Coolers are an essential part of any outdoor adventure, from camping trips to beach days, and everything in between. They keep our food and drinks cold, and are often relied upon to make our experiences more enjoyable. However, with frequent use comes inevitable dirt, grime, and debris buildup, which can leave your cooler smelling less than fresh.
One of the most popular and trusted cooler brands is Yeti, known for its durability and ability to keep your items cold for days. But even the best coolers can develop unwanted odors over time, especially when they’re exposed to the great outdoors. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to eliminate those smells and keep your Yeti cooler fresh, and clean.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll take a closer look at how to get the smell out of your Yeti cooler. We’ll explore various cleaning methods and tips, so you can choose the one that works best for you. We’ll also discuss the importance of cleaning your cooler regularly and what can happen if you don’t.
Why Does My Yeti Cooler Smell
There could be several reasons why your Yeti cooler smells. Some common causes of odors in coolers include:
- Leftover Food and Drink: If you have used your Yeti cooler to store food or drinks, it’s possible that some of these items have spilled or leaked inside the cooler. The leftover food or drink can cause odors and attract bacteria, leading to foul smells.
- Mold and Mildew: If your Yeti cooler has been stored in a damp or humid environment, mold and mildew can grow inside, leading to unpleasant odors. Mold and mildew can also grow if the cooler has not been dried thoroughly after use.
- Dirty or Old Ice: If you’ve been using the same ice for a while, it can begin to melt and create a musty smell. Additionally, if the ice has been contaminated with food or drink, it can cause odors to develop.
Why You Should Clean Your Yeti Cooler
Cleaning your Yeti cooler is essential for several reasons:
- Health and Safety: Your cooler is used to store food and drinks, and without proper cleaning, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms. These can contaminate your food and drinks, making them unsafe to consume.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning can help extend the lifespan of your Yeti cooler. If left uncleaned, dirt, grime, and other contaminants can build up over time, causing damage to the cooler’s surface and potentially compromising its insulation.
- Aesthetics: Let’s face it, a dirty cooler doesn’t look good. Regular cleaning can help keep your cooler looking its best, which is particularly important if you use it for social gatherings.
How to Get Smell Out of Yeti Cooler
Baking soda and dish soap
To get the smell out of your Yeti cooler, you can follow these steps:
- Rinse out the inside of your cooler using a hose to remove any loose debris.
- Make a mixture of dish soap and warm water. This will help remove any leftover food or drink and eliminate odors.
- Use the hose to wash out all the soap from inside the cooler.
- If you have moldy spots, mix warm water and bleach and clean these areas. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes to kill any remaining mold.
- Rinse the cooler out one more time with the hose to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
- Repeat the process if necessary until the smell is completely eliminated.
Using essential oils
Essential oils can be used to freshen up the interior of your Yeti cooler and eliminate any unpleasant odors. Here’s how you can use essential oils to freshen up your Yeti cooler:
- Choose your essential oil(s): There are several essential oils that have antimicrobial properties and can help eliminate odors, including tea tree oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil. Choose one or a combination of oils that you like the scent of.
- Mix the essential oil with water: In a spray bottle, mix a few drops of essential oil with water. You can also add a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol to help the mixture dry faster.
- Spray the mixture inside the cooler: Spray the mixture generously inside the cooler, making sure to cover all surfaces.
- Let it dry: Let the mixture dry inside the cooler. The essential oil will evaporate and leave behind a fresh scent.
- Repeat as necessary: If the odor is particularly strong, you may need to repeat this process a few times to completely eliminate the odor.
Using essential oils is a natural and effective way to freshen up the interior of your Yeti cooler. However, it’s important to note that essential oils should not be used on or around food or drinks, as they are not safe for consumption.
Vanilla extract
To get the smell out of your Yeti cooler, you can use a wet rag with some imitation vanilla extract drops. Here’s how you can do it:
- Dampen a clean rag with water.
- Add a few drops of imitation vanilla extract to the rag. You can also use real vanilla extract if you prefer.
- Wipe down the inside of the cooler with the rag, making sure to cover all surfaces.
- Let the vanilla extract sit for a few minutes. The vanilla extract will help neutralize the odor.
- Rinse out the cooler with water to remove any leftover vanilla extract.
This method is particularly effective for getting rid of fish smells in coolers, but it can also be used for other types of odors. The vanilla extract will leave behind a pleasant scent, making your cooler smell fresh and clean.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your Yeti cooler clean and odor-free is essential for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Whether you’re using it for tailgating, barbecues, or outdoor adventures, a clean cooler will help keep your food and drinks fresh and enjoyable. With the tips and methods outlined above, you can easily eliminate odors, stains, and dirt from your cooler and keep it in top condition.
So, take the time to clean your cooler regularly, and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh and delicious food and drinks wherever you go.
