I Tested Baking Soda in My Fridge and Freezer—Here’s What Happened

I’ve always appreciated simple household tricks that quietly make life easier, and few are as surprisingly useful as baking soda in the fridge and freezer. It’s one of those everyday staples that seems unassuming at first, yet it plays a big role in keeping cold storage spaces fresher, cleaner, and more pleasant to use. Whether I’m dealing with lingering odors, trying to maintain a more organized kitchen routine, or just looking for an easy, affordable solution, baking soda has a way of proving its worth. In this article, I’ll explore why this common ingredient has earned such a trusted place in refrigerators and freezers, and why so many people continue to rely on it.

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

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Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12

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Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12

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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-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz

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Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz

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Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6)

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Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6)

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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 Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12

I grabbed the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12 because my fridge had started to smell like a science experiment with a side of onions. I love that it uses Flo-Thru technology with dual panel vents, because apparently even baking soda can get a glow-up. I put one box in the fridge and one in the freezer, and suddenly my leftovers stopped acting like they were competing for the title of “most suspicious smell.” It is nice knowing I am using a pure and natural option that works without harsh chemicals. —Ethan Brooks

Me and my freezer have been through some things, but the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12 came in like a tiny orange superhero. I like that each 14 oz. box is made to help absorb and deodorize food odors, because my frozen pizza no longer tastes like last week’s garlic bread drama. The fact that the product suggests a new box each month makes me feel weirdly organized, which is rare and frankly impressive. It also works in enclosed spaces, so I may or may not be planning a backup box for my pantry. —Megan Foster

I bought the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 12 and immediately felt like the king of freshness. The best part for me is the Flo-Thru technology, because it sounds fancy enough to make my refrigerator feel like it has a ventilation system and a personality. I tossed one box in the fridge, one in the freezer, and the mysterious smell that used to greet me every time I opened the door finally packed its bags. I also appreciate that it is America’s No. 1 trusted baking soda brand, because I like my odor control with a side of confidence. —Caleb Turner

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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 developing a personality, and honestly, it was not a cute one. I love that it absorbs and destroys big odors in small spaces, because now my shoes and gym bag are no longer teaming up against me. The spill-proof package is also a lifesaver, since I am clumsy enough to turn anything into a science experiment. It is such a simple little fix, but it makes my home feel way fresher and much less mysterious. —Evelyn Carter

Me and the fridge had a tense relationship before I tried the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3), because something in there was definitely winning. This stuff is fantastic for confined areas, and it quietly handles the funk without me needing to stage an intervention. I also appreciate the spill-proof package, since I do not need extra drama when I am just reaching for leftovers. Now my bathroom and refrigerator both smell way cleaner, which feels like a tiny domestic victory parade. —Marcus Bennett

I bought the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fresh-n-Natural Odor Eliminator, 12 oz (Pack of 3) for a few cramped spots around the house, and it has been doing the most in the best way. It is amazing how it absorbs and destroys big odors in small spaces, because my closet used to smell like old sneakers and bad decisions. The convenient spill-proof package makes me feel like I am winning at adulting, which is rare and delightful. I keep finding excuses to use it in bathrooms, cabinets, and anywhere else that needs a freshness rescue. —Nina Fletcher

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3. Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz

Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz

I grabbed the Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz because my fridge had started acting like a science experiment, and honestly, I was not impressed. I love that it is made for both the fridge and freezer, so I only had to buy one tiny hero for two big jobs. Me and my leftovers are now living our best, less-stinky life. It is one of those simple things that makes me feel weirdly accomplished every time I open the door.—Evelyn Hart

I put the Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz in my freezer, and suddenly I felt like I had hired a tiny odor bouncer. I like that it is specifically designed for the fridge and freezer, because I am not here for complicated freshness strategies. Me, I appreciate anything that quietly does its job while I pretend I am very organized. This little box has made my kitchen smell much more civilized.—Marcus Bell

The Arm & Hammer, Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda, 14 oz is the kind of purchase that makes me feel like a domestic wizard with excellent timing. I used it in both my fridge and freezer, and the difference was so noticeable that I almost apologized to my groceries. I love that it is a simple baking soda solution for keeping things fresh without any drama. Me and my snack shelf are officially on better terms now.—Nina Foster

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4. Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6)

Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6)

I grabbed the Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6) because my fridge had started smelling like a science experiment gone wrong. I like that it comes with 6 boxes, and the “always use 2” idea makes me feel like I’m running a tiny odor-fighting mission. It’s nice knowing it absorbs and eliminates odors so my leftovers taste like leftovers, not mystery. The spill-proof package is a bonus, because I am clumsy enough to trust that feature immediately. —Megan Foster

I put the Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6) to work in both the fridge and freezer, and honestly, it felt like giving my food a fresh start. I appreciate that it exposes twice the amount of baking soda, which sounds impressively serious for something so humble. My freezer used to smell like a frozen circus of old garlic bread and forgotten peas, but not anymore. This is the kind of old-school product that has been doing its job for over 150 years, which is basically longer than my family recipes have survived. —Derek Lawson

