to three months.
  
  

Strong Odors

• Eliminate powerful fridge odors by washing the refrigerator shelves with a solution made from 1/4 cup liquid detergent, 1/2 cup chlorine bleach and 2 quarts of warm water. When the shelves are dry, fill a nylon stocking with freshly ground coffee, secure the end with a rubber band and place the air-freshening packet inside the refrigerator. The oils released by the coffee bind to fumes and vapors, effectively removing foul smells. To fill the fridge with a coffee-house scent, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the grounds.
  
  

Tips

• To help prevent refrigerator odor, clean the refrigerator at least once a week. Remove any out-of-date or unidentifiable food products and wipe up any spills, then wipe down the shelves with sponge that has been dipped in white vinegar. Should the unpleasant odors persist, remove all of the food and unplug the appliance; open the doors and scrub all of the surfaces, including the door seal and the area beneath the vegetable crisper drawers, with hot, soapy water and a stiff-bristled brush; leave the refrigerator open and unplugged for 24 to 48 hours to give the odors time to dissipate.