Stinking fridge freezer after defrosting ..

bluedog

I defrosted the fridge freezer just before christmas, went away for a few days and the whole house stank rancidly when we came home.

I've located the source to the drainage tray that collects water on top of the compressor at the back of the fridge freezer. It is full of putrid muck which I'm bracing myself to clean out .... it's baaaaddd!!

A few months ago, the drainage hole at the back of the fridge was blocked so I blew it clear with a straw and thought that was it as all seemed ok... but it's back with scum and a hairy growth too as it sits in this drainage tray! :eek:

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can make sure the whole pipe works from fridge to the tray gets thoroughly washed down? I've thought about chucking a good dose of white vinegar down it, but beyond that, haven't a clue! The thought of eating food from it at the moment is not enticing!

It is on the cards to be replaced later this year, but any help meanwhile will be good please.

Jayar

I think your white vinegar idea is the best solution. Could you also get some bicarbonate of soda down there? Those two things are what I always use down my kitchen sink, so I think they would do the job on your fridge too.
Good luck!

poodlehorse

My freezer got turned off by my cousin (she wanted to listen to music in the garage) and it didn't get noticed for weeks. The stink was beyond description. However I found that having given it a damn good wash I shoved some bicarb in it and that helped and then I stuck it on again even though it was empty, for some reason the stink went once it was cold. I might add it took me ages to feel it had gone but it is still going strong 10 years later. You have my sympathies though.