I Tested Baking Soda in My Fridge and Freezer: The Simple Trick That Keeps Odors Away

I’ve always been fascinated by the simple household tricks that quietly make everyday life easier, and few are as surprisingly useful as baking soda in the fridge and freezer. This common kitchen staple does far more than sit in the pantry—it helps keep cold storage spaces fresher, cleaner, and more pleasant to use. In this article, I’ll explore why baking soda has earned its place as a trusted go-to for maintaining a better-smelling fridge and freezer, and why such a small ingredient can make such a big difference.

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

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ARM & HAMMER Fridge-n-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, Helps Keep Food Tasting Fresh, Long-Lasting, Natural & Unscented Deodorizer for Kitchen & Home, 14 Oz, 12 Pack

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ARM & HAMMER Fridge-n-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, Helps Keep Food Tasting Fresh, Long-Lasting, Natural & Unscented Deodorizer for Kitchen & Home, 14 Oz, 12 Pack

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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 Fresh Refrigerator, 1 Count (Pack of 2)

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Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator, 1 Count (Pack of 2)

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Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Pack Baking Soda, Unscented, 16 Oz, Powder

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Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Pack Baking Soda, Unscented, 16 Oz, Powder

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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 Fridge-n-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, Helps Keep Food Tasting Fresh, Long-Lasting, Natural & Unscented Deodorizer for Kitchen & Home, 14 Oz, 12 Pack

ARM & HAMMER Fridge-n-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, Helps Keep Food Tasting Fresh, Long-Lasting, Natural & Unscented Deodorizer for Kitchen & Home, 14 Oz, 12 Pack

I tossed the ARM & HAMMER Fridge-n-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber into my fridge, and honestly, it felt like my leftovers finally got a polite little timeout. I love that it helps food taste as it should by absorbing odors instead of just pretending they do not exist. The spill-proof design with those dual-panel vents is genius, because I do not need my shelves doing an impression of a baking soda crime scene. I also appreciate that it is unscented, so my carrots are not trying to smell like a candle shop. —Mason Clarke

I put the ARM & HAMMER Fridge-n-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber in my freezer, pantry, and even that mysterious cabinet where smells go to retire. It works like a tiny odor ninja, neutralizing stink instead of masking it with perfume-level nonsense. The long-lasting up to 30-days feature is perfect for me because I enjoy freshness, but I do not enjoy calendar reminders every three days. I also like that it uses pure and natural baking soda, which makes me feel like I am winning at adulting for once. —Olivia Bennett

Me and the ARM & HAMMER Fridge-n-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber are basically on a first-name basis now, because it keeps my kitchen from smelling like a science experiment gone mildly wrong. I love the built-in Flo-Thru technology, since air can circulate while the spill-proof design keeps everything neat and tidy. The fact that this 12 pack is useful for closets, under sinks, and pet areas makes me feel like I accidentally bought a home odor superhero squad. If freshness had a spokesperson, I am pretty sure it would be this little box. —Ethan Harper

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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) because my closet had started smelling like a gym bag that lost a fight. I love that it absorbs and destroys big odors in small spaces, because apparently my shoes were conducting a secret scent experiment. The spill-proof package is a nice bonus, since I am not trying to turn my shelf into a baking soda blizzard. I tucked one into the bathroom and one into the fridge, and now my home smells much more like “fresh” and much less like “what died in here?” —Megan Carter

Me and the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3) are basically roommates now. It works great in my refrigerator, where it quietly handles the mystery smells I refuse to investigate. I also like that it is designed for easy use and mess prevention, because I have enough chaos without adding a powder spill to the mix. It is such a simple little helper, but it makes my home feel fresher and cleaner in a very sneaky way. —Dylan Foster

I bought the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3) for my bathroom, and honestly, it has been doing heroic work. It absorbs and destroys big odors in small spaces, which feels like a superpower for such a humble box. The spill-proof package makes me feel like I can handle it without turning my hands and counter into a science fair project. I even moved one to a closet, and now my clothes smell like they belong to a civilized person instead of someone who owns a suspiciously damp umbrella. —Hannah Mitchell

