0

My fridge has a bad stink that has been getting worse lately. I can clean it out and temporarily fix it with vinegar ,bleach, and/or baking powder, but these are not long term fixes. When the water comes back, the stink eventually does too. I'm not sure if the vinegar or bleach isn't just evaporating. I wonder if getting one of those urinal mints would be a good solution? The fridge seems designed to dump condensate in this area and evaporate it by close proximity to the hot compressor. Any ideas?

Update: I'm getting the best results yet simply by putting in those little chlorinater tabs for the pool floaties. Don't put too many in though, because it is very strong. Kills all the odors and smells real clean.

3
  • What is the drip tray made of? Metal, plastic, or what? Commented Apr 8, 2014 at 17:46
  • metal painted white Commented Apr 9, 2014 at 0:27
  • I'm not sure any of those options would be safe long term to place in there then. I would expect it to erode or ruin the paint and eventually the metal. Commented Apr 10, 2014 at 15:07

1 Answer 1

1

If it's a recurrent problem, I'd go with Copper sulfate over bleach. The stuff is used as a herbicide, fungicide and pesticide, and 25 grams or so dissolved should render the tray lifeless. You can get copper sulfate at greenhouse supply stores and some hardware stores. If you can't find CuSO4-6H20, Bordeaux mixture should work as well.

Bleach and its breakdown products are strong oxidizers, and will corrode your metal tray. Copper sulfate isn't an oxidizer, and won't do that.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.