The refrigerator has a strong, unpleasant odor, even after being cleaned.

Safety first: Wear gloves and a mask if you are sensitive to mold or strong odors.

• Deep clean interior: Remove all food and shelves. Clean all surfaces with a mixture of baking soda and warm water.
• Check drain pan: Access the drain pan at the bottom rear of the unit and remove it. Clean it thoroughly with hot, soapy water and a disinfectant.
• Replace air filter: If equipped, replace the fresh air filter cartridge.
• Ventilate: Leave the doors open for several hours with the unit unplugged to air it out, then restart.
• Severe contamination: If the odor persists after a thorough cleaning, the insulation may be saturated (which is common after long-term food spoilage). In such cases, replacing the refrigerator is often more practical than repairing it.