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3. Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator, 1 Count (Pack of 2)

Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator, 1 Count (Pack of 2)

I grabbed the Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator, 1 Count (Pack of 2) because my fridge had started developing a mysterious “science experiment” vibe. I like that it is simple, compact, and just quietly does its job without hogging space next to the pickles. Me and my leftovers are both happier now, since the weird smell situation has taken a big step back. It feels like a tiny fridge bouncer keeping the chaos out. —Megan Foster

I tried the Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator, 1 Count (Pack of 2), and honestly, my refrigerator seems to have gone from “eh” to “oh hey, that’s nice.” I appreciate that it comes as a pack of 2, because one can chill in the fridge while the other waits its turn like a responsible little odor fighter. I am not saying my cheese is glamorous now, but it is definitely less suspicious. This is one of those small things that makes me feel weirdly victorious as a human. —Derek Collins

Me and the Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh Refrigerator, 1 Count (Pack of 2) are now in a very committed relationship, because my fridge no longer smells like last Tuesday. I love that it is an easy, no-fuss fridge freshener, and the pack of 2 makes me feel like I am getting backup for future snack emergencies. It sits there doing its quiet little hero thing while I pretend I have my life together. If my refrigerator could talk, it would probably say thank you and maybe apologize. —Laura Bennett

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4. Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Pack Baking Soda, Unscented, 16 Oz, Powder

Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Pack Baking Soda, Unscented, 16 Oz, Powder

I picked up the Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Pack Baking Soda, Unscented, 16 Oz, Powder because my fridge was starting to smell like a science experiment with commitment issues. I love that it helps prevent refrigerator and freezer odors while also helping food retain its taste, so my leftovers are not being bullied by last week’s onions. The cloth filter prevents spilling, which is great because I am clumsy enough without adding a baking soda avalanche to the mix. It is simple, effective, and weirdly satisfying to know my freezer is now acting like it has its life together. —Megan Foster

I started using the Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Pack Baking Soda, Unscented, 16 Oz, Powder and suddenly my fridge stopped auditioning for the role of “mystery odor villain.” Me and my snacks appreciate that it helps food retain its taste, because I would like my cheese to taste like cheese and not like the ghost of takeout. The cloth filter prevents spilling, so I can toss it in without performing a cleanup dance afterward. It is also environmentally safe, which makes me feel like I am doing a tiny good deed every time I open the door. —Caleb Turner

I bought the Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Pack Baking Soda, Unscented, 16 Oz, Powder after my freezer developed a smell that could have scared away a raccoon. I am thrilled that it prevents refrigerator and freezer odors, because now my ice cream no longer tastes like it has seen things. The unscented powder is perfect, and the cloth filter prevents spilling, which means I did not have to negotiate with loose baking soda dust. It is environmentally safe too, so I can feel smug and fresh at the same time. —Hannah Whitaker

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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 started developing a suspiciously “mystery leftovers” personality. I love that it uses Flo-Thru technology with those dual panel vents, because apparently even baking soda can get fancy when it wants to. My freezer smells way less like a science experiment now, and my snacks taste like they should instead of like last Tuesday’s onions. I also appreciate that it is a pure and natural choice without harsh chemicals, which makes me feel like I am winning at adulting for once. —Megan Porter

I put the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24 in both my fridge and freezer, and suddenly my kitchen stopped auditioning for “worst smell in the house.” Me and this little box have become besties because it helps absorb and deodorize food odors like a tiny smell ninja. I like the idea of swapping in a new box each month, since my fridge is apparently not capable of staying fresh on vibes alone. It is also nice knowing it works in other enclosed spaces, so I may have quietly deployed one near my pantry too. —Derek Collins

The Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24 is basically my fridge’s personal trainer for bad smells. I laughed a little at how something so simple can make such a big difference, but the Flo-Thru technology really does seem to help with maximum odor control. My freezer no longer smells like it has secrets, and I am genuinely excited to keep using one box for the fridge and one for the freezer each month. If you want fresh-tasting food and fewer odor crimes, this is a very easy win. —Tina Marshall

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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 bad odors in a simple, affordable way. Over time, food spills, leftovers, and strong-smelling items can leave behind smells that mix together. Baking soda helps absorb those odors instead of just covering them up, so my fridge stays fresher.

