How Baking Soda Keeps Your Fridge Smelling Fresher

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an effective and natural deodorizer commonly used to keep refrigerators smelling fresh. Its efficacy lies in its chemical structure, which allows it to neutralize acidic and basic odors. When food items in the fridge emit odors, they are often due to volatile compounds, which can be either acidic or basic in nature. Baking soda, being amphoteric, reacts with these compounds, effectively neutralizing them and reducing the overall odor. To use baking soda for this purpose, a small, open container or a box with the top removed should be placed in the fridge. This exposes the maximum surface area of the baking soda to the air, allowing it to absorb odors more efficiently. It's important to replace the baking soda every couple of months, as its surface will eventually become saturated with absorbed odors, diminishing its effectiveness. In addition to its deodorizing properties, baking soda is non-toxic and safe to use around food, making it an ideal choice for maintaining a fresh-smelling fridge. Its affordability and ease of use further contribute to its popularity as a household staple for odor control.
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How to get the most from baking soda in your fridge

While many people simply purchase a box of baking soda, place it in their fridge, and leave it at that, there are numerous additional uses for it. For instance, if you have persistent, strong odors from spills or spoiled items in your crisper drawer, baking soda can help eliminate those smells. After cleaning up any residue, you can combine baking soda with hot water to scrub the interior of your fridge, effectively neutralizing any lingering odors. However, avoid mixing baking soda with vinegar, as the baking soda will neutralize the vinegar's acidity, resulting in a mixture of water and salt—not an effective cleaning solution.

To effectively combat odors, position your box of baking soda in the back corner of the fridge and replace it every one to three months, depending on the types of food you store (some items can be more odorous than others). In addition to standard boxes of baking soda, you can also use products like Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh filters that adhere to the fridge's interior. Additionally, placing baking soda in your freezer can help prevent odors and unpleasant flavors from affecting your stored items.

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