5 Steps to Remove Odors From a Cooler

Scrub with a baking soda paste Mix three parts baking soda to one part water, apply to every surface, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. The fizzing reaction alone does little for odors.

Use vinegar to cut grease and bacteria Vinegar helps clean but won’t neutralize odors by itself. Use it after scrubbing, not as a standalone solution.

Clean the drain plug thoroughly The drain plug is where the worst smells hide. Don’t skip it.

Wipe dry and leave the cooler open in the sun After cleaning, dry all surfaces and leave the lid open in direct sunlight for a full day.

Replace the cooler if odors persist If smells linger after cleaning, the plastic has likely absorbed the odor permanently. A new cooler is the only fix.