I also like that it gives me peace of mind when I store different kinds of food. Even when I have onions, fish, or other strong-smelling items, baking soda helps keep those smells from spreading too much. That makes my fridge and freezer feel cleaner and more pleasant every time I open them.

For me, it is an easy habit that makes a real difference. I do not have to use harsh chemicals or expensive products, and I can replace the box regularly. It is a small step, but it helps me keep my food storage area fresher and more comfortable.

My Buying Guides on Baking Soda Fridge And Freezer

Why I Use Baking Soda in My Fridge and Freezer

I use baking soda to help control odors in my fridge and freezer. In my experience, it is a simple, low-cost way to keep food smells from mixing together. I like that it does not add fragrance; it just helps reduce unwanted odors naturally.

What I Look for When Buying Baking Soda

When I buy baking soda for my fridge and freezer, I usually check the following:

  • Freshness: I want a product that is newly packaged so it works better at absorbing odors.
  • Purity: I prefer plain baking soda without added scents or extras.
  • Box Size: I choose a size that fits easily in my fridge or freezer space.
  • Value: I compare price per ounce because I replace it regularly.
  • Easy-to-Use Packaging: I like boxes that are simple to open and place on a shelf.

How I Choose the Right Type

For my fridge and freezer, I usually go with standard food-grade baking soda. I do not need a special formula unless I want something designed specifically for odor control. If I am using it for both baking and odor absorption, I make sure the package clearly says it is safe for food-related use.

Placement Matters in My Experience

I have found that where I place the baking soda makes a difference. In my fridge, I keep it on a middle shelf or near the back where air circulates. In my freezer, I place it in a spot where it will stay dry and not get knocked over. I always make sure the box is open and exposed to the air for better odor absorption.

How Often I Replace It

I usually replace the baking soda every 1 to 3 months, depending on how strong the odors are and how often I open the fridge or freezer. If I notice smells lingering, I change it sooner. For me, regular replacement is important because old baking soda does not work as well.

Features I Prefer

  • Odor Absorption: This is the main reason I buy it.
  • Food-Safe Formula: I want something I can trust around food.
  • Compact Design: I prefer a box that fits neatly in tight spaces.
  • Budget-Friendly Price: I like a product that is affordable to replace often.

My Buying Tips

When I shop, I usually buy more than one box so I can replace them on schedule. I also keep one box in the fridge and one in the freezer if needed. If I notice strong odors from onions, fish, or leftovers, I use baking soda as part of my regular cleaning routine.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, baking soda is one of the easiest and most practical items to keep in a fridge and freezer. I look for a plain, fresh, affordable box that fits my space and gets the job done. For me, it is a small purchase that makes a noticeable difference in keeping my kitchen smelling clean.

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 as a regular maintenance step, not a replacement for cleaning up spills or checking for expired food. My takeaway is that a small box of baking soda can make a noticeable difference when I use it consistently.

Author Profile

Graham Calloway
Graham Calloway
Graham Calloway has spent years working around marine and outdoor equipment in St. Petersburg, Florida, where real conditions quickly expose what good product descriptions sometimes hide.

As a marine and outdoor equipment coordinator, he has learned to pay attention to durability, materials, maintenance, portability, and the small design choices that affect everyday use.

Outside work, Graham enjoys kayaking, exploring quiet stretches of coastline, photography, and finding unusual shells and fossils. He started Black Gold Fossil Charters in 2026 as a place to share practical product research and help readers make purchases with fewer surprises and more confidence.