Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

The Hidden Spot In Your Fridge That’s Making It Smell (And How To Fix It Fast)

If your fridge still smells weird after you’ve cleared out old leftovers and wiped down the shelves, the real culprit might be something you’re not even checking.

There’s a hidden area in most fridges that quietly collects mould, spills and bacteria. Once it starts to stink, no amount of air freshener will help.

This guide reveals the spot most UK homeowners overlook, why it smells so bad and exactly how to clean it in a few simple steps.

Table of Contents

Why Does Your Fridge Still Smell After Cleaning?

You’ve tossed out expired milk, scrubbed the shelves and maybe even stuck a bowl of bicarbonate of soda in the corner but the smell’s still there.

That’s because some odours don’t come from the food itself but from where the mess goes when food leaks or drips.

Even in modern UK fridge models, spills often collect in hidden channels or trays built into the design. These places don’t get cleaned during a regular wipe down, so they quietly build up gunk over time.

The worst part? You often can’t see the build up unless you know where to look.

The Real Cause Is Your Fridge’s Drip Tray

Most fridges have a drip tray, a shallow plastic tray located behind or beneath the fridge, near the compressor.

It’s there to catch condensation from the defrost cycle. But over time, this tray can collect food residue, mould and even standing water if it gets blocked.

Warm air from the compressor helps evaporate the water but that same warmth also encourages bacteria and mould growth, especially if something’s been spilt or leaked. If your fridge smells damp, sour or musty, this tray is often to blame.

Many people don’t even know it exists, and some fridge manuals barely mention it.

How To Find And Clean The Smelly Drip Tray

You don’t need to be an engineer to sort it out. Here’s how to locate and clean the tray safely:

Unplug your fridge at the mains for safety.
Pull the fridge away from the wall to access the back panel.
At the bottom, near the compressor, you’ll see a shallow plastic tray resting on a few brackets.
Carefully slide it out, it may have stagnant water, mould or dried spills.
Empty the contents, then scrub the tray with warm water, washing up liquid and a splash of white vinegar to kill bacteria.
Dry it fully before putting it back in place.
Plug the fridge back in and push it carefully back against the wall.

Not every fridge model in the UK has an easily accessible drip tray. Some fully integrated or sealed back models may have the tray hidden or built into the unit in a way that makes it difficult to reach without tools.

If you can’t see a removable tray near the compressor, check your fridge’s user manual or look up the model online. In rare cases, you may need a technician to access it.

Don’t Forget The Drain Hole Inside The Fridge

Another hidden culprit is the drain hole at the back wall inside your fridge. It’s designed to let condensation run down into the drip tray.

But it can become blocked with crumbs or gunk, causing puddles, smells or even leaks. If it’s blocked, the water backs up and becomes stagnant and that’s another source of bad odours.

Here’s how to clear it: