Updated at: 14-07-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

As a curious observer, have you ever wondered why other people put baking soda in their refrigerators and leave it there for a long time? For some people, it’s common practice to keep an open box of baking soda in the fridge for a long period of time. Baking soda is mostly used to counteract the stench of food stored in the refrigerator.

Using baking soda to neutralize the foul stench is a great way to keep your fridge smelling fresh. Your fridge will no longer smell like baking soda after it absorbs the odor, indicating that baking soda can swiftly remedy your stinky fridge problem.

Many people are bothered by and avoid situations in which foul odors are present. One of the reasons for an unpleasant refrigerator odor is the accumulation of food particles and moisture in the refrigerator’s vegetable bin. In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of storing baking soda in the refrigerator to combat foul odors.

Reasons Why You Put Baking Soda In The Fridge

You may be wondering why so many people keep a bowl of baking soda in their refrigerator. Other items in the refrigerator may also emit an unpleasant odor without the presence of baking soda.

Does Putting Baking Soda in Your Fridge Really Kill Odors?

You may have inferred that the baking soda is responsible for keeping the fridge odor-free when all the elements are put together. Here are five reasons why you should have baking soda in your fridge.

Reason #1. To minimize the odor

Baking soda, as the wise ones have always stated, is effective in reducing fridge odors. Having a smelly fridge is something that no one wants. Adding baking soda to the mix is a great approach to get rid of the odor.

The food’s small particles emit an unpleasant odor as they decompose. Other food products will be harmed if these tiny particles land on them. This necessitates using baking soda to keep the other ingredients safe.

Reason #2. To keep the quality of the products

In addition to reducing fridge odors, baking soda also helps preserve the quality of other products. For example, if you put fresh fruits and vegetables in a bin underneath a refrigerator that has onions in it, the new products would eventually develop an onion fragrance.

As a result of the molecules from the onion settling on these products, nothing can neutralize them. In order to maintain the freshness of food in the refrigerator, baking soda is also required.

Reason #3. To absorb the molecules

The smell of rotting food in your refrigerator is the most prevalent culprit. It doesn’t matter how often you clean your fridge or get rid of the rotting food; the smell will return. Baking soda not only reduces the scent, but completely neutralizes it as well.

Baking soda is a frequent ingredient in refrigerators because it absorbs the odor-causing chemicals. To neutralize the food’s acidic and alkaline solid components, baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is used.

The sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the food particles as soon as they come into contact with it, preventing them from emitting a disagreeable odor.

Reason #4. Scientific reason

Baking soda does, in fact, eliminate refrigerator odors for a scientific reason. Baking soda is a weak base that neutralizes acid and solid alkaline molecules, as we discussed in the second reason. If the sodium bicarbonate absorbs a certain particle, it will either function as an acid or a base, and this is an important fact to keep in mind.

Acidic or basic molecules can be produced by the food in your fridge. The sodium bicarbonate will neutralize the odors caused by the molecules floating around in your fridge. Sodium bicarbonate is composed of tiny crystals, with each one providing a space for the molecule it will absorb. This should be kept in mind when using this product! A modest bit of baking soda would not be enough to remove all the aromas from the fridge if you simply used a small amount.

Does Baking Soda Go Bad?

The efficacy of baking soda can degrade with time, even if it is stored after the expiration date on the package. Unopened packages can be stored for two years, but opened packages can be stored for up to six months. Even while it may not have as much leavening effect as new baking soda, aged baking soda is still safe to consume. Even if your recipes don’t turn out perfectly, you can still enjoy the food you make.

Baking soda, unlike baking powder, requires an acid to be activated. No matter how much moisture it picks up from the air, it won’t start the bubbling process. So, instead of a sealed container like with baking powder, baking soda is sold in cardboard canisters that open with a loose flap. It’s not uncommon for the packaging of baking soda to be without an expiration date.

If your baking soda has been exposed to acidic moisture, it may be ineffective. The vinegar, lemon juice, or other acid-containing water may have gotten on it while it was on the counter. Your water may be slightly acidic, or it may have picked up acidic residues from your counters, so check that. In most cases, you’ll observe that the box has gotten moist and the bubbling motion has taken place.

