A pungent smell coming from your commercial fridge can be incredibly unpleasant. It can ruin good food offend your customers and more worryingly signal a malfunction. This guide explains the causes of bad smells in commercial fridges how to clean them, and how to prevent smells from returning.
Why Bad Smells In Fridges Are A Problem
Food absorbs smells easily, so items such as milk, butter, and soft cheese are particularly vulnerable to absorbing unwanted odours from the fridge’s interior. In addition smells can indicate a hygiene problem. Mould and bacteria thrive in damp conditions which can lead to unsightly and potentially hazardous colonies forming.Being able to identify and eliminate the source of the smell is essential to protecting your inventory and your brand’s reputation.
Common Cause 1: Overdue or Forgotten Food
Meat fish and dairy products are some of the worst offenders, but the stench of spoiled goods can affect an entire fridge.Checking the contents of the fridge and throwing out any expired food is the first step in eliminating bad smells. In addition a “first in, first out” policy should be enforced, and all food should be clearly dated. Finally any food that has spoiled should be disposed of immediately.
Common Cause 2: Spills And Leaks
Raw meat that has leaked can also be a significant source of smells especially if the liquid has soaked into the fridge’s shelves. Spilled liquids should be wiped away as soon as possible. Raw meat should be placed on the lowest shelf in a drip tray. Finally fridge shelves should be cleaned on a regular basis.
Common Cause 3: Mould And Mildew
A visual inspection of the fridge’s seals and other accessible surfaces should be performed weekly.If the seal has become mouldy, it should be replaced immediately. As part of a routine maintenance schedule a professional fridge service will inspect the fridge’s seals for signs of mould and mildew. For example, ColdTec Cooling Service checks fridge door seals during a routine service for signs of damage or air leaks.
Common Cause 4: Blocked Drain
Most commercial fridges have a drain to remove any condensation that forms on the evaporator. If the drain becomes blocked the water cannot exit the fridge causing it to pool at the back. This damp environment encourages smells to develop.
One indication of a blocked drain is the appearance of water at the front of the fridge. Another is a sour smell, possibly emanating from a patch of ice. If you suspect that your fridge has a blocked drain it should be cleared as soon as possible. In addition the source of the blockage should be identified and resolved.
Common Cause 5: Dirty Coils And Fan
Dust and dirt that accumulates on the condenser coils can combine with moisture to form grime that can give off an unpleasant odour. As the fan circulates this contaminated air throughout the fridge it can cause the fridge to smell. Condenser coils should be cleaned by a professional during a routine maintenance visit.
Common Cause 6: Poor Air And Stale Air
A fridge that is overstocked can lead to pockets of stale air forming. These pockets can also contribute to food odours concentrating and intensifying. Leaving some space between items aids in the continual circulation of cold air throughout the fridge. In addition never cover the fan or vents.
Common Cause 7: Improper Temperatures
A warm fridge can encourage bacteria to grow which can lead to off smells in the fridge’s contents. In addition a fridge that is too warm is a potential health hazard. A temperature between 2 degrees C and 8 degrees C is ideal.
Common Cause 8: Burning Smell Or Chemical Odours
In both cases the smell should be taken seriously.If you suspect an electrical fault, the fridge should be powered down immediately, and the inventory moved to another fridge if possible. Do not attempt to examine the fridge’s wiring and inform a professional engineer as soon as possible. A similar situation arises if you suspect a gas leak. In the UK only certified engineers should be employed to deal with gas leaks as it is illegal to handle fluorinated gases without the correct qualifications. A qualified engineer will detect the source of the leak and repair it. In the meantime, the fridge should be evacuated and recharged with new gas.
Treating Bad Smells Coming From Fridges In Commercial Premises
Bad smells coming from a commercial fridge can be treated in the following steps:
- Switch off the fridge and empty its contents.
- Throw away any spoiled or expired food.
- Wash the fridge’s shelves and walls with a food-safe cleaner.
- Wash the fridge door seals and drain.
- Rinse and dry the fridge thoroughly.
Finally it is best to avoid using air fresheners as they can mask smells and contaminate food.
Preventative Measures Against Bad Smells Coming From Fridges
Preventing bad smells coming from fridges is relatively straightforward if the right procedures are followed. Firstly spills should be cleaned up immediately. Secondly food should be stored in sealed containers and clearly dated. In addition regular stock checks should be carried out to ensure that nothing is forgotten.
A regular cleaning regime should also be carried out. This can be supplemented by a professional maintenance contract that will also inspect the fridge for other potential problems. For example ColdTec’s maintenance contracts include four annual service visits.
When To Call In An Engineer To Deal With A Smelly Commercial Fridge
If you are unable to remove a persistent smell from your fridge it is time to call in a professional engineer. There are a variety of reasons why bad smells develop in fridges ranging from blocked drains to faulty wiring. A qualified commercial fridge engineer has the training and equipment to identify and resolve the issue.
If your commercial fridge needs a professional inspection, you can rely on ColdTec’s experience in commercial refrigeration. From general maintenance to large-scale installations the company has been servicing commercial refrigeration systems for 15 years. ColdTec has a comprehensive range of replacement parts in its service vehicles including digital controllers fan motors and expansion valves. These parts allow many repairs to be carried out on the same day that the engineer visits the site. All engineers are F-Gas certified and certified by Refcom. In addition the company is ISO 9001:2015 certified providing customers with confidence in its work.
A full quotation is also provided in writing before any work commences. ColdTec has been established and based in Surbiton for many years and it provides its commercial refrigeration services throughout the UK.
FAQs
Why does my fridge smell even when it is empty?
Smells in a fridge can be caused by a number of factors including spilled food or liquids forgotten food and dirty drains. If your fridge is empty but still smells bad then a possible cause is mould or a blocked drain.
Is a bad smell in a fridge dangerous?
it means that bacteria may have been growing in it. If a fridge smells of burning or chemicals then this could indicate a more serious fault. In both cases the fridge should be turned off and a professional engineer contacted.
Contact Details
Phone: 020 3773 1250
Email: info@cold-tec.co.uk
Address: Unit 7 177 Hook Road Surbiton KT6 5AR
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