Quick answer
First look for spills under drawers, in shelf corners and door bins, and clean the gasket thoroughly. If the smell persists, the defrost drain or the drain pan behind the fridge may hold stagnant water. If water or ice tastes odd, check the water filter’s age.
Overview
A fridge is a closed space with air circulating between compartments, so even a small odour source spreads quickly, and food and ice can absorb smells.
A fridge running slightly warmer than normal also speeds up spoilage, so a recurring smell can be the first sign of weak cooling.
Likely causes
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1
Hidden spills
Liquids under drawers, in shelf runners or inside the gasket folds.
Related parts: Door gasket
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2
Defrost drain or drain pan
Stagnant water with food debris in the drain or pan behind the fridge causes a musty smell.
Related parts: Defrost drain
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3
Expired water filter
Changes the taste and smell of water and ice.
Related parts: Water filter
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4
Uncovered food
Strong-smelling food transfers its odour to other food and ice.
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5
Temperature too high
Weak cooling speeds up spoilage.
Safe checks before calling a technician
Unplug the fridge before cleaning the rear grille or moving it, and close the water supply tap if there’s a leak. Don’t remove inner panels or the compressor cover, and never chip ice with sharp tools — you could puncture the refrigerant tubing.
- Empty the fridge, remove removable drawers and shelves, and wash them in warm water with mild soap (don’t put cold glass straight into hot water).
- Wipe the inner walls with a mild solution of baking soda and water, then dry.
- Clean the gasket folds with a soft brush or cloth.
- Cover strong-smelling food and use airtight containers.
- Leave a small open bowl of baking soda to absorb odours, replacing it regularly.
- If water or ice tastes odd, replace the water filter and empty the ice bucket.
Parts involved
Defrost drain
Carries melted frost to a pan above the compressor to evaporate; a blockage causes water or ice at the bottom.
Water filter
Filters dispenser and ice-maker water; an expired filter slows the flow.
Door gasket
Seals the door; damage lets in warm humid air, weakening cooling and forming frost.
When should you call a technician?
- The smell persists after a full clean.
- Stagnant water on the fridge floor or under drawers.
- The smell comes from behind or under the fridge.
- Food spoils unusually fast.
Need a Samsung repair technician?
Send us the model, the error code and a description of the fault — or book a technician visit in Amman, Zarqa, Salt, Madaba or Sahab.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use bleach to clean the fridge?
Strong cleaners or bleach aren’t recommended inside the fridge — they can damage plastic and the gasket and leave a smell. Warm water with mild soap or baking soda is enough.
Why does the ice smell or taste odd?
Ice absorbs freezer odours, and the water filter may be expired. Empty the bucket, replace the filter and cover food.
Does a smell mean the fridge isn’t cooling?
Not always, but if food spoils quickly, check the temperature with a simple thermometer.