I used to open my fridge and get hit with… something. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either. It smelled like last night’s leftovers mixed with this morning’s eggs. One day, my mother-in-law popped over, opened the fridge, and wrinkled her nose. I laughed it off, but I knew she was right.
So, I started looking into easy ways to freshen things up – without spraying or scrubbing every day. That’s when I discovered the humble trick of keeping a bowl of baking soda inside the fridge. Just a small bowl on the shelf. No gimmicks. And wow – what a difference!
If you’re curious, let’s explore this together. Here are 8 surprisingly helpful reasons to keep baking soda in your fridge – and why it’s more than just a kitchen tip from your grandma.
1. It Gently Absorbs Strange Odors
Let’s face it, our fridges go through a lot. Leftovers, onions, sauces, and who-knows-what from that container in the back. Over time, all those smells blend together into a weird fridge funk.
Baking soda doesn’t just cover up those smells – it quietly pulls them in. Its surface soaks up particles in the air that cause those funny odors. The result? Your fridge starts smelling like… nothing, which is exactly what you want.
Just place an open bowl (or a small box with the top peeled back) somewhere near the middle shelf. That way, it’s not hiding behind anything and can do its thing.
2. It Helps Your Food Taste Like It Should
Here’s something I didn’t expect: after putting baking soda in my fridge, my butter stopped tasting like garlic. No kidding.
Some foods, especially dairy and bread, can absorb odors from other foods in the fridge. This can mess with the taste and make things less enjoyable. Baking soda acts like a quiet little bodyguard for your ingredients, keeping the flavors where they belong.
So if you’ve ever had milk that tasted a little “off,” this tiny change might be a big help.
3. It Makes Your Fridge Smell Cleaner (So Food Stays Pleasant to Store)
We’re not talking magic – or changing expiration dates. But when the air in your fridge smells neutral, everything feels fresher and more inviting.
Smelly air often means there’s a spill or something past its prime. Baking soda helps reduce odors in the air – it doesn’t slow ripening or stop spoilage. For that, good habits do the heavy lifting: keep the fridge around 37–40°F (3–4°C), seal leftovers, use the crisper drawers for produce, and wipe up spills quickly.
Think of it like opening a window in a stuffy room – the air smells clean, and storing food just feels better.
4. It’s an Easy Reminder to Clean the Fridge
You don’t have to do deep cleans every week. But replacing your baking soda every month or so is a good excuse to glance around the fridge.
When I swap mine out, I usually wipe the shelf down, toss that half-eaten sandwich I forgot about, and check dates. It’s quick, easy, and oddly satisfying.
If cleaning the fridge feels like a huge task, this is a nice low-stress way to stay on top of it.
5. It’s Safe, Cheap, and Already in Your Kitchen
No special trip to the store. No fancy gadgets. You probably already have a box of baking soda in your pantry right now.
That’s what I love most about this trick – it’s zero effort and zero dollars. You don’t have to buy scented things or use sprays. Just a spoonful in a small dish, and you’re good to go.
It’s simple, old-school, and totally effective.
6. It Keeps Ice Cubes From Smelling Funny
Have you ever poured a glass of water and noticed the ice smells like frozen soup? It’s not just in your head.
Odors in the fridge can drift into the freezer (especially if you have a combined fridge-freezer unit). Baking soda helps prevent that air from getting weird, so your ice – and anything frozen – stays clean and neutral.
This is a small win, but it really makes drinks more enjoyable.
7. It’s a Smart Habit for Big Grocery Weeks
Whenever I do a big grocery run, I know my fridge’s going to be packed – and that’s when smells can really build up fast.
Having baking soda already working in there gives me peace of mind. It’s like having a quiet helper keeping things fresh while I store away sauces, cheeses, and leftovers.
You don’t need to think about it. It just helps, quietly in the background.
8. It Can Help with Fridge Surprises
We’ve all had a moment where we open the fridge and discover something that went bad in the back corner. Maybe it leaked, maybe it molded, maybe it just… changed.
While baking soda won’t stop that from happening (we all get distracted!), it definitely softens the blow. That first whiff is way less offensive if baking soda has been doing its job.
Plus, it makes cleaning it up a little less gross.
So, Should You Try It?
Absolutely. It’s such a tiny move, and yet it makes a real difference.
Adding a bowl of baking soda to your fridge is one of those small habits that quietly improve daily life. Your food smells better, tastes better, and your whole fridge feels more cared for – without any fuss.
Give it a try. Swap it out every 30 days or so. You might just wonder how you went this long without it.