Baking powder, on the other hand, contains the acid in the powder itself. It’s inevitable that the chemicals may degrade with time, especially if you’ve opened the container and let air and moisture in. Keeping track of its expiration date would be necessary. It’s a good idea to include the date you opened the baking powder on the label.

How to Test If It Is Still Potent

You’ll need acid, like as vinegar, to check if your baking soda is spoiled before using it. Adding baking soda to your recipes produces carbon dioxide gas by reacting with the acidic ingredients. The gas bubbles in the dough are what cause it to rise. In addition to producing carbon dioxide gas, yeast and baking powder also aid in the dough’s rise.

  • Pour some baking soda into a container.
  • Boost the acidity with a few drops of vinegar, lemon juice, or any acidic beverage.
  • It doesn’t matter if the mixture fizzes a lot; baking soda is fine.
  • Baking soda is terrible if you don’t get much of a fizz.
  • Buy another box for baking and use the rest of the box for cleaning.

How to Store Baking Soda in the Pantry

Assuming you’re reading this blog, I’m going to assume that you’re like me and often use your baking soda and then toss it back into the pantry. The only thing you didn’t do was keep it in the standard cardboard box.

Is it possible that I’m telling the truth? The lack of an airtight seal makes it difficult to store baking soda in the cardboard box. Because it’s absorbing the scents in the air, your baking soda is degrading faster than you may expect.

In order to get the most out of your baking soda, you may want to try this instead:

  1. Open the fresh baking soda box and use it for what it was intended for.
  2. Keep it in an airtight jar for future use.
  3. Use a spoon or scooper to remove the baking soda when you’re ready to use it again.

Baking soda really is that simple to keep in the pantry. Freshness can be preserved for many years in an airtight container.

Why Baking Soda Absorbs Odor | Martha Stewart

Which Containers Are Best?

When people hear the term “airtight container,” they all have their own interpretations in mind. Tupperware or a glass jar may be the preferred container for certain people in this situation. It’s a plastic bag to some of us. Empty spice jars or grated Parmesan cheese bottles are superior to both of these excellent suggestions.

Why? Because you won’t have to open and close a bag or container to get the baking soda out of these containers. Because you won’t need anything to scoop out the baking soda, it will last longer.

The most important thing to keep in mind while selecting an airtight container is that it should be free of unwanted odors. Additionally, the jar should be put in a cold, dry location away from spices and other scents.

It’s important to keep in mind that baking soda has the ability to soak up odours. You’ll get the most out of your baking soda by placing it in a container that carries a distinct aroma. There’s no need for that!

FAQs

Here are some of the most often asked questions concerning baking soda storage. LET’S GET INTO IT!

Can you store baking soda in a glass jar?

Yes! Glass jars are a great option for storing. It’s still governed by the same set of rules, though. It must be airtight and free of any odors before it can be used.

Can baking soda be stored in a clear container?

Baking soda can, in fact, be kept in a transparent container.

Where do you put baking soda in the fridge?

Choosing where to put the baking soda isn’t all that critical, either. But if you observe that some locations are more smelly than others, add the baking soda in those areas.

How long is baking soda good for once opened?

The expiration dates on baking soda boxes aren’t always accurate. Once a box of baking soda has been opened, the shelf life is usually limited to six months to a year. This amount, of course, varies depending on factors such as how and where the data is stored.

Should I put baking soda in my refrigerator?

Refrigerator and freezer can benefit from an opened package of baking soda for odor removal. Replace at least every three months, but if the box begins to collect too many scents, it may need to be replaced sooner. Try putting a date on the box to help you keep track of when it needs to be replaced.

Does baking soda remove odors from refrigerator?

Place an open package of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb the scents (some suggest sprinkling baking soda on a plate to increase the surface area). It takes around three days for baking soda to absorb unwanted odors and leave your refrigerator feeling fresh.

What does baking soda do after 30 days in fridge?

Baking soda had absorbed most of the fridge’s aromas after 30 days of soaking time. You obtain better odor elimination by replacing the box of Baking Soda every month, which keeps your food fresher for longer.