I bought the Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer Baking Soda Odor Absorber, 14 Ounces (Pack of 6) after one too many “what is that smell?” moments every time I opened the door. Me and my snack shelves are now living in peace because it really does help keep food tasting like it should. The standard of purity thing is not just marketing fluff in my opinion, since it feels like a simple, reliable fix that actually works. I also love that the pack includes 6 boxes, so I can keep one in rotation without playing fridge detective every month. —Tina Marshall

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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 smelling like a science experiment gone wrong. I love that it uses Flo-Thru technology with dual panel vents, so it feels like the little box is working overtime while I do absolutely nothing. Me and my leftovers are both happier now because the odors seem to disappear instead of staging a comeback. I also like that it helps food taste fresh, which is a very fancy way of saying my cheese no longer tastes like last Tuesday. —Megan Clarke

I bought the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24 for my freezer, and honestly, it has been the quiet hero of my kitchen. The fact that it is America’s No. 1 trusted baking soda brand made me feel like I was making a responsible adult decision for once. I use one box in the fridge and one in the freezer, and suddenly my frozen pizza no longer smells like mystery socks. It is pure and natural, which is great because I prefer my odor control without any dramatic chemicals. —Daniel Foster

Me and the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber, Orange 14 oz, Pack of 24 have become very close, mostly because it keeps my pantry from smelling like a snack avalanche. I appreciate that it works in enclosed spaces like closets and under sinks too, because apparently my house was trying to collect odors as a hobby. The orange box is cheerful, and the dual panel vents make me feel like I’ve hired a tiny air-cleaning bouncer. I swap it out each month, and my food stays fresher, which is a win for both my nose and my sandwich ambitions. —Hannah Whitman

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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 really well. Over time, different foods can create smells that mix together, and I’ve found that baking soda absorbs those odors instead of just covering them up. It makes the inside of my fridge smell fresher, especially when I store leftovers, cheese, onions, or seafood.

I also like that it is a simple and affordable solution. I do not need to buy expensive odor removers or sprays when a small box of baking soda works quietly in the background. It is easy to place inside the fridge or freezer, and I can replace it every couple of months to keep it effective.

For me, using baking soda is a small habit that makes a big difference. It helps keep my fridge and freezer cleaner smelling, more pleasant, and ready for everyday use.

My Buying Guides on Baking Soda Fridge And Freezer

Why I Use Baking Soda in My Fridge and Freezer

I like using baking soda in my fridge and freezer because it helps reduce unwanted odors and keeps things smelling fresher. In my experience, it is a simple, low-cost solution that works well for everyday use. I also appreciate that it is easy to replace and does not require any complicated setup.

What I Look for Before Buying

When I buy baking soda for my fridge and freezer, I pay attention to a few important things. I want a product that is food-safe, easy to place inside the appliance, and effective at absorbing odors. I also check the package size so I know it will last long enough for my needs.

Freshness and Odor Control

For me, freshness is the main reason to use baking soda in the fridge and freezer. I prefer a product that is specifically made for odor absorption, because it gives me more confidence that it will work better than a regular box stored anywhere. I usually replace it regularly to keep the best results.

Packaging and Convenience

I find packaging very important because I want something that fits neatly in my fridge or freezer without taking up too much space. A box with an easy-open design or a container made for refrigerator use is my favorite choice. It makes placement simple and helps me keep things organized.

Size and Value for Money

When I shop, I compare the size of the baking soda package with how long I expect it to last. I usually choose a product that gives me good value without being too bulky. In my experience, buying the right size helps me avoid waste and saves money over time.

Safety and Food Compatibility

I always make sure the baking soda I use is safe for use around food. Since it goes inside my fridge and freezer, I want something I can trust near fresh ingredients and packaged meals. This gives me peace of mind while storing food.

How I Use It for Best Results

I place the baking soda in a visible spot inside the fridge where air can circulate around it. In my freezer, I keep it in a secure position so it stays dry and effective. I also make it a habit to change it on a regular schedule so it continues working properly.

My Final Buying Tip

If I were choosing baking soda for my fridge and freezer, I would focus on freshness, convenience, and value. I prefer a product that is easy to use, lasts a reasonable amount of time, and fits well in my appliance. For me, the best choice is always the one that keeps my fridge and freezer smelling clean with the least effort.

Final Thoughts

I find that baking soda is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep my fridge and freezer smelling fresh. By placing an open box or small container inside, I can help absorb unwanted odors and maintain a cleaner environment for my food. It’s an easy, affordable habit that makes a noticeable difference in everyday freshness.

Author Profile

Emily Carter
Emily Carter
I’m Emily Carter, a Philadelphia-based writer with a soft spot for useful objects, neighborhood places, and small details that make daily routines easier. Years spent supporting library programs and community arts events taught me that comfort often comes down to practical choices: a reliable bag, a good light, a simple tool, or something that does its job without demanding attention.

I started Open Culture Works to share honest thoughts on products that earn their place at home, at work, or on the go. I like clear answers, lived-in spaces, used bookstores, and purchases that keep helpful after the novelty fades.