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

Removing bad smells from the fridge is a common concern in many homes. Even when food is properly wrapped, odours can mingle and spread throughout the appliance. Among the familiar options, one straightforward method stands out: using a small amount of bicarbonate of soda diluted in water can neutralise smells in under 24 hours, without adding an overpowering fragrance or affecting food.

Which ingredient removes bad smells from the fridge?

Bicarbonate of soda is the most widely used option for tackling unpleasant fridge odours. This white powder, readily available in supermarkets and chemists, helps to neutralise smells rather than simply cover them up, leaving the inside of the appliance more neutral.

Mixing 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda with 2 litres of water creates a mild solution that works like a “magnet” for the molecules behind unpleasant odours. It can be used for cleaning the interior or placed in open containers inside the fridge.

How to use bicarbonate of soda to remove bad smells from the fridge

For bicarbonate of soda to work effectively against bad smells, a few basic steps should be followed. First, switch off the appliance, take out the food, throw away spoiled items, and use the opportunity to clear up spills or unsealed packaging.

This simple step-by-step process helps organise the cleaning and improve the effectiveness of the method:

1. Remove all food and check what is still safe to eat.
2. Take out shelves, drawers and removable holders.
3. Make the solution with 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda and 2 litres of water.
4. Dampen a clean cloth with the mixture and wipe the entire interior.
5. Dry it with another clean cloth to prevent moisture building up.
6. Put the parts back and rearrange the food.

This process usually lessens the odour in under 24 hours. It can be repeated weekly or fortnightly, depending on the household routine and the amount of strongly scented food being stored.

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

As well as cleaning, the bicarbonate 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, allowing air to circulate around it.

A few simple precautions make continuous use more effective and safer around food:

• Choose shallow, 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 splashes.
• Replace the mixture regularly, even before the smell returns.

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

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

To keep bad smells under control for longer, bicarbonate of soda should be included in the fridge maintenance routine. Choosing one day each week to check the contents, discard forgotten leftovers and refresh the solution made with 1 tablespoon to 2 litres of water helps prevent odours from becoming stronger.

Quickly wiping up spills, keeping containers tightly sealed, labelling containers with dates and replacing the bicarbonate container every 7 to 10 days will keep the interior more organised and neutral. This allows the fridge to retain a pleasant smell for longer, reduces the need for deep cleaning and provides a more suitable environment for storing food every day.