Why do Americans keep baking soda in the fridge?

Author: Ms. Tiara Bruen II  |  Last update: Saturday, April 12, 2025

By 1972, most Americans were using a box of baking soda in their fridges to keep the bad odors at bay, and it became the standard way to keep bad odors at bay.

Why do Americans put baking soda in the fridge?

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.

Do you really need baking soda in the fridge?

But contrary to the story we've all been sold, baking soda doesn't make your fridge smell better by “absorbing” unpleasant food odors. In fact, according to Georgia Institute of Technology chemistry professor Anthony Rojas, the neutralization actually happens outside the box.

Why do people put arm and hammer in the fridge?

I have used Arm & Hammer for years in my refrigerator, freezer, sinks, carpets, and the pets bedding. I found so many things that I can freshen the smell of by using this product.

Why do Americans use baking soda?

That gas gets trapped within a batter or dough and expands when heat is applied to provide lift and rise. Baking soda is a classic leavener for cakes and quick breads, such as banana bread. It works best in recipes that contain a natural source of acidity—think sour cream, buttermilk, or lemon juice.

The Dangers and Benefits of Baking Soda

What does baking soda do to gray hair?

Regarding using baking soda for gray hair, experts endorse its potential benefits such as controlling pigmentation loss, lightening the strands, and providing texture. It can be used on coarse grey locks to make them smoother too by eliminating product buildup from oils or soaps.

Why do Chinese put baking soda on meat?

Thin slices of steak or chicken are tossed with a slurry of cornstarch or baking soda and water, then refrigerated for at least thirty minutes or up to 12 hours. When stir-fried, the meat is tender—almost silky—because the muscle fibers don't seize up in the hot pan.

Does baking soda actually absorb odors?

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.

Does baking soda in the fridge prevent mold?

Baking soda will create an environment that is too acidic for mold to grow, while vinegar will add more acidity. Use a diluted solution of bleach to clean your fridge.

Why put keys in fridge?

To prevent thieves from intercepting the signal between your keyless car's fob and the car, experts advise that you either switch the fob off or put it in the fridge or microwave. The steel surroundings of these appliances will prevent the signal from going through to the car.

Can baking soda go bad?

Baking soda has a shelf-life of 18 months, but it's not quite as cut and dry as reading the expiration date. Technically, eating expired baking soda won't hurt you, so you don't have to worry about falling ill from a cake gone wrong. However, if baking soda has gone bad, it won't work very well.

Does baking soda absorb odors in shoes?

Baking soda is so effective as a shoe odor eliminator that it's a key ingredient in many commercial products made for deodorizing shoes. The kitchen staple works by normalizing pH levels and absorbing odors. To use it at home, sprinkle some baking soda along the footbeds of your shoes and let it sit overnight.

Does baking soda in the fridge actually work?

But contrary to the story we've all been sold, baking soda doesn't make your fridge smell better by “absorbing” unpleasant food odors. In fact, according to Anthony Rojas, senior academic professional in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the neutralization actually happens outside the box.

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.

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.

Is baking soda a mold killer?

It can also kill mold. Baking soda and vinegar are typically used together when dealing with a mold problem since they kill different species of mold. Add one quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda into a spray bottle of water. Shake the bottle to dissolve the baking soda into the water.

What is the difference between baking soda and baking soda for fridge?

Refrigerator baking soda is the same as regular baking soda; the difference is it's packaged in a breathable box to tackle odors. Anyone who has encountered months-old kimchi knows some scents remain long after the food is gone.

Can black mold grow in a fridge?

Yes. While most molds prefer warmer temperatures, they can grow at refrigerator temperatures, too.

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.

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.

How to get rid of old person smell in house naturally?

How to Get Rid of Old People Smell in the House
  1. Air out living areas by opening windows and using ventilation. Warm and stuffy environments tend to magnify odors.
  2. Wash clothing with laundry supplements designed to fight stains and cut grease.
  3. Air out bedding between use and wash in hot water.

Do I have to rinse baking soda off chicken?

Yes, you should rinse the baking soda off of the meat before cooking it the same way you would a brine to remove excess salt. Does baking soda change the taste of beef? If baking soda is left on the meat before cooking, it can affect the flavor of the meat, sometimes giving it a metallic taste.

How do restaurants get their steaks so tender?

There are a lot of tricks that professional cooks do to ensure tenderness of a steak. They include reverse searing, at the high end, and rubbing meat with baking soda, at the lower end (it works but it makes the flesh spongy and weird - it's not quite a cowboy move, and is used with pride as a legit…

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