Does baking soda in the refrigerator really work?

Author: Jaden Casper  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb and neutralize mild odors inside the refrigerator. Adding an open box of baking soda to one of the interior shelves of the refrigerator can minimize unwanted odors. Depending on what's causing the smell, baking soda may take up to three days to remove odors.

Does putting baking soda in your fridge work?

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a natural deodorizer that can neutralize acidic and basic odors, helping to keep the fridge smelling fresh. It works by reacting with odor-causing compounds, effectively reducing unwanted smells from food and other sources.

What is the best fridge deodorizer?

The Best: Remodeez Aqua Refrigerator Deodorizer

This means that a single Remodeez will last much longer than anything full of baking soda (though the baking soda models can be refilled). Basically, you only need to replace it every six months—which is about five months and 27 days longer than your oldest leftovers.

Why do Americans keep baking soda in the fridge?

  • Hi, the baking soda box in the fridge is to absorb odours from any food stored on the fridge without being inside a container.
  • Without the baking soda storing a piece onion would ruin the flavour of a piece of cake or those grapes in the crisper as there is airflow between the compartments.

Does baking soda really absorb bad smells?

Baking soda is probably one of the most useful tools in eliminating odors from your home. Instead of masking odors like air fresheners and candles, baking soda absorbs and neutralizes them. It has a reputation for being one of the best carpet deodorizers.

Can a box of baking soda really freshen up your fridge?

What is the absolute best odor eliminator?

11 Best Odor Eliminators of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Cleaning Experts
  • Best Overall. Clorox Disinfecting Mist. Read more.
  • Best Value. Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener. Read more.
  • Best for Bathroom Odors. Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray. Read more.

Where to put baking soda in the fridge?

Where to Put Baking Soda in the Fridge. Refrigerator: Place a box on each fridge shelf if it is large or you tend to store many smelly foods. The best spot is in the back corner; don't forget about it. Freezer: Place a box or shallow dish with baking soda on the lower level to absorb freezer odors.

Does baking soda lose its potency in the fridge?

Store unopened boxes or containers of baking soda in a cool, dry place, like a pantry. Once opened, baking soda should be stored in a sealed container. If yours came in a box, transfer it to a jar or similar container that's airtight. Baking soda's biggest enemy is moisture, so don't store it in the fridge.

Is it better to wash fruit with vinegar or baking soda?

Both batches of berries lasted a full week without going moldy, but the ones washed in a solution of water and baking soda were noticeably softer and stodgier than those washed in a water and vinegar, which remained firm.

Does baking soda absorb urine odor?

Baking soda naturally neutralizes odors. Sprinkle it liberally on the damp area or even an old urine stain, and work the powder gently into the fibers of any fabric, rug or carpet. Let the baking soda sit overnight for maximum odor absorption, then vacuum it up to remove the smell completely.

What kills a bad smell in the fridge?

Remove paper and clean with vinegar and water. Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer. Place a cotton swab soaked with vanilla inside the refrigerator and freezer. Close door for 24 hours.

Is a refrigerator air filter better than baking soda?

According to Whirlpool, fridge air filters are fifteen times more effective at filtering out foul odors than baking soda. Baking soda also cannot remove particulates out of a refrigerator's intake air, allowing these contaminants to fester on the inside of a fridge.

How long will a bowl of vinegar absorb odors?

A bowl of vinegar can start absorbing odors almost immediately and is typically adequate for up to 24 hours. When left out in a room, the acetic acid in vinegar neutralizes alkaline odors, such as those from smoke, cooking, or pet accidents, by binding with the odor molecules and neutralizing them.

How much baking soda for fridge odor?

Place a minimum of one cup of baking powder into an open, shallow container. Alternatively, you can just fully open the box it came in. Put the container into the fridge, ideally as close to the source of the odor as possible. Leave for three months before replacing the baking soda, or sooner if the odor is returning.

Is fridge baking soda the same as baking baking soda?

The granulation for baking soda is different than that found in the ordinary, 1lb Yellow Box. The baking soda in Fresh-N-Natural box may not give the same baking results because the granulation size is intended specifically for deodorizing. Fresh-N-Natural is essentially the same as Fridge-N-Freezer.

How to absorb odors in a room?

You can use baking soda, dry or dissolved in water, to absorb odors and get rid of bad smells for good. Sprinkle baking soda on heavy furniture, like mattresses, sofas, chairs, and carpets. Let the powder sit for at least an hour.

How to store strawberries so they last longer?

If you're pressed for time, simply storing the strawberries in their original container after discarding any that are on the brink of spoiling is a great option — but if you have extra time, soaking them in a vinegar-water solution and drying them afterwards is a great way to extend their shelf life.

Should you wash potatoes with vinegar?

After rinsing potatoes in cold water to remove dirt (if necessary), submerge potatoes in a vinegar bath of approximately 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. Ensuring they're all completely submerged, soak potatoes for 5 to 10 minutes, and then pat dry for immediate use.

Why do people leave baking soda in the fridge?

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help absorb and neutralize mild odors inside the refrigerator. Adding an open box of baking soda to one of the interior shelves of the refrigerator can minimize unwanted odors. Depending on what's causing the smell, baking soda may take up to three days to remove odors.

Does baking soda whiten teeth?

For minor stains, you may see results after just a few days. More severe stains could take up to two weeks to see noticeable results. However, if you continue using baking soda regularly, your teeth will eventually become noticeably brighter and whiter.

Where is the best place to put baking soda in the fridge?

If your fridge is large or if you tend to keep a lot of smelly foods in there, you may want to keep a box (or bowl) of baking soda on each shelf in the fridge. You can also sprinkle some baking soda onto the bottom of the crisper drawers that store your fruits and vegetables, then cover it with a folded paper towel.

How to rid your fridge of smells?

HOW TO ELIMINATE FRIDGE ODORS
  1. REMOVE SPOILED FOOD. One possible cause of refrigerator odor may be spoiled food. ...
  2. CLEAN THE DRIP PAN. ...
  3. CLEAN THE INTERIOR. ...
  4. AIR IT OUT. ...
  5. REPLACE YOUR REFRIGERATOR AIR FILTER. ...
  6. REPLACE THE WATER FILTER. ...
  7. CLEAN YOUR REFRIGERATOR'S COILS.

Why do people put baking soda in the freezer?

Baking soda has been the go-to for combating unwanted food odors since 1972, when Arm & Hammer launched a marketing campaign suggesting folks use their now-ubiquitous orange boxes to keep the fridge and freezer smelling fresh.

Can I add baking soda to my laundry?

You can add baking soda to your laundry routine to brighten clothing and neutralize odors. Or, make a paste to use as a gentle abrasive to help break up tough soils like makeup, crayon and and ink.

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