Hoover fridge freezer smelling bad inside
Bought a Hoover fridge freezer (HV3CT175LFKH) 6 months ago and there's a horrible smell inside that won't go even after a deep clean. Is it worth repairing or should I just replace it?
Solution Summary
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This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Hoover HV3CT175LFKH bad smell inside after 6 months
- The problem
- A Hoover fridge freezer, model HV3CT175LFKH, had a persistent bad smell inside after six months of use. The smell remained even after a deep clean. No specific fault symptoms beyond the odour were confirmed.
- Likely cause
- The accepted reply said the most likely causes were a blocked drain hole or dirty drip system causing stagnant water, hidden food contamination, odours trapped in shelves/drawers or door seals, poor door sealing, or the fridge running too warm. A chemical or burning smell was noted as a possible fault requiring warranty attention, but this was not confirmed in the thread.
- What fixed it
- The accepted advice was to inspect and clean the drain hole and drip area, clean and check the door seals, wash removable fittings separately, verify temperatures, and inspect behind and underneath for hidden contamination. Because the appliance was only six months old, replacement was not recommended before these checks. If the smell was chemical or burning, the advice was to stop using it and contact Hoover under warranty. No completed repair or final user confirmation was provided.
- Checks to try
- Checked for a blocked drain hole at the back of the fridge section
- Checked the drip/evaporation tray at the rear if accessible
- Inspected and cleaned door seals and gasket folds
- Removed and washed shelves, salad drawers and door trays
- Checked fridge and freezer temperatures
- Inspected underneath and behind for spilled food, packaging or pests
Safety: Isolate the appliance from the mains before inspecting internal or rear parts. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
A bad smell in a 6‑month‑old fridge freezer usually points to a drainage, stagnant water, food contamination, or door sealing issue rather than something that makes the appliance beyond repair. At that age, I would not replace it until a few checks have been done.
1. **Check the drain hole and drip system** - In the fridge section, look for the small drain hole at the back wall. - If it is blocked, dirty water can sit there and smell. - Clear it carefully with a suitable probe and flush with warm water. - Also check the evaporation tray above the compressor at the rear if accessible, as this can collect foul residue.
2. **Inspect door seals** - Wipe all around the rubber door gaskets and lift the folds if possible. - Spilt milk, meat juices, and mould often hide there. - Make sure the doors are sealing properly and not being left slightly ajar.
3. **Look for absorbed odours in fittings** - Remove shelves, salad drawers, and door trays and wash them separately. - Sometimes plastic can hold smells after spoiled food has leaked into joints or trims.
4. **Check temperatures** - Fridge should be around 3 to 5°C, freezer about -18°C. - If the fridge is running too warm, food can spoil more quickly and create persistent odours.
5. **Check for hidden contamination** - Pull it out and inspect underneath and behind for spilled food, packaging, or dead pests.
If the smell seems chemical, burning, or unusual rather than “off food”, stop using it and contact Hoover under warranty, as 6 months old is well within the period to report a fault. Isolate the appliance from the mains before inspecting internal or rear parts, and use a qualified engineer for any mains or sealed refrigeration work.
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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