Refrigerator smell

[Bajagirl]

We have a 2012 Cougar 30FKV. When you open the frig for the first time each day, there is a horrible sweet smell that about knocks you over. The rest of the day it is fine. I have cleaned the frig so many times but the smell is still there. Any suggestions?

[JRTJH]

Is it an ammonia smell? If so, your refrigerator "sealed unit" may be leaking.

If it's not an ammonia smell, you may benefit from storing the refrigerator with a couple of charcoal briquettes or a spoonful of fresh unbrewed coffee grounds on a paper plate after assuring the refrigerator is completely dry.

[Bajagirl]

It is a super sweet smell. If it had an ammonia leak would the frig not get cold.

[sourdough]

I think the ability to get cold would depend on how much ammonia had leaked out. On the other hand, I've never smelled ammonia that was "super sweet". I have smelled things when left too long that did leave a "sweet" smell.

It sounds like you are using this daily...are you? That will make the fix a little more complicated if you are. What have you used to clean it? Is there something in the fridge that has sat too long that has maybe been overlooked? It sounds like there is, or has been, something in the fridge that left a smell that accumulates overnight then you get a good whiff in the morning.

I would scrub the fridge, and freezer, down with some hot water and Dawn; rinse it out then place a large box of baking soda for refrigerators in the top and bottom. You might even place an open container of 4 or 5 charcoal briquettes in those areas as well and leave them for a few days. At that time remove them and check it out. We leave a box of soda in the fridge and freezer 24hrs a day.

[travelin texans]

Baking soda or charcoal plus we have a small battery operated refrigerator fan going 24/7 to keep cool circulated.

[JRTJH]

Just thinking out loud there after reading some other responses. Is it possible that something spilled and ran down the door, under the door seal? The seals are not attached to the door on both sides, the inside edge is open and floats. Possibly something "sweet and sticky" leaked under the door seal and is just laying there, "freshening everything with its sweet smell" every time the door sits closed for more than a couple hours ?????

As I said, just thinking out loud. If you do decide to clean them, be sure not to pull too aggressively, you can pull the seal away from the outside edge which would damage your door, many of which can not be repaired but must be replaced, so use caution !!!!!