How to Remove Unpleasant Smells from the Fridge with Bicarbonate of Soda

Getting rid of unpleasant smells in the fridge is a common concern in many households. Even when food is properly wrapped, odours can mingle and spread throughout the appliance. Among the well-known options, one straightforward method stands out: using a small amount of bicarbonate of soda diluted in water. It can neutralise smells in under 24 hours without adding an overpowering scent or affecting food.

Which ingredient removes unpleasant smells from the fridge?

The most commonly used option for tackling unpleasant smells in the fridge is bicarbonate of soda. This white powder, readily available in supermarkets and chemists, helps to neutralise odours rather than simply cover them up, leaving the interior with a more neutral atmosphere.

Mixing 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda with 2 litres of water creates a mild solution that works like a “magnet” for the molecules responsible for unwanted smells. It can be used both to clean the inside of the fridge and in open containers placed inside it.

How to use bicarbonate of soda to remove unpleasant fridge smells

For bicarbonate of soda to work effectively against bad smells, a few basic steps should be followed. First, switch off the appliance, remove the food, dispose of spoiled items, and take the opportunity to clear away spills and open packaging.

A simple step-by-step process makes the cleaning easier to organise and improves the method’s effectiveness:

1. Take out all food and check what is still safe to eat.
2. Remove shelves, drawers and detachable holders.
3. Make the solution using 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda and 2 litres of water.
4. Dampen a clean cloth with the mixture and wipe all interior surfaces.
5. Dry everything with a second clean cloth to prevent moisture building up.
6. Refit the parts and arrange the food again.

This process usually lessens the odour in under 24 hours and can be repeated every week or fortnight, depending on the household routine and how much strongly scented food is stored.

Where should bicarbonate of soda be placed for the best results in the fridge?

As well as cleaning, the bicarbonate of soda solution can be positioned strategically inside the fridge. A common approach is to place some of the mixture in an open glass or sturdy plastic container in a central area of the appliance, helping air to circulate around it.

A few straightforward precautions make ongoing use more effective and safer for food:

• Choose low, wide containers to increase the surface exposed to the air.
• Do not place the container directly against the back or side walls.
• Keep the solution away from very wet foods to prevent splashing.
• Replace the mixture regularly, even before the smell returns.

In drawers used for vegetables, salad leaves and meat, a small, stable pot of dry bicarbonate of soda can be used to reduce concentrated odours. In very full fridges, placing two containers on separate shelves may help balance smells even more effectively.

How can bicarbonate of soda become part of a weekly routine?

To keep unpleasant smells under control over time, bicarbonate of soda should form part of the fridge maintenance routine. Setting aside one day each week to check the contents, throw away forgotten leftovers and refresh the solution made with 1 tablespoon for 2 litres of water helps prevent odours from becoming stronger.

Habits such as wiping up spills straight away, keeping containers tightly sealed, labelling containers with dates and replacing the bicarbonate of soda container every 7 to 10 days keep the interior more organised and neutral. As a result, the fridge stays pleasantly scented for longer, reducing the need for deep cleans and providing a more suitable environment for everyday food storage.