Does baking soda really eliminate fridge odors?

[WORLD] Most of us have experienced it: you open the fridge and are hit with a foul odor so strong it sends you recoiling—and slamming the door shut. Chances are, someone has advised you to place an open bowl of baking soda inside to fix the issue. But does this time-honored tip actually work?

Surprisingly, the use of baking soda as a fridge deodorizer is more than just folk wisdom; it’s backed by basic chemistry. Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, functions as a buffer—it reacts with both acidic and basic compounds to balance pH levels. This unique chemical behavior makes it particularly useful for neutralizing certain odors, especially those stemming from acidic sources. That said, its effectiveness can fluctuate depending on conditions such as humidity, temperature, and the type and concentration of odor molecules present.

To dig deeper, we consulted Christine Bergman, Ph.D., RD, professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her take? While baking soda may have some merit as an odor-fighter, don’t expect it to perform miracles.

“I can’t give a definitive yes or no,” Bergman explained. “It’s more of a ‘maybe’—it likely works under certain conditions, but not universally.” She also noted a lack of robust scientific research directly examining how well baking soda eliminates refrigerator odors.

Why Baking Soda Might Help

As a basic substance, sodium bicarbonate is commonly used in cooking to produce carbon dioxide gas when mixed with acids, giving baked goods their signature rise. This same chemical reaction helps explain how it might neutralize acidic odors.

Yet, the effectiveness of baking soda is sometimes overstated. It’s much less efficient against non-acidic odors—such as those from rotting eggs or mold—which often involve sulfur compounds that don’t react easily with it. In such cases, removing the source and cleaning the area remains your best bet.

“There is some evidence from laboratory studies suggesting it can reduce certain odors, particularly volatile acidic compounds,” Bergman noted.

So, how does this work? Baking soda neutralizes sour-smelling acids—like those released by spoiling fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat—by adjusting their pH levels to form more neutral compounds.

If you've ever cleaned up after a pet accident with baking soda, you’ve seen this in action. Urine, being acidic, can be partially neutralized by the alkaline properties of baking soda, which also helps absorb some of the liquid. But just as baking soda alone won't fully eliminate pet odors, it likely won’t entirely freshen up a seriously smelly fridge either.

Alternatives and Limitations

Baking soda isn’t the only option for odor control. Activated charcoal, for instance, absorbs a wider range of smells thanks to its porous structure, though it doesn't chemically neutralize them. White vinegar, which breaks down alkaline odors, can also be effective—but its strong scent may be less desirable in a refrigerator setting.

Bergman points out that many fridge smells originate from decomposing or improperly stored food. Gases such as ammonia, sulfur compounds, and amines are released by decaying matter, while even fresh produce continues to emit organic acids and ethylene after harvest.

And sometimes, the culprit is simple neglect—leftover containers forgotten in the back, spills that go unnoticed, or surfaces that haven’t been cleaned in weeks. In such cases, baking soda might help with acidic smells, but a full cleaning with soap or a paste made of baking soda and water is likely more effective. The abrasive nature of baking soda can also help scrub away sticky residues while neutralizing smells.

How Long Does It Last?

Brands like Arm & Hammer promote baking soda for odor absorption, even selling specialized boxes with perforated sides for use in refrigerators and freezers. Their current recommendation is to replace the box every 30 days—shorter than the previous guideline of three months. The company cites ongoing research into how odors develop and are neutralized as the reason for the update.

For a DIY approach, placing a small bowl of baking soda on a fridge shelf can also do the trick—but once it’s been used for deodorizing, don’t reuse it in recipes, as it may have absorbed unpleasant odors.

Bottom Line

While baking soda has some ability to reduce refrigerator odors—particularly acidic ones—it’s not a cure-all. Scientific evidence supporting its use is limited, and its effectiveness varies. For best results, the real solution lies in prevention: regular cleanings, prompt disposal of spoiled food, and good hygiene practices inside your fridge.

In short, baking soda can help—but it won’t do all the work for you.