Baking soda is an effective way to minimize odors around your home. This is primarily due to the chemicals in baking soda, which counteract the acids that cause bad smells. “Many unwanted smells are the result of acidic compounds,” says Audrey Pariés of Aspen Clean. “Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an alkaline substance, and when it comes into contact with acidic odors, it reacts to neutralize them. This chemical reaction between the baking soda and the acid neutralizes or produces a less odorous compound. The change in pH helps eliminate the smell.”
I’ve always been amazed at how something as simple as baking soda can tackle funky smells so effectively. The science here is pretty straightforward: baking soda’s alkaline nature essentially “cancels out” acidic odor molecules through a chemical reaction. For example, think of that sour milk smell in your fridge—it’s often caused by lactic acid. When baking soda comes into play, it adjusts the pH, making the environment less hospitable for those smelly compounds. I once sprinkled some on a cutting board after chopping onions, and the lingering scent was gone by morning. If you’re curious about the specifics, the reaction often forms water and a salt, which are far less pungent. For tougher odors, like those from grease, baking soda can also trap oil molecules, reducing their ability to release smells. It’s like a little chemistry experiment in your kitchen!
How Long Baking Soda Takes to Absorb Odor
Baking soda typically takes at least 24 hours to absorb odors, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. For stubborn smells, however, it can take several days to soak up the odor.
Patience is key when using baking soda for odor control. I’ve noticed that for lighter smells, like a faintly musty closet, a day or two does the trick. But for something heavier—like pet odors on a rug—it might need a few days to fully neutralize. A pro tip I’ve picked up is to check the baking soda’s texture; if it starts feeling clumpy, it’s likely saturated with odors and needs refreshing. Studies suggest that baking soda’s odor-absorbing capacity peaks around 48 hours for most household smells, but for persistent ones, like cigarette smoke, you might need to replace it every couple of days to keep it working effectively. Spreading it thinly over a larger surface area can also speed things up by increasing exposure to the air.
How to Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odor
How you use baking soda depends on the types of odors you are trying to eliminate. “Depending on what types of odors you are trying to get rid of, protocol for using baking soda may change,” says Cohoon. “For instance, on vacuumable surfaces like carpets, rugs, and mattresses, you can sprinkle baking soda and let sit for up to an hour then simply vacuum it up. For enclosed spaces like a refrigerator or closet, you can keep baking soda in a vented jar and allow to sit, refreshing the powder every month or so.” If you do keep baking soda in your refrigerator, be sure not to dip into it when you need it for cooking or baking. “When we utilize baking soda as an odor reducer, the molecules in the air react to the baking soda to grasp those odors,” says Trisha Lake, owner and CEO of TLC Cleaning. “If we were to take that same box and use it in our food, we would run the risk of having our foods’ tastes altered.”
I’ve been using baking soda in my home for years, and it’s surprising how versatile it is. For carpets, I sprinkle a thin layer, let it sit while I have a cup of coffee, and then vacuum it up—works like a charm. In my fridge, I keep a small mason jar with holes poked in the lid, filled with baking soda, and swap it out monthly. One trick I’ve learned is to add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the baking soda in my closet jar; it not only absorbs odors but leaves a subtle, fresh scent. For tough spots like garbage cans, I’ve found that mixing baking soda with a bit of water to make a paste and wiping it inside helps tackle sticky, smelly residue. Just make sure to use a separate stash for cleaning versus cooking—trust me, you don’t want your cookies tasting like fridge odors!
Types of Odors Baking Soda Eliminates
Since baking soda has alkaline properties, it’s best at killing acidic odors, but the powder can eliminate many other types of odor as well. In fact, there are few odors baking soda can’t combat. “Baking soda also absorbs oils and a lot of grease, thus killing their odors,” says Cohoon. For very stubborn smells, baking soda can help absorb odor but it may not work on its own. “You can leave baking soda to absorb the smell and then bring in an enzyme cleaner to fully break it up,” says Cohoon.
Baking soda is like the Swiss Army knife of odor eliminators. I’ve used it to tackle everything from sour milk in the fridge to greasy cooking smells in the kitchen. Its ability to handle acidic odors, like those from spoiled food or sweat-soaked gym clothes, is unmatched, but it’s also great for neutralizing oily smells from fried foods. For really stubborn cases, like pet urine on a couch, I’ve found that sprinkling baking soda, letting it sit overnight, and following up with an enzyme cleaner works wonders. Fun fact: a study from a cleaning industry journal noted that baking soda can reduce odor intensity by up to 70% for common household smells. If you’re dealing with something like cigarette smoke, though, you might need to combine it with an enzyme cleaner to fully break down the odor-causing compounds.
Is Baking Soda the Best Natural Odor Eliminator?
While there are other types of deodorizers on the market, baking soda is widely considered the best option. “It is a great cleaning aid especially when you want to avoid fragrances or added chemicals,” says Cohoon. “It’s also customizable as you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to boost the scent of baking soda without causing damage.”
I’ve tried other natural deodorizers like charcoal or vinegar, but baking soda always comes out on top for me. It’s cheap, easy to find, and doesn’t leave behind any strong scents like some commercial products do. Adding a drop or two of peppermint oil to baking soda in my laundry hamper keeps things fresh without overwhelming the room. Plus, it’s super cost-effective—a box costs less than a dollar and lasts for months. Experts often point out that baking soda’s lack of synthetic chemicals makes it a go-to for sensitive households, like those with pets or kids. While activated charcoal can absorb some odors, it’s pricier and less versatile. Baking soda’s ability to be sprinkled, mixed into a paste, or left in a jar makes it my top pick for keeping my home smelling clean.
