Whirlpool's help article for odors in a refrigerator like the WRF757SDHZ separates basic and stubborn odors. To prevent them keep foods tightly wrapped or covered, wipe spills at once, clean both compartments about once a month, discard spoiled food and clean under the refrigerator. Some models have an air filter that reduces odors and should be replaced by the indicator tab. Ice and water can hold odors too: the guide's Ice and Water table lists ice stored too long, water stored too long (dispense at least 1 quart a week), odors transferred from stored food and minerals such as sulfur in the water, and a filter past 6 months.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool refrigerator smells bad inside”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Unwrapped or spoiled food and spills
What separates it A sour smell strongest near one shelf or drawer
How to confirm Discard spoiled food, wipe spills and keep food tightly wrapped
- 2
Ice or water stored too long
What separates it The ice or water tastes stale because ice or water was stored too long
How to confirm Discard ice and wash the bin; dispense at least 1 quart of water per week
- 3
New plumbing or an unflushed filter
What separates it Off-taste, odor or gray color in ice or water
How to confirm Flush the water system with 3 gallons and discard the first 3 batches of ice
- 4
Odor from stored food transferred to ice
What separates it The ice tastes of food because odor from stored food transferred to the ice
How to confirm Use airtight, moisture proof packaging, and empty the ice bin
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the smell is in the food, ice or water
- When the interior was last cleaned
- When the filter was last changed
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedFind the source
ReversibleDiscard any spoiled or rotten food, wipe spills immediately and keep food tightly wrapped or covered.
Clean the interior monthly
ReversibleUnplug the refrigerator, hand wash removable parts and interior surfaces with a clean sponge or soft cloth and mild detergent in warm water, rinse and dry, then plug it in again.
Clean under the refrigerator
ReversibleClean under the refrigerator, by routinely cleaning under it and removing any dirt or items trapped there.
Refresh the ice and water
ReversibleDiscard ice, wash the ice storage bin and allow 24 hours for new ice; flush the water system with 3 gallons (12 L) and discard the first 3 batches. Replace the disposable filter at least every 6 months.
Use a stubborn-odor method
ReversibleFor stubborn odors follow Whirlpool's process with an empty refrigerator; it may take several weeks.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Cleaning cautions
- Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as window sprays, scouring cleansers, flammable fluids, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches or cleansers with petroleum on plastic parts, liners or gaskets. Stainless steel finishes are damaged by citrus, acid, ammonia and vinegar-based cleaners, and paper towels scratch the smooth painted door.
- Glass shelves and the air filter
- Do not clean cold glass shelves or covers with warm water, because sudden temperature changes or bumps can break them; tempered glass shatters into small pebble-size pieces, and the shelves are heavy so use both hands. Some models include an air filter that Whirlpool says is 15 times more powerful than baking soda at reducing food odors: snap it in behind the vented door near the top rear of the refrigerator compartment, and pop the bubble on the filter status indicator to activate it before sliding it into the notches.
- Parts for this problem on the WRF757SDHZ (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- freshflow air filter, reduces common food odors , part number W10311524, at $21.19; everydrop ice & water refrigerator filter 2 redu, part number EDR2RXD1, at $64.49.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WRF555SDHV, WRF535SWHZ, WRQA59CNKZ, WRS588FIHZ, WRS325SDHZ, WRT318FZDW.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If odors remain after cleaning, a new filter and flushing, contact Whirlpool service
- !If minerals such as sulfur are in your water, a filter or treatment may be needed
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Whirlpool's own help articles for its refrigerators, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
Whirlpool's own page for this model's manuals and support.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
How often should I clean the inside?+
Clean the inside about once a month.
Why does my ice taste off?+
It may have been stored too long, absorbed food odors or the filter needs replacing.
How much water should I dispense weekly?+
At least 1 quart (1 L) to keep a fresh supply.
Does the filter affect taste?+
Yes; replace it at least every 6 months.
What about new plumbing?+
New plumbing connections can cause discolored or off-flavoured ice and water; flush and discard the first ice.
Is there an air filter?+
Some models have a Freshflow air filter, replaced by its indicator tab.
Can sulfur in water smell?+
Yes; a filter may be needed.