Odor removal

Activated charcoal, calcium carbonate (chalk), and baking soda are three major home-cure products for odor removal.

Odor removal requires a lot of common sense. It amazes that professionals still think they can eliminate odors by shampooing the interior, and spraying a deodorizer. Nothing is farther from the truth. Many odors are caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, mold, and mildew. Not only does shampooing not eradicate these odors, it spreads them over a much wider area! You must kill odor-causing organisms with very specialized chemicals.

Place clothing or other fabric items for odor removal in an open container with these products for several hours. Wash well afterwards. If the odor removal didn't worked for 100%, try closing the container for a few hours, but be sure that you do not leave it unattended for very long. If moisture gets into the container, it may cause the growth of mildew.

Wash the inside of the cabinet with detergent and water. Rinse with a clean cloth and clear water. Wipe dry. The plastic gasket which seals the door is likely to hold odors. Wash it thoroughly, rinse and dry carefully for complete odor removal.

Activated charcoal will soak up odors. Spread about 3 ounces of fine powdered charcoal on a sheet of aluminum foil in a shallow pan. Place on refrigerator or freezer shelf. Foods can remain in the refrigerator with the charcoal. After 6 or 8 hours, put the pan of charcoal in a moderate 350 degree oven to reactivate it so it can be re-used. Repeat until the odor disappears.