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 VideosRepair Difficulty
Very Easy
1/5
Required Part
Refrigerator Air Filter
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