3 Steps to Remove Fish Smell From a Cooler

Scrub with diluted bleach Mix one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water, scrub every surface, let it sit for ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Bleach kills the bacteria causing the smell.

Apply a baking soda paste Coat the inside with a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit overnight, then rinse. Baking soda slowly absorbs lingering odors.

Leave it in direct sunlight If the smell remains, leave the cooler open in direct sunlight for a day. UV light breaks down odor molecules.