If you’ve ever opened your fridge and been hit with that unmistakable fishy smell, you know it’s not exactly the most pleasant surprise. It’s one of those odors that can really linger, making you question everything inside your fridge.

So, what’s going on? Why does your fridge smell like fish?

Don’t worry—it’s usually something simple that you can easily fix.

In this post, I’ll shed some light on why your refrigerator smells like fish and how you can get rid of the smell once and for all.

Why Does My Fridge Smell Like Fish

There are a few different reasons why your fridge smells like fish:

Spoiled Food

The most obvious reason for a fishy smell in your fridge is, well, spoiled food.

Fish and seafood are especially known for creating strong smells when they go bad.

But here's the thing - even if you haven't had fish in your fridge recently, other foods can sometimes smell fishy when they spoil.

Dairy products, some vegetables, and even certain meats can give off fishy odors as they go bad.

What's more, these smells can stick around in your fridge even after you've thrown out the food that caused them. That's because the bacteria that cause the smell can spread to other surfaces inside your fridge.

Dirty Drip Pan

Another common cause of fishy smells in fridges is a dirty drip pan.

You might not even know your fridge has one of these!

The drip pan, also called a defrost tray, is usually at the bottom of your fridge. Its job is to collect water that drips down when your fridge defrosts. Over time, this tray can collect bits of food, mold, and bacteria.

If it's not cleaned regularly, it can start to smell pretty bad - and sometimes, that smell is fishy.

Moisture Buildup

Too much moisture in your fridge can also make it smell like fish.

When there's a lot of humidity inside your fridge, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and mold to form. These tiny organisms can produce all sorts of smells, including fishy ones.

Your fridge might get too moist if the air isn't circulating well, if you're opening the door a lot, or if you're storing liquids and high-moisture foods without covering them.

Not only can this extra moisture cause smells, but it can also affect how fresh your food stays.

Also Read: how to get Pine Sol smell out of house

Burnt Electrical Components

While this one’s not as common, it’s still worth mentioning.

If there’s something wrong with your fridge’s electrical components—like an overheating motor or a burnt-out part—it can produce a smell that’s similar to fish or something that’s gone bad.

It might not be obvious at first, but if you’ve ruled out spoiled food and other sources, it could be a sign that your fridge needs a check-up from a technician.

Keep an eye on any unusual noises or changes in performance too.

Electrical problems can be dangerous, so it's best to let an expert handle them.

How To Get Rid Of Fish Smell In Fridge

Now that we've talked about what might be causing that fishy smell, let's look at how you can get rid of it and make your fridge smell fresh again:

Remove Spoiled Food

The first thing you need to do is take a good look through your fridge and get rid of any food that's gone bad.

Pay extra attention to things that go bad quickly, leftovers, and anything that's been pushed to the back of the fridge and forgotten. Check the expiration dates on your food, and trust your nose - if something doesn't look or smell right, it's probably best to throw it out.

Don't forget to check your freezer too, because even frozen foods can develop smells over time.

After you've gotten rid of anything that's spoiled, take all the other food out of your fridge and set it aside while you clean.

Also Read: How To Get Onion Smell Out Of Plastic

Deep Clean The Fridge

Once the food is gone, I recommend deep cleaning the fridge.

Start by taking out all the shelves, drawers, and any other parts you can remove. Wash these thoroughly with warm, soapy water, rinse them well, and let them air dry.

For the inside of the fridge, you can make a cleaning solution with warm water and baking soda, or use a mild dish soap. Try to avoid using strong cleaning products, because they can leave their own smells behind and might not be safe around food.

Wipe down every surface inside your fridge, including the walls, top, and bottom.

Don't forget to clean in the corners, cracks, and around the rubber seal on the door - these spots are where bacteria like to hide out. If you can get to your fridge's drip pan, make sure to clean that too.

Once everything is clean and dry, put your fridge back together and return your food to it.

Use Odor Absorbers

After you've cleaned your fridge, you can use some natural odor absorbers to help keep it smelling fresh.

Baking soda is a classic choice - just put an open box or a bowl of baking soda in your fridge to soak up smells. You could also use activated charcoal, which is really good at trapping odors. Fresh coffee grounds can work well too.

If you want to add a nice smell, you could try putting a cotton ball soaked in vanilla or half a lemon in your fridge.

Just remember to replace these odor absorbers regularly so they keep working well.

And keep in mind, while these methods can help control smells, they're not a replacement for regular cleaning and storing your food properly.

Bottom Line

A fish smell in your fridge is never fun, but it’s usually nothing too serious.

Once you figure out what’s causing the odor, it’s pretty easy to take care of. The key is staying on top of things—whether it’s moisture, spills, or just some old food hanging around.

A little care now will save you from bigger problems later, and soon enough, your fridge will be smelling fresh again!

Fridge Smells Like Fish (Here's Why)