How To Get Smell Out Of Cooler? Step By Step Guide 2023

A cooler is a handy device for keeping food and drinks cool and fresh, whether you’re heading to the beach or taking a road trip. However, if your cooler has developed a foul odor, it can be a real turn-off.

Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of the smell and leave your cooler smelling fresh and clean.

In this article, PublicanAnker will explore some effective methods on How To Get Smell Out Of Cooler, using simple household items and products that are safe and easy to use.

Why Clean a Cooler?

Cleaning a cooler is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and mildew. Over time, food and drink spills, and other debris can accumulate inside the cooler, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

If not cleaned regularly, these bacteria can contaminate food and drinks, potentially causing illness. Moreover, a dirty cooler can also emit unpleasant odors that can be difficult to remove.

Therefore, it is crucial to clean your cooler regularly to ensure that it remains safe, hygienic, and odor-free.

What Causes Your Cooler To Stink?

There are several reasons why your cooler may develop a foul odor over time:

Leftover food: If you use your cooler to store food, leftover food particles can get stuck in the corners and crevices of the cooler. Over time, these particles can spoil and cause a bad smell.
Bacteria growth: When food is left in the cooler for too long, bacteria can grow and multiply. This can cause a foul odor and potentially make you sick if the bacteria-contaminated food is consumed.
Mold and mildew: If the cooler is not properly dried out after use, mold, and mildew can grow on damp surfaces. This can cause a musty odor and potentially be harmful to your health if inhaled.
Chemicals and odors from other items: If you use your cooler to store items with strong odors or chemicals, such as gasoline or cleaning supplies, the smell can linger and cause the cooler to stink.
Poor ventilation: If your cooler is stored in a damp or humid area, it may not have enough ventilation to dry out properly. This can cause a musty smell to develop.

By identifying the cause of the odor in your cooler, you can take steps to eliminate it and prevent it from happening in the future.

How to Get Smell Out Of Cooler?

Removing Bad Odor Using An Odor Absorber

Here is a step-by-step guide on removing bad odor in the cooler using an odor absorber:

Empty the cooler: Before using an odor absorber, empty the cooler and remove any remaining food, drinks, or ice. This will help to identify the source of the bad odor and ensure that the odor absorber is not contaminated.
Clean the cooler: Thoroughly clean the cooler with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Scrub the interior and exterior of the cooler with a soft-bristled brush, paying extra attention to any areas where food or drink may have spilled.
Dry the cooler: Once the cooler is clean, dry it with a clean cloth or allow it to air dry. Make sure that the cooler is completely dry before using an odor absorber.
Choose an odor absorber: Select an odor absorber that is suitable for use in coolers, such as activated charcoal or baking soda.
Activate the odor absorber: If you are using activated charcoal, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for activation. For baking soda, simply open the box and place it inside the cooler.
Place the odor absorber in the cooler: Place the activated odor absorber in the cooler and close the lid. Make sure that the odor absorber is placed in a central location and is not obstructed by any food or drink.
Allow time for absorption: Odor absorbers take time to work, so be patient. Depending on the strength of the odor, it may take several hours to a few days for the odor absorber to work effectively.
Check the odor absorber: After a few days, check the odor absorber to see if it has absorbed the bad odor. If the odor is still present, you may need to replace the odor absorber or repeat the process.
Store the cooler properly: To prevent bad odor from developing in the future, store the cooler in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Make sure that the cooler is completely dry before storing it.

Removing Bad Odor From Meat

If you use a cooler to store meat, you may notice that it can sometimes leave behind a lingering odor even after you’ve removed the meat. This can be particularly unpleasant, especially if you plan on using the cooler to store other items. Fortunately, there are several ways to eliminate the meat smell from your cooler:

Clean the cooler with soap and water: The first step to getting rid of any odor is to thoroughly clean the cooler. Use a mild soap, cooler odor eliminators and warm water to scrub the interior of the cooler, paying close attention to any areas where the meat may have come into contact with the surface. Rinse the cooler thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely.
Use baking soda: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help to absorb any remaining odors in your cooler. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the interior of the cooler and leave it to sit overnight. In the morning, wipe away the baking soda with a damp cloth and rinse the cooler with clean water.
Use white vinegar: White vinegar is another natural deodorizer that can help to neutralize the meat smell in your cooler. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and use a cloth to wipe down the interior of the cooler. Leave the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing the cooler thoroughly with clean water.
Use activated charcoal: Activated charcoal is a highly effective deodorizer that can be used to eliminate even the strongest of odors. Place a small bag of activated charcoal inside the cooler and leave it to sit for a few days. The charcoal will absorb any lingering odors, leaving your cooler smelling fresh and clean.
Air it out: Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. If possible, leave your cooler open in a well-ventilated area for a few days. Fresh air will help to eliminate any remaining odors in your cooler.

