Tips to eliminate the bad smell of the freezer and improve the environment

Have you ever wondered why your freezer has an unpleasant odor? This usually occurs due to the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi.

Although these microorganisms are inhibited from growing at low temperatures, they can still survive at temperatures above -18°C, which is the recommended freezer temperature.

However, this temperature can be changed in the event of an interruption in the power supply, if a door is left open for a long time or in case of a technical problem.

There are several reasons for the growth of these microorganisms in the freezer. Food spills and open containers provide a conducive environment for microorganisms to proliferate.

In addition, many microorganisms can survive freezing and will grow again when conditions become favorable. This can occur if food is removed from the freezer, partially thawed, and then placed back in the freezer.

However, the bad smell is not caused only by the growth of microorganisms. When food is frozen, it undergoes physical changes that can lead to spoilage, such as so-called "freezer burn" and the formation of ice crystals.

Another factor to consider is that home freezers are often connected to a refrigerator, which can allow bad odors to propagate through the systems.

What to do to improve the bad smell?

To solve the problem of bad odor in the freezer, there are some recommended measures. First, it is important to keep the freezer clean and sanitized regularly, avoiding the accumulation of food residues.

Be sure to store food in properly closed containers to avoid spillage. To prevent bad smell, it is essential to adopt good cleaning practices. Avoid leaving food exposed, choosing to store it in closed airtight containers, preferably glass.

This helps to reduce the release of odors produced by bacteria or the food itself. Also, when food is covered, it is less likely to absorb bad odors from other food nearby.

If the bad smell persists, a deeper cleaning may be necessary. Completely defrosting the freezer and cleaning all internal surfaces with a solution of water and vinegar, for example, can help eliminate unwanted odors.

Another tip for when bad smells have already developed is to remove everything in the freezer and inspect the food for spoilage, freezer burn, or unpleasant odors. Throw away any food that has formed ice crystals.

In addition, it is important to check that there are no technical problems or interruptions in the power supply that could be affecting the freezer's performance.

After removing all items, clean shelves, removing spills or crumbs. Clean all surfaces with warm soapy water, or use a mixture of warm water and two tablespoons of baking soda.

Be sure to thoroughly wash and dry all shelves and ice bins.

If odors persist after these cleaning steps, it may be necessary to carry out a more thorough cleaning, which also involves turning off the freezer and allowing it to "breathe" for a few days.

In cases of strong odor where crevices or insulation are contaminated, it may be necessary to seek specialized services.

An additional tip is to put some baking soda inside the freezer before adding the food, as this can help absorb any possible residual odors.