GE's article on refrigerator odors says nothing in a GE refrigerator or freezer produces an odor mechanically: a new unit often has a plastic smell because most interior parts are plastic, and it fades. The odors and tastes on the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS come from unwrapped food or spills, so check that all foods are covered and airtight. Clean the walls and shelves with one tablespoon of baking soda in one quart of warm water, do not wash plastic parts in the dishwasher, and do not use bleach or ammonia, which can crack the liner, or lemon-scented cleaners, which plastic can absorb.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE refrigerator smells bad inside”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Unwrapped food or spills
What separates it A sour or strong smell that is worse near the spill
How to confirm Remove the source; cover and seal food airtight and clean the shelf
- 2
A new-appliance plastic odor
What separates it There is a mild plastic smell in a new refrigerator because of a new appliance plastic odor
How to confirm It dissipates with time; clean with baking soda solution
- 3
Stale ice or an unused dispenser
What separates it Water or ice smelling stale after a long absence
How to confirm Dispense water until all water in the system is replenished, and replace the filter
- 4
A cleaning product absorbed by the plastic
What separates it A lemon or chemical smell that does not fade
How to confirm Avoid lemon-scent, bleach and ammonia; wash with baking soda and water
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where in the refrigerator or freezer the smell is strongest
- Whether the smell is in the food, the water or the ice
- What cleaners have been used inside
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedFind the source
ReversibleCheck all foods are covered and sealed airtight, and wipe spills on shelves and walls. Odors and tastes come from food items placed in the refrigerator or freezer.
Clean with baking soda
ReversibleUnplug, then wash walls and shelves with a solution of one tablespoon (15 mL) of baking soda in a quart (1 liter) of warm water, rinse and wipe dry. Do not wash plastic parts in the dishwasher.
Absorb lingering smells
ReversibleLeave an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator and the freezer and replace it as directed. Activated charcoal from a pet store can also be used, and vanilla extract in a dish can freshen the fresh food compartment for about three weeks, but not the freezer.
Avoid harsh cleaners
ReversibleDo not use bleach, ammonia or lemon-scented cleaners, which can damage the interior liner or leave a lasting smell.
Refresh water and ice
ReversibleAfter a long absence replace the water filter and run 2 gallons through the dispenser. Ice that sits unused turns cloudy and stale.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Cleaning cautions from the manual
- Use mild detergent in warm water on the outside; do not use abrasive powders or sprays, window sprays, ammonia, bleach, oven cleaners, alkaline, citrus or acidic cleaners on stainless surfaces, or stainless steel cleaner on the inside metal panel because it may damage the surrounding plastic. Use an appliance wax polish on the inside surface between the doors.
- Parts for this problem on the PVD28BYNFS (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- bypass plug, part number WR17X33825, at $40.94.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models PGE29BYTFS, GFE28GYNFS, CYE22TSHSS, GDE21EYKFS, GTS22KYNRFS.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a burning or electrical smell appears, unplug the refrigerator and call GE service
- !If the smell persists after cleaning and a fresh filter, contact GE support
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
GE Appliances' own support articles for refrigerators; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
GE's own troubleshooting page for the SmartHQ pairing steps and the Connected Home Support line.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my new refrigerator smell?+
Most interior parts are plastic, and a plastic odor is common when new; it fades with time.
How do I clean the inside?+
One tablespoon of baking soda in one quart of warm water.
Can I use bleach?+
No. Bleach or ammonia can crack or damage the interior liner.
Does baking soda help?+
Yes, an open box in each compartment absorbs odors.
What about the water taste?+
If the dispenser has not been used for a long time, dispense water until all water in the system is replenished.
Can I put vanilla in the freezer?+
No; it freezes. Use it in the fresh food compartment only.
Can I wash shelves in the dishwasher?+
Do not wash plastic parts in the dishwasher; clean glass shelves only when at room temperature.
Why does old ice taste stale?+
Ice that is not used often becomes cloudy, tastes stale and shrinks.