Whirlpool Interior Odor / Bacterial Growth

The refrigerator has a strong musty or moldy odor inside.

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Possible Causes

Spilled food or liquids, a long power outage with the doors closed, a clogged drain pan with organic buildup, or poor air circulation.

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Unplug the refrigerator before deep cleaning. Wear gloves and eye protection when using cleaners.

Steps:

  • Empty and clean: Remove all food and shelves. Wash the interior surfaces with a solution of baking soda and warm water or a mild disinfectant that is safe for refrigerators.
  • Clean the drain pan: Pull the unit out and remove the rear panel. Clean the drain pan thoroughly to remove sludge and mold.
  • Replace filters: If equipped, replace the air filter (e.g., Whirlpool FreshFlow) and the water filter.
  • Air out: Leave the doors open for several hours with the unit unplugged to ventilate, then restart and reload the food.
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Video Guide

2 Videos

Repair Difficulty

Very Easy 1/5

Required Part

Refrigerator Air Filter
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