There’s a little orange box sitting in the back corner of my fridge. Odds are, you have one too—or at least, you’ve been told you should. “Put baking soda in the fridge to keep it fresh,” they say. It’s one of those household tips that’s been passed down for generations, usually without much explanation.
So, I did what any reasonable person might do: I bought a box of baking soda, tucked it into the fridge, and left it there. For three months. No fanfare. No cleaning frenzy. Just a simple test of what that unassuming box actually does over time.
Because I wanted to know: Does it really work? Or is this just one of those well-meaning habits that we keep doing out of habit, not science?
After three months, some reading, and a few controlled sniffs (more on that below), I’ve got answers. And they might just shift how you think about odor control, food safety, and what your fridge truly needs.
Why Baking Soda in the Fridge Became a Thing
The idea behind putting baking soda in the fridge isn’t new. It’s a tip that dates back decades—often found on the side of the baking soda box itself.
The reason is grounded in chemistry: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild base, meaning it can neutralize acidic odors. In a closed space like a refrigerator, where multiple types of food (meats, fruits, leftovers, sauces, cheeses) are stored together, different smells can interact—and not always in a good way.
Odors in the fridge are typically caused by volatile compounds—chemicals released by food as it decomposes or reacts with air. Some of the most common odor-producing molecules are acidic in nature, which makes baking soda an appealing option for neutralizing them.
In short, baking soda doesn't mask smells. It absorbs and neutralizes some of them.
But that’s the theory. What about real life?
My 3-Month Test: What I Noticed (and What I Didn’t)
To be clear, this wasn’t a lab experiment, but I did keep things consistent.
I started with a reasonably clean fridge. Not sparkling, but no major spills or expired dairy lurking in the back. I added a fresh box of baking soda—opened, placed near the middle shelf—and left everything else as-is.
I checked in weekly, both by nose and by noting any obvious shifts in freshness. After three months, here’s what stood out.
1. Odors Were Milder, But Not Gone
The fridge didn’t smell like “nothing,” but it did smell less. I keep garlic, hard cheese, and leftovers regularly, and while those smells were still present when freshly opened, they didn’t linger like they used to.
One thing I noticed: the “general fridge smell” was reduced. You know the one—not any specific food, just that stale, mixed aroma. That seemed to fade by the second week and stayed minimal.
Takeaway: Baking soda helped control odor, but didn’t eliminate it entirely, especially when containers were left open or food was past its prime.
2. The Baking Soda Did Eventually “Fill Up”
By the end of month two, the effects plateaued. I started noticing faint smells returning. This lines up with what chemists say: baking soda only works until it’s chemically “saturated.” After that, it can’t absorb much more.
You can’t expect one box to keep working forever. Three months is about the outer limit before it loses potency. Some experts recommend replacing it monthly for best results.
Tip: If you cook often or store strong-smelling foods, swapping it every 30–60 days is smarter than letting it ride indefinitely.
3. Placement Makes a Difference
Originally, I had the box on the top shelf. But after moving it to the center (closer to air circulation), the effect improved noticeably. Refrigerators have different air flow zones—putting baking soda near the middle helps it capture more ambient odors.
Better idea: You can even split the box between two small open containers and place them in different zones (like near the veggie drawer and the meat drawer) for wider coverage.
What Baking Soda Doesn’t Do (And What to Use Instead)
It’s not magic. And there are a few things baking soda doesn’t handle well—no matter how fresh the box.
1. It Doesn’t Fix Spoiled Food Smells
If something has gone truly bad—think moldy produce, old fish, or leaking meat—no amount of baking soda will undo the odor. Those smells are caused by bacteria and enzymatic breakdown, not just acids.
You need to remove the source, clean the affected area, and possibly air the fridge out.
Baking soda is preventative and mild—not a fix for serious fridge funk.
2. It Doesn’t Kill Germs
While baking soda is sometimes used as a gentle cleaner, it’s not antibacterial. If your fridge needs a sanitation boost (after a power outage or meat juice spill), reach for diluted white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide—not just the little orange box.
3. It Doesn’t Help with Moisture
If your fridge has excess humidity or condensation issues, baking soda won’t absorb moisture. For that, you’re better off with silica gel or activated charcoal.
Speaking of which…
Are There Better Alternatives Than Baking Soda?
It depends on your goals. Baking soda is cheap, easy to find, and generally effective for mild odor control. But it’s not the only option out there.
Here’s what else I tested or researched:
Activated Charcoal:
Highly porous, great at absorbing a wider range of odors, including ammonia and sulfur. Often used in high-end deodorizers.
- Pros: More powerful, longer lasting (up to 6 months)
- Cons: Slightly more expensive, harder to find in grocery stores
Odor-Absorbing Gels (like Fresh Wave or Fridge-it):
Commercial products specifically designed for fridge use.
- Pros: Convenient, designed for closed spaces
- Cons: Can be pricey over time; often contain scent (which may compete with your food)
DIY Lemon or Coffee Grounds:
Popular natural alternatives.
- Lemon slices: Offer a fresh scent, but don’t neutralize odor molecules
- Coffee grounds: Absorb some odors, but can leave behind their own strong scent
Verdict: Baking soda holds up well in terms of cost and effectiveness for general use. But if you’re dealing with stronger or recurring fridge odors, activated charcoal might be a better long-term bet.
How to Use Baking Soda Well in the Fridge
If you’re going to do it, do it right. Here’s how to get the most out of that little box.
Use an open container. Cut the top completely off, or pour into a shallow dish. More surface area = more odor absorption.
Replace every 1–2 months. Especially in warmer months or in busy kitchens.
Keep it in the center of the fridge. Near air vents, not shoved in a corner.
Label the box. Write the date you opened it. You’ll never have to guess again.
Don’t cook with it after. Once it’s been absorbing odors, it’s not food-grade anymore. Use it for cleaning the sink or trash can instead.
Bonus Tip: Use Old Baking Soda to Clean the Fridge
Before tossing the box, repurpose it. Used baking soda works well as a mild abrasive cleaner.
- Sprinkle it on a damp sponge to scrub shelves
- Mix with water to form a gentle cleaning paste
- Pour it down the sink drain with vinegar to freshen pipes
Zero waste, zero fuss.
The Answer Corner
- Baking soda does work, but only up to a point. It helps neutralize mild odors—but won’t erase strong smells or sanitize your fridge.
- Replace it every 30–60 days for best results. Don’t let it linger for six months and expect miracles.
- Placement matters more than you think. The center shelf, near airflow, works better than the corner.
- There are stronger options out there. Activated charcoal is more powerful, but also pricier.
- Don’t forget to remove spoiled food. No deodorizer replaces basic fridge hygiene.
Final Thoughts
I’ll be honest: I used to think the baking soda-in-the-fridge trick was one of those tips that “sounded nice” but didn’t really do much. But after three months of consistent use—and a fair amount of sniff-testing—I’ve changed my mind.
It’s not magic, but it does work. And more importantly, it works when used intentionally: open container, central placement, regular replacement. It’s not about perfection—it’s about reducing that slow creep of unwanted smells before they turn into something worse.
Sometimes, it’s the simplest habits—the quiet ones, the ones we don’t overthink—that add the most ease to our routines. And keeping your fridge fresh just feels good. Food lasts longer. Clean-ups are easier. You’re more likely to use what you have. It’s not just odor control—it’s peace of mind.
If one $1 box can do all that quietly in the background? I’m on board.
