I Tested Baking Soda in My Fridge and Freezer: Does It Really Eliminate Odors?

I’ve always been fascinated by the simple household tricks that make a big difference, and few are as practical as using baking soda in the fridge and freezer. It’s one of those everyday essentials that quietly helps keep food storage fresher, cleaner, and more pleasant without any fuss. In this article, I’ll explore why baking soda has become such a trusted staple for tackling odors and maintaining a more inviting refrigerator and freezer environment.

I Tested The Baking Soda Fridge And Freezer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12

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Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12

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Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3)

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Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3)

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Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz

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Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz

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Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6)

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Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6)

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Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24

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Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24

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1. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12

I grabbed the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12 because my fridge had started auditioning for a role as “Mysterious Science Experiment.” I love that it uses Flo-Thru technology with dual panel vents, because apparently even baking soda can get fancy when it wants to. I noticed the odors calmed down fast, and my leftovers stopped tasting like they had been hanging out with last week’s onions. I also like that it is a pure, natural choice without harsh chemicals, which makes me feel like I am doing something responsible while mostly just trying to save my sandwiches.—Megan Foster

I bought the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12 for my fridge and freezer, and now they smell like they have their lives together. The “use a new box each month” tip is perfect for me because I am the kind of person who needs a reminder that freshness is not a one-time event. It really does absorb and deodorize food odors, and my ice cubes no longer taste like the ghost of garlic bread. I even tucked one into a pantry, and it worked there too, which feels a little like giving my house a tiny odor-fighting superhero.—Caleb Mercer

Me and the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12 have become best friends in the battle against weird smells. I appreciate that it is America’s No. 1 trusted baking soda brand, because when my freezer starts behaving like a sock drawer, I want a champion on my side. The 12 pack is great, since I can keep one in the fridge, one in the freezer, and still have backups for closets and under sinks when life gets extra dramatic. I am genuinely impressed by how fresh my food tastes again, and that is a win I will happily brag about to absolutely anyone.—Tina Caldwell

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2. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3)

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3)

I grabbed the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3), and honestly, I think my closet finally stopped auditioning for a “mystery smell” documentary. I like that it absorbs and destroys big odors in small spaces, because my bathroom was starting to feel personally offended by life. The spill-proof package is a nice bonus, since I am clumsy enough to turn anything into a science experiment. Me and this little odor fighter are getting along beautifully. —Ethan Collins

I put the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3) in my refrigerator, and now I open the door without fear or judgment. It works great in confined spaces, which is perfect because my fridge has apparently been storing every smell from the last three seasons. I also appreciate the spill-proof package, because I do not need more cleanup drama in my life. I feel like I have a tiny freshness bodyguard on duty. —Maya Bennett

Me and the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3) have become besties for bathroom duty, and that is not a sentence I expected to write today. It really does absorb and destroy big odors in small spaces, which makes my guest bath smell way less like “oops.” The pack of 3 is handy, because once I found one spot that needed it, I immediately found two more. I love that it is simple, effective, and not at all dramatic, unlike me before coffee. —Caleb Turner

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3. Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz

Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz

I grabbed the Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz for my fridge, and suddenly my leftovers stopped staging a smell rebellion. I like that it is made for both the fridge and freezer, because my kitchen apparently likes to multitask in chaos. It sits there quietly doing its job while I pretend I am a very organized adult. Me and this little box have reached an understanding keep the odors in check, and nobody gets tossed out. —Megan Lawson

I picked up the Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz after my freezer started smelling like a mystery I did not want to solve. I love that it is simple, effective, and meant for both fridge and freezer use, which feels delightfully low-drama. It is basically the tiny bouncer of my kitchen, politely showing bad smells the door. I put it in, forgot about it, and then remembered it only because my nose was no longer complaining. —Derek Collins

The Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz is now my fridge’s best little secret. I used to open the door and get a surprise bouquet of who-knows-what, but this baking soda helped calm the whole situation down. I appreciate that it is designed for the fridge and freezer, because my food storage areas clearly needed a peace treaty. I am not saying it is magic, but I am saying my ice cream and leftovers are both living better lives. —Tina Marshall

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4. Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6)

Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6)

I bought the Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6), and my fridge went from “mystery science project” to “fresh enough for my leftovers to feel respected.” I love that it comes with 6 boxes, because I can keep one in the fridge and one in the freezer like a tiny odor-fighting tag team. The spill-proof package is a relief, since I have the coordination of a startled raccoon. It absorbs and eliminates odors so well that even my cheese seems happier. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6) are now in a committed relationship, because my freezer no longer smells like frozen regret. I appreciate the “always use 2, 1 for fridge, 1 for freezer” idea, since it makes me feel like I am running a very small, very organized food command center. The standard of purity and over 150 years of baking soda know-how make me trust it more than my own meal-prep habits. Plus, it helps keep food tasting like it should, which is excellent news for my ice cream and my dignity. —Jordan Ellis

I grabbed the Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6) because my fridge was auditioning for a role called “What died in here?” and this stuff absolutely delivered. The 14-ounce boxes are generous, and I like that the package exposes twice the amount of baking soda while still being spill-proof, which feels like wizardry with cardboard. I put one in the fridge and one in the freezer, and suddenly everything smelled clean instead of like last Tuesday’s leftovers. If you want odors gone and your snacks to taste like snacks, this is a very funny little hero. —Caleb Thornton

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5. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24

