How to Get Fish Smell Out of Cooler? (4 Effective Ways)

Removing the lingering odor from a cooler that has been used to transport fish or seafood can be a challenging task. Even after thorough cleaning, the smell can remain, making it unappetizing for future use. In this article, we will discuss several methods to help you eliminate the odor of rotten food, fish remnants, or stale beer from your cooler. These tips can also be applied to tackle any unwanted smell that may have seeped into your favorite ice chest.

It’s important to note that there is no guaranteed method to completely remove all odors from your cooler, especially if you have left dairy products, meat, or certain items in your cooler for an extended period. The smell can permeate the walls of your cooler, making it challenging to eliminate completely. However, with patience and several cleaning cycles, you should be able to significantly reduce the intensity of the smell. Although it may be difficult to eliminate the odor entirely, with persistent effort, your cooler will become subtle enough in scent to not affect your overall enjoyment of using it.

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Why Does My Cooler Smell Like Fish?

When it comes to outdoor activities like camping, picnics, or fishing trips, coolers are an essential item to keep food and beverages fresh and cold. However, if you’ve noticed that your cooler has a fishy or unpleasant smell, it can be quite off-putting. There are a few reasons why your cooler may have an unpleasant odor, and in this article, we’ll explore three of them.

Leftover Fish and Seafood: If you’ve used your cooler to store fish or seafood, it’s likely that the smell has permeated the walls of your cooler. Even after cleaning, the fishy odor can linger, making it difficult to eliminate entirely.
Mold and Mildew: Another reason for an unpleasant odor in your cooler could be due to mold and mildew growth. This can occur if your cooler has been stored in a damp or humid environment, and it can produce a musty smell that is hard to remove.
Spoiled Food Items: Lastly, if you’ve stored food items like dairy products or meat in your cooler for too long, they can spoil and cause a bad smell. Even if you clean your cooler thoroughly, the smell can persist, especially if it has seeped into the walls of your cooler.

Can Fish Smell Be Removed from Cooler

Yes, fish smell can be removed from a cooler, but it may take some effort and patience. There are several effective methods to eliminate the fishy odor from your cooler, including using baking soda, vinegar, activated charcoal, and a mixture of water and bleach. However, it’s important to note that the success of these methods may depend on how severe the odor is and how long it has been present. If the smell is particularly strong or has been lingering for an extended period, it may take several cycles of cleaning and airing out your cooler to eliminate the odor entirely. With consistent effort, however, you can get your cooler smelling fresh and clean again.

How to Get Fish Smell Out of Cooler

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a popular and effective method to remove fishy odors from coolers. Here are the steps to follow:

Remove any remaining fish or seafood remnants from the cooler and discard them.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the inside of the cooler.
Use a clean damp cloth to rub the baking soda into the walls and bottom of the cooler. Make sure to cover all surfaces thoroughly.
Let the baking soda sit in the cooler for at least 24 hours. During this time, it will absorb the odors.
After 24 hours, use a vacuum or clean, dry cloth to remove the baking soda from the cooler.
Rinse the cooler with water and dry it completely before use.

By following these steps, you should be able to remove most of the fishy smell from your cooler. However, if the odor is particularly strong, you may need to repeat this process a few times to completely eliminate it.

Bleach

Bleach is another effective method to remove fishy odors from coolers. Here are the steps to follow:

Mix one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water in a bucket.
Use a clean sponge or cloth to apply the solution to the inside of the cooler.
Make sure to cover all surfaces thoroughly and let the solution sit for at least 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, rinse the cooler thoroughly with water.
Leave the cooler open to air dry completely before use.

It’s important to note that bleach can be harsh and should be used with caution. Make sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using bleach to clean your cooler. Additionally, be sure to rinse the cooler thoroughly with water after using bleach to avoid any remaining residue.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a natural and pleasant-smelling method to remove fishy odors from coolers. Here are the steps to follow:

Mix one tablespoon of vanilla extract with one cup of water in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture inside the cooler, making sure to cover all surfaces thoroughly.
Let the solution sit in the cooler for at least 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the cooler.
Rinse the cooler with water and let it air dry completely before use.

Vanilla extract is safe to use and leaves a pleasant scent behind, making it a great alternative to harsh chemicals. However, if the fishy odor in your cooler is particularly strong, you may need to repeat this process a few times to completely eliminate it.

Diluted Vinegar

Diluted vinegar is a natural and effective method to remove fishy odors from coolers. Here are the steps to follow:

Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bucket.
Use a clean sponge or cloth to apply the solution to the inside of the cooler.
Make sure to cover all surfaces thoroughly and let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, rinse the cooler thoroughly with water.
Leave the cooler open to air dry completely before use.

Vinegar is safe to use and also helps to disinfect the cooler, making it a great all-purpose cleaner. However, if the fishy odor is particularly strong, you may need to repeat this process a few times to completely eliminate it. Additionally, the strong smell of vinegar may linger for a short period, but it should dissipate quickly.

How Do I Stop My Cooler from Smelling?

To prevent your cooler from smelling in the future, here are some tips to follow:

Clean your cooler after every use: Make sure to remove any food remnants or spills and give your cooler a thorough cleaning after each use. This will help to prevent odors from developing over time.
Air out your cooler: After cleaning, leave your cooler open to air dry completely before storing it. This will help to prevent any remaining moisture from causing mold or mildew.
Use odor-absorbing products: Place odor-absorbing products like baking soda, activated charcoal, or coffee grounds inside your cooler before storing it. These products will absorb any remaining odors and prevent them from developing further.
Store your cooler in a cool, dry place: When not in use, store your cooler in a cool, dry place like a garage or storage shed. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or damp areas, as this can promote the growth of bacteria and mold.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent your cooler from developing unwanted odors and ensure that it stays fresh and clean for future use.