How To Get Rid Of Spoiled Meat Smell (Quick Guide)
We’ve all been there. You open your fridge or freezer, and suddenly—bam! The horrible stench of spoiled meat hits you like a brick wall. It’s enough to make you run for fresh air.
But don’t panic. There are ways to get rid of that nasty smell quickly and easily.
In this quick guide, I’ll show you how to get rid of spoiled meat smells in your freezer.
#1 Get Rid Of The Spoiled Meat First
First things first, you can’t get rid of that smell until you get rid of the source.
If you’ve got spoiled meat hanging out in your fridge or freezer, toss it immediately. Don’t just leave it there, thinking it’ll somehow magically stop stinking on its own. Spoiled meat is the reason behind that terrible smell, and as long as it’s there, the odor will linger.
Make sure you’re wearing gloves when you handle it. No one wants that rotten smell on their hands, trust me.
Also Read: How To Make Dishwasher Smell Better
Throw the meat in a tightly sealed trash bag, and make sure the bag is tied up properly. You don’t want to risk the smell sneaking out again.
Once it’s out of the fridge or freezer, take a deep breath, knowing the worst part is over.
#2 Clean Up The Area
Now that you’ve removed the offending meat, it’s time to clean up the area.
You’ll want to wipe down the shelves or drawers where the spoiled meat was. You don’t want any juices or residue left behind because, guess what? That stuff can stink too.
Use a mild dish soap mixed with warm water. It’ll clean up any leftover mess and start neutralizing any odors.
If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn smell, try mixing vinegar and water (about one part vinegar to two parts water). Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help with those lingering odors that just don’t want to leave.
Once you've cleaned everything, let it air dry. This will help prevent mold or bacteria from growing in the damp area.
Also Read: Citric Acid Vs Vinegar
#3 Let Some Fresh Air In
Sometimes the best thing you can do is just let some fresh air in.
If the smell is lingering around your kitchen or the whole house, open up some windows. Get that fresh breeze flowing through. Air circulation will get rid of the spoiled meat smell, especially if the odor has spread beyond just the fridge or freezer.
It’s amazing what a bit of fresh air can do to clear out odors.
If you have a fan, set it up near the windows or open doorways to really push that stale air out.
This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with a smell that’s gone beyond your fridge into the whole room.
#4 Deodorize With Baking Soda
Next up, deodorizing. Baking soda is a good option. It’s great at absorbing smells, and it’s super easy to use.
After cleaning the area, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the shelves or in the drawers. Don’t worry about making a mess, just let it sit for a few hours (or overnight, if you can). It’ll soak up any remaining odor.
If you’re looking for alternatives to baking soda, activated charcoal is another great option. It works in much the same way, absorbing smells from the air.
You can find activated charcoal bags that are meant for odor control and just place one in the fridge or freezer.
Also Read: Fridge Smells Like Chemicals
Another good one is coffee grounds. Not only do they absorb odors, but they’ll leave behind a coffee-like scent.
#5 Clean The Fridge Or Freezer
At this point, the smell should be much better, but if it's still there you can do a more thorough cleaning of the fridge or freezer if you want.
Grab a sponge, dish soap, and warm water to wash the interior surfaces. Don’t forget the door seals and handles! Once you’ve scrubbed everything, rinse well to avoid any soap residue, and dry the surfaces with a clean towel.
For those hard-to-reach spots, like the corners or the drain pan (if your fridge has one), give them some attention too. These areas often hold onto smells without you even realizing it.
If you're dealing with a freezer, make sure it’s properly defrosted and cleaned out.
Sometimes ice and frost build-up can hold onto odors, so defrosting can help refresh it.
Bottom Line
Dealing with spoiled meat smell isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Just get rid of the source (the spoiled meat), clean the area thoroughly, and deodorize with some baking soda or vinegar. Fresh air works wonders too!