3 Steps to Remove Odors From a Cooler Without Bleach

Make a paste of baking soda and water Scrub the inside of the cooler with this paste and let it sit for at least an hour. For stubborn smells, leave it on overnight.

Rinse with white vinegar After the baking soda sits, rinse the cooler with white vinegar. The vinegar and baking soda react with odor-causing compounds—like amines from fish—and neutralize them, unlike bleach which only masks smells.

Rinse well with water and skip soap After the vinegar step, rinse the cooler thoroughly with water. Do not use soap, as it leaves residue that can trap odors later. No specialty cleaners are needed.