Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Qinella]

When I moved into this place two weeks ago, one of the first things I noticed was the nasty smell every time I opened the fridge. I threw away all the garlic and other random, unidentifiable contents that were in there, hoping the smell would eventually go away. Well, it didn't. So on Sunday I emptied out the food, washed all the removable pieces with soap and water, and scrubbed the inside of it with some sort of bleach-based cleaning product and lots of soap and water. This didn't remove the smell. In fact, it's gotten worse. Every time I open the fridge, I'm blasted in the face with a nauseating garlic/bleach concoction that would kill vampires from a mile away.

Someone told me it's possible to get a thing to put in there that will suck the smell out. Anyone know what that is, or if there's another method?

I'm desperate.

Q.

[canuckistan]

Maybe pull out the really heavy artillery--full strength bleach if you can stand it? I'd check under and behind the fridge too.

Speaking of stinky fridges here's a good story: I once went away skiing for 2 weeks at Christmas. Early in my absence the fridge conked out--including the fully packed freezer with many pounds of meat and meat products--fish, roasts, you name it, it was in there.

While the refrigeration unit broke, the fan in the freezer continued to run however, the motor keeping the meat-packed freezer at a nice, toasty 80F.
The meat sat there rotting for what had to have been 10 days with the fan running all the while.

When I got home the stench was palpable even outside the front door in the hallway of the apt building.

Rotting meat turns to the foulest of black liquids by the way, which ran down the fridge from the freezer onto the kitchen floor in a large puddle. You couldn't be in the apt for more than 3 minutes at a time before the constant gagging got too much.

That was the absolute WORST clean-up job I've ever had to do. Nice way to come home!

Needless to say the fridge was utterly trashed.

[Bulsajo]

Have you checked to see if there's a water drip tray (external, very bottom of fridge)?
It might have some nasties in it.
Another place where foul liquids can pool is under the drawers/crispers (maybe you got that area already, it's unclear from from the post).

[peppermint]

Try the easy route for a day or two- baking soda

[Ekuboko]

..and lemon juice.

[crazykiwi]

My second hand fridge had a reaking kimchi smell in it. my drector at the time put about 10 "10 won" coins around the inside. I thought he was crazy, but lo and behold, the little man was right. the smell dissapated over the week, something to do with the brass or whatever its made out of, absorbing the smell. try it. it may work. btw, q, are u not living near daejeon anymore. saw your scooter thread.

[Jeju Rocks]

I have heard that Koreans put an open bottle of soju in the fridge to kill all the nasty smells. Never tried it though.

I once had a neighbour who while drunk got out of bed and headed for the can to take a whiz. Instead he went to the kitchen, opened the fridge and drained the lizard right there inside.

His room mates were not pleased.