For a smell inside the LG LRMVS3006, LG points first at the air filter: set the Fresh Air Filter to its MAX setting, and if the odor is still there after 24 hours the filter may need replacing (part LT120F, about every six months). After that, cleaning: both sections defrost themselves but LG says to clean both once a month to prevent odors, wipe spills at once, wash the inside with baking soda in warm water (2 tablespoons to 1 quart), wrap food properly, and wash the ice bin, since ice absorbs odors from unwrapped food.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG refrigerator smells bad inside”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The air filter needs the MAX setting or replacement
What separates it A general stale smell in the fresh food compartment
How to confirm Set the Fresh Air Filter to MAX and replace the filter if there is no change in 24 hours
- 2
Unwrapped food or a spill
What separates it A specific food smell strongest at one shelf or drawer
How to confirm Find the source, discard spoiled food and wipe the shelf and drawer
- 3
A dirty ice bin or old ice
What separates it Ice tastes or smells off, and the freezer itself smells fine
How to confirm Empty and wash the bin, discard old ice and dry it before reinstalling
- 4
A water supply with sulfur or a spent filter
What separates it The ice and water taste or smell of sulfur because of a water supply with sulfur or a spent filter
How to confirm Replace the water filter; LG says a filter may help but cannot remove every mineral smell
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Where the odor is strongest: fresh food side, freezer, ice or water
- When the air filter and water filter were last replaced
- Whether the smell started with a power cut, a spill or a recent move
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedSet the air filter to MAX
ReversibleLG says the air filter may need the MAX setting or replacing. Set it to MAX, and if the smell does not go within 24 hours, replace the filter.
Clean the inside
ReversibleUnplug, remove shelves and wipe with a clean sponge and mild detergent in warm water. To help remove odors, wash the inside walls with baking soda dissolved fully in warm water, 2 tablespoons to 1 quart (26 g to 1 liter).
Wrap food properly
ReversibleRewrap food; LG says odors may migrate to the ice if food is not wrapped correctly, and unwrapped food also feeds fridge smells.
Wash the ice bin
ReversibleEmpty and wash the ice bin, discard old ice and make sure it is completely dry before reinstalling. LG says stored ice can go stale.
Clean monthly
ReversibleLG says both sections defrost automatically but should be cleaned once a month to prevent odors, and spills wiped up immediately.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Cleaning notes from the manual
- Clean both sections monthly; wipe spills at once; baking soda 2 tbsp per quart of warm water; do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners; unplug before cleaning; let the freezer warm before wiping; air filter LT120F.
- Parts for this problem on the LRMVS3006 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- air filter cover, part number ADQ75493301, at $113.35; water filter housing assembly with water inlet v, part number ADQ73913310, at $215.47; tube assembly,drain, part number 5251JA3003K, at $19.16; tubing connector, quick connect 5/16" to 1/4", part number 4932JA3002C, at $34.44.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models LRFVS3006 refrigerator, LRFCS25 refrigerator, LG STUDIO SRFVC2406 refrigerator, LRSXS2706 side-by-side refrigerator, LTCS20020, LF29S8330, LF21G6200.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the odor persists after cleaning, the MAX setting and a new air filter, call LG customer service
- !If a burning or electrical smell comes from the back, unplug the refrigerator and call LG
- !If food spoiled during a long power outage, discard it and clean before restarting
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
LG USA support page listing this model's manuals and warranty.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I get rid of a smell in my LG refrigerator?+
Set the air filter to MAX, and if the smell is still there after 24 hours replace it. Then clean the interior and wrap food.
What baking soda mix does LG suggest?+
2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of water (26 g to 1 liter), fully dissolved so it does not scratch the surfaces.
Why does my ice taste bad?+
Sulfur minerals in the water, a stale bin of old ice, unwrapped food or a dirty interior can all cause it, according to LG.
Can the water filter fix water taste?+
LG says a water filter may need to be installed to eliminate taste and odor problems, but in some cases a filter may not help.
Why is there dust or soot inside?+
LG says it can come from a fire source near the refrigerator, such as a fireplace, chimney or candle.
What air filter does the refrigerator use?+
LG lists LT120F as the replacement air filter, replaced about every six months or when its icon lights.
What if food went off during a power cut?+
Discard it, clean the interior with baking soda and water, and reset the air filter to MAX if needed.