By following these simple tips, you can eliminate the meat smell from your cooler and ensure that it is fresh and clean for your next use.

Removing The Smell Using Baking Soda and Coffee Beans

If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to remove smells from your cooler, you can try using a combination of baking soda and coffee beans. Here’s how to do it:

Clean the cooler: Before using any odor-absorbing method, it’s important to clean the cooler thoroughly to remove any remaining debris or bacteria. Use soap and warm water to clean the interior of the cooler and dry it completely.
Add baking soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the bottom of the cooler, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Add coffee beans: Place a layer of coffee beans on top of the baking soda. You can use whole or ground coffee beans, depending on your preference.
Close the lid: Close the lid of the cooler and leave it to sit for at least 24 hours. During this time, the baking soda and coffee beans will absorb any odors in the cooler.
Remove the baking soda and coffee beans: After 24 hours, open the cooler and remove the baking soda and coffee beans. Dispose of them properly.
Air out the cooler: Leave the cooler open in a well-ventilated area for a few hours to allow any remaining odors to dissipate.

Using baking soda and coffee beans is a natural and effective way to remove odors from your cooler. It’s a great alternative to using harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, and it’s safe to use in food storage containers.

Removing Bad Smell From Fish Remnants

If you’ve used a cooler to store fish, you may notice that it can leave behind a strong and unpleasant odor. Here’s how to get fish smell out of cooler:

Wear gloves: When handling fish remnants, it’s important to wear gloves to protect your hands from any bacteria or odors.
Remove any remaining fish: Remove any remaining fish or fish parts from the cooler and dispose of them properly.
Clean the cooler: Mix a solution of warm water and dish soap, and use a sponge or cloth to scrub the interior of the cooler thoroughly. Pay special attention to any areas where the fish may have come into contact with the surface. Rinse the cooler with clean water and dry it completely.
Use white vinegar: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and use a cloth to wipe down the interior of the cooler. Leave the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing the cooler thoroughly with clean water.
Use baking soda: If the fish smell persists, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the interior of the cooler and leave it to sit overnight. In the morning, wipe away the baking soda with a damp cloth and rinse the cooler with clean water.
Air it out: Leave your cooler open in a well-ventilated area for a few days to allow any remaining odors to dissipate.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively clean your cooler and eliminate the fish smell. It’s important to clean your cooler thoroughly after each use to prevent bacteria growth and unpleasant odors.

How Often Should You Clean a Cooler?

The frequency at which you should clean your cooler largely depends on how often you use it and what you use it for.

If you use your cooler to store perishable food items, it’s recommended that you clean it after every use to prevent the growth of bacteria and the development of unpleasant odors.

If you only use your cooler occasionally or for non-food items, you can clean it less frequently, but it’s still important to clean it regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and odors.

As a general rule of thumb, aim to clean your cooler at least once every few months, or more frequently if you notice any signs of spoilage, bacteria growth, or unpleasant odors.

FAQs

How To Get Rotten Meat Smell Out Of Cooler?

To get rid of the rotten meat smell from a cooler, you can clean it with a mixture of warm water and vinegar, sprinkle baking soda inside the cooler and let it sit overnight, and leave the cooler open in a well-ventilated area for a few days to air out.

Additionally, you can use odor-absorbing products that contain activated charcoal to help eliminate any remaining odors.

How To Get Bad Smell Out Of Yeti Cooler?

To get rid of a bad smell from a Yeti cooler, you can clean it with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, wipe down the interior with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, sprinkle baking soda inside the cooler and let it sit overnight, and leave the cooler open in a well-ventilated area for a few days to air out.

Additionally, you can use odor-absorbing products that contain activated charcoal to help eliminate any remaining odors.

What Is The Best Way To Clean A Cooler?

The best way to clean a cooler is to empty it, clean it with warm water and mild dish soap, wipe it down with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, sprinkle baking soda inside and let it sit overnight, and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. You can then air it out in a well-ventilated area for a few days to allow any remaining odors to dissipate.

Regular cleaning and proper storage can help prevent the growth of bacteria and the development of unpleasant odors.

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Conclusion

A stinky cooler can be an unpleasant and off-putting experience, but with the right techniques, it can be easily remedied.

By following the steps outlined in this article, such as cleaning with mild soap and vinegar, using baking soda, and allowing the cooler to air out, you can effectively get an air cooler smell home remedy.

Finally, thank you for reading this article on how to clean a stinky cooler and don’t forget to visit PublicanAnker to stay updated.