It’s not uncommon for a commercial refrigerator to develop an unpleasant odor, especially if it’s being used to store items like milk, which can cause all sorts of problems if they leak. Smells can develop naturally over time due to debris and spills, although smells often indicate that bacteria or mold has begun to grow in your refrigerator.
Although commercial refrigerator manufacturers try to minimize odors in their units as much as possible, there is still some essential maintenance work that can be carried out in order to control unpleasant odors in your refrigerator.
Clean Your Commercial Refrigerator with Soap and Water
A thorough clean-out and clean-up is inevitably the best way to ensure that your refrigerator is free from mold, spillages, and bacteria. Empty all the stock into another refrigerator or temperature-controlled area (if possible), and use warm soapy water to clean out your refrigerator effectively. Some commercial refrigerator manufacturers may recommend abrasive chemicals, but these can wreak havoc on the construction of the unit over time.
How to Use Baking Soda and White Vinegar to Clean Your Commercial Refrigerator
Although you may have to stomach the smell of vinegar for a day or two, this concoction is great for cleaning appliances and removing unpleasant smells. After spraying this onto your empty unit, be sure to wipe it off quickly and allow it to air-dry for a while with the door open.
How Charcoal Briquettes Can Clean Your Refrigerator
Many manufacturers recommend placing a bowl of charcoal briquettes inside your unit as a means of absorbing any lingering odors. Coffee grounds and baking soda can also be used as a substitute, eliminating any pesky odors.
Clean with a 5% bleach solution
A 5% bleach solution can be used to wet the interior of the unit, but clean it out with soap and water shortly after. The bleach effectively kills the bacteria, which may be responsible for any smells. You shouldn’t leave bleach in the unit too long, or it will produce metal spots on your refrigerator.
The Smell Could be Coming from Your Interior Coil
If a bad smell persists after cleaning the unit’s main storage area, then the internal coil may be the culprit. An ongoing smell may indicate that a moist coil has begun growing mold, causing the odor. Unplug the unit and remove the cover for the coil, cleaning the interior carefully with soap and water while avoiding any electronics. Then, use a UV sterilizing kit to kill the last of the coil’s mold. You can potentially clean the coil with a 5% bleach solution, though this is not recommended. Compressed air can also be used in certain circumstances for dispersing mold and other dust or debris.
Are you in the market for a new commercial refrigerator? As an international company that has been dedicated to the design, development, and manufacturing of commercial coolers since 1941, Imbera has answers to all your refrigerator questions. Contact Imbera at 678-504-6835 to get started.