How long can you keep baking soda in the fridge?

Until the expiration date printed on the box, unopened baking soda can be stored on the shelf for up to two years. Baking powder and baking soda should be used within six months of being opened. Because it loses its potency and power, not because it grows stale or moldy.

What is the best thing to clean the inside of a fridge with?

In order to thoroughly clean the interior of the fridge, combine two tablespoons baking soda with one quart of boiling water. You should use mild, unscented cleaners because food can absorb the odors.) With a damp cloth, wipe the surface, and then dry it with a clean towel. Scrub and rinse the areas that can be removed; then dry.

What happens to baking soda in the fridge?

Malodorous molecules are neutralized by baking soda in the refrigerator. Mold, yeast, or rotting food are the most common causes of unpleasant refrigerator odors. The food in the refrigerator produces odorous acidic or alkaline (basic) molecules into the air when bacteria feed on it.

How do I get bad smell out of refrigerator?

The bins and shelves of your refrigerator can be disinfected by wiping them down with a sanitizing solution of 1 tablespoon liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water, then rinsing them with plain water and allowing them to air dry.

What can absorb bad odors?

What’s a Good Odor Absorber? Vinegar. You may keep the scent of fish, onions, eggs, and cabbage from permeating your home by heating a small pan with 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar before preparing any of these foods. Fruit. Baking Soda. Bread. Cat Sludge. Juice of the lemons. This is how things really are.

Why does my fridge smell even after I clean it?

Bacteria and mould are to blame for the unpleasant odors emanating from your refrigerator. Spilled food, fridge condensation, and ambient humidity are all potential sources of moisture. There will be an abundance of microorganisms if there is any moisture in the air.

How long does it take for baking soda to absorb odors?

It’s best to leave it alone: The baking soda should absorb the scents for at least a few hours, preferably overnight. Remove the baking soda using a vacuum cleaner.

Does baking soda really expire in 30 days?

The efficacy of baking soda can degrade with time, even if it is stored after the expiration date on the package. Unopened packages can be stored for two years, but opened packages can be stored for up to six months. It’s not uncommon for the packaging of baking soda to be without an expiration date.

What if my baking powder is expired?

Effects of Expired Baking Powder Baking powder that has passed its expiration date (typically 18 to 24 months after production) has lost much of its active ingredient. When baking soda or powder is over its expiration date, it will not rise correctly, which will result in dense, flat baked items.

What’s the difference between baking soda and powder?

In order for baking soda to work, it needs to be activated with an acid and a liquid. Baking powder, on the other hand, contains sodium bicarbonate and an acid. Activation is simple: All that is required is some liquid. With a few tweaks, it is possible to swap out one for the other.

Can you use fridge and freezer baking soda for baking?

Baking soda reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, which is used to leaven baked goods and give them their characteristic rise. However, they are not interchangeable in different contexts.

Why Do You Put Baking Soda In The Fridge? 4 Awesome Reasons! - Krostrade

How do I clean my fridge and freezer?

Spray the interior of your empty freezer with a vinegar/water solution and wipe it down with a sponge. Allow the vinegar solution to soak for a few minutes before wiping away any hard stuck-on areas, or use a magic eraser.

How do I clean and disinfect my refrigerator?

Fill a container half-full with warm water and white vinegar. Make sure there is no drips by dipping a rag into the solution and wringing it out. Wipe the interior and outside of the refrigerator, as well as the handles, with a damp cloth. If there are any creases or hard to reach places, use an old toothbrush.

What is the smell of baking soda?

Sodium bicarbonate, the main ingredient in baking soda, is a base. When butyric acid is combined with sodium butyrate, the resulting compound has no odor since it is nonvolatile.

Conclusion

Because of these four reasons, you should keep baking soda in your refrigerator. Baking soda is a great deodorizer for your fridge because it neutralizes the molecules released by rotten food or other stinky product, making your fridge smell fresh again. If you sprinkle enough baking soda in your fridge to eliminate all of the aromas, it will also keep your fridge odor-free. Check out other ways to keep your fridge odor-free, as well.