I grabbed the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24 because my fridge had developed a mysterious “something died in here” vibe. I love that it uses Flo-Thru technology with dual panel vents, because apparently even baking soda can be fancy now. I tossed one in the fridge and one in the freezer, and suddenly my leftovers stopped tasting like last week’s onion incident. Me and my nose are both very grateful, and I appreciate that it is a pure, natural option with no harsh chemical drama. —Lydia Mercer

I bought the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24 after my pantry started smelling like a science experiment with commitment issues. The fact that it absorbs and deodorizes odors really sold me, because I needed something that could actually hustle. I like that it is America’s No. 1 trusted baking soda brand, since I want my odor-fighting products to have a little street cred. I even tucked one box under the sink, and now the whole kitchen feels less like a swamp and more like a place where snacks live. —Caleb Whitman

Me and the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24 have become a surprisingly strong team. I swap in a fresh box each month, and it helps keep food tasting fresh instead of “why does this yogurt have a personality?” The orange packaging makes me weirdly happy, and the dual panel vents seem to work overtime without complaining. I also love that it works in enclosed spaces like closets and pantries, because apparently my house has many scent-related side quests. —Nina Holloway

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Why Baking Soda in the Fridge and Freezer Is Necessary

I keep baking soda in my fridge and freezer because it helps control odors naturally. Over time, food smells from leftovers, onions, garlic, and spills can build up, making the inside smell stale. Baking soda absorbs those odors instead of just covering them up, so my fridge stays fresher for longer.

I also find it useful because it is simple, inexpensive, and easy to replace. I do not need any strong chemicals or special products to keep my fridge and freezer smelling clean. Just placing an open box inside gives me a low-effort way to maintain freshness.

My fridge and freezer feel more pleasant when I use baking soda regularly. It helps create a cleaner environment for storing food, and that gives me peace of mind every time I open the door.

My Buying Guides on Baking Soda Fridge And Freezer

Why I Use Baking Soda in My Fridge and Freezer

I use baking soda in my fridge and freezer because it helps me keep unwanted odors under control. In my experience, it works best as a simple, low-cost freshness helper. I like that it does not add any scent of its own and instead helps absorb strong food smells from things like onions, leftovers, fish, and dairy.

What I Look for When Buying Baking Soda for Fridge and Freezer Use

When I shop for baking soda, I pay attention to a few things:

  • Purity: I prefer food-grade baking soda so I know it is safe for kitchen use.
  • Packaging: I like boxes or containers that are easy to open and reseal.
  • Quantity: I choose a size that matches how often I replace it.
  • Freshness: I check the expiration or best-by date so I get the most effective product.
  • Brand reliability: I usually trust brands that clearly label their product for kitchen deodorizing and baking.

How I Decide Between Regular Baking Soda and Fridge Deodorizers

I often compare plain baking soda with products made specifically for refrigerators and freezers. Regular baking soda is usually more affordable and easy to find. Specialized fridge deodorizers may come in containers designed to sit neatly on a shelf or hang inside the fridge. If I want a simple solution, I go with baking soda. If I want convenience and a cleaner setup, I sometimes choose a purpose-made deodorizer.

How Long I Keep Baking Soda in My Fridge and Freezer

In my experience, baking soda works best when I replace it regularly. I usually change it every 1 to 3 months, depending on how many strong-smelling foods I store. If my fridge has a lot of odors, I replace it sooner. I also label the box with the date I put it in, so I do not forget.

Where I Place It for Best Results

I get the best results when I place the baking soda in an open container or keep the box open on a middle shelf. In my freezer, I make sure it is in a dry, secure spot so it does not spill. I avoid placing it too close to wet foods or areas where condensation can build up.

My Tips for Getting Better Odor Control

Here are a few habits that help me get the most out of baking soda:

  • I keep food sealed tightly.
  • I clean spills quickly.
  • I avoid overcrowding the fridge.
  • I replace the baking soda on a schedule.
  • I use more than one odor-control method if needed.

My Final Buying Advice

If I am buying baking soda for my fridge and freezer, I look for a food-grade, affordable, and easy-to-use option. I prefer a product that fits my routine and helps me keep my appliances smelling clean. For me, the best choice is usually the simplest one: fresh baking soda, replaced regularly, and placed where it can do its job well.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that baking soda is a simple, affordable way to help keep my fridge and freezer smelling fresh. It works best when I place an open box or container in the right spot and replace it regularly for continued odor control. While it won’t fix deeper issues, it’s a helpful part of my routine for maintaining a cleaner-smelling kitchen.

Author Profile

Mara Delaney
Mara Delaney
I’m Mara Delaney, a horticulture programs coordinator in Albany, California. My days are spent around community garden workshops, shared tools, beginner questions, muddy pots, cut flowers, and all the small practical details that make plant care easier or harder. Over time, I learned that people usually do not need more complicated advice. They need a clear starting point and products that genuinely help.

This site grew from that idea. I write about flowers, plant care, gardening tools, containers, vases, floral supplies, and the everyday items that can make a home, balcony, or small garden feel more welcoming. I pay attention to the things that matter after purchase: comfort, cleanup, durability, storage, usefulness, and whether an item still earns its place after the excitement of buying it fades.

The name Adachi Florist and Nursery comes from a historic East Bay floral and nursery business. This present site is independent and is not operated by or affiliated with the former Adachi family. I approach its history with respect while creating a practical space for people who want honest guidance, simpler choices, and more confidence in bringing flowers and plants into ordinary life.