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Exactly where to store food to stop your fridge smelling bad
Reach Daily Express | October 19, 2025 7:39 PM CST

We've all been there - you open the fridge to grab a snack or to make dinner and bam, you're hit with a nasty odour. A smelly fridge can quickly become a daily frustration. So how do you get rid of the smell?

There may be some common reasons you've not thought of and according to experts at Which?, it may not just be down to a dirty fridge. In fact, you could be storing food incorrectly. It noted that the reason for bad smells could be that you're doing it all wrong.

The experts explained: "Strong-smelling food could be the issue, so make sure you're storing your food properly in sealed containers." Which? revealed exactly where food should go.

It suggests that because "the upper shelves in a fridge are warmer than those at the bottom" it is wise to put items in the right place by temperature.

They suggest: "Meat and fish should be on the colder bottom shelf, cooked food and cream cakes can go up top, while dairy and eggs will fare best in the middle of the fridge."

Your fridge water tank needs cleaning

If your fridge has a chemical smell and has a water dispenser, the issue may be due to an old or clogged filter that needs replacing. You should check the user manual that came with your appliance for brand-specific instructions on how to change the filter.

Fridge drip tray or drain smells bad

If you've checked for spilled food and drinks and you've thoroughly cleaned the inside but the smell is still lingering, you might want to check the drip tray behind the fridge, or the condensation drain pipe that runs down the back of your fridge. This is because they could be full of gunk.

Last check

Finally, if you have tried all of the above, they are asking people to "look around for a different culprit." Which? explained: "Blocked drains, the food-waste bin or a forgotten and rotten banana at the bottom of the fruit bowl could all be suspects."

Exactly where your items should be stored

If you are not sure where your items go, both in the fridge and cupboard, you can check out where to place things through an interactive website on the Food Standards website. All you need to do is click on an item and place it where you think it should go and it will tell you whether it's right or wrong.


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