5. The Ancient Baking Soda Box
Many of us place an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors, and it’s a great, low-cost trick. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is effective at neutralizing both acidic and basic odor molecules, leaving the air inside your refrigerator smelling fresh. However, it doesn’t work forever.
Over time, the baking soda becomes saturated with the odor molecules it has absorbed and loses its effectiveness. The standard recommendation is to replace the box every three months. To help you remember, write the date you placed it in the fridge on the outside of the box with a marker. When the season changes, it’s a good reminder to change your baking soda box.
Don’t just throw the old baking soda away! It can still be useful for cleaning. Pour the old baking soda down your kitchen sink or garbage disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar. The fizzing reaction can help to break up minor clogs and deodorize your drains. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This is a great way to give the product a second life before it’s gone for good.
If you find that a single box isn’t controlling odors effectively, you may have a hidden spill somewhere. Persistent odors are a sign that it’s time for a more thorough kitchen cleaning session, focusing on tracking down and cleaning the source of the smell.
