Discover the best refrigerator odor eliminators to remove those funky smells in your fridge
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Regardless of how often you clean your refrigerator or how well you keep it organized, smells are inevitable. We’ve all experienced it. Some smells are worse than others and require a little more TLC, but there are many incredibly easy ways to tackle refrigerator smell removal. At the top of the list is adding an odor eliminator to your fridge and freezer to keep them smelling fresh and clean. We searched for the best refrigerator odor eliminator options on the market to fight the funk. If you’re wondering how to remove odors from your fridge, try one of these!
Activated Carbon and Stainless Steel Deodorizer
Pros:
- Provides up to 10 years of odor protection
- No need to be charged or replaced
- Stylish, compact and matches stainless steel fridges
Cons:
- On the expensive side
This refrigerator deodorizer is your best choice if you want to check an odor eliminator off your list—and forget about it for a long while. This splurge-worthy solution provides up to 10 years of protection against your fridge’s foulest smells without requiring a power supply or replacements. Just like your favorite Crockpot recipes, you can set it and forget it. And surprisingly, more than 11,000 reviewers agree!
Verified Amazon reviewer Lily says, “I put this in my fridge, and it completely got rid of the food smells within a day or two. Unlike baking soda boxes that need to be replaced constantly, this one is supposed to last much longer, which makes it worth the price. It’s compact, doesn’t take up much space, and just works.”
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer Odor Absorber
Pros:
- Pack of 12 makes each box around $1
- Tried and true solution since the early 1970s
- Naturally absorb odors
Cons:
- Needs to be replaced every 30 days
- Not as effective on super stinky refrigerators
You know the saying, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” That’s why the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Fridge-n-Freezer odor absorber is one of our best refrigerator odor eliminator picks. Besides the unbeatable price, part of the reason it’s such a popular choice is that it’s super simple to use. Grab a few boxes at your local home improvement or grocery store, pop an open box in the fridge and replace it every 30 days or so.
Try putting a date on the box when you put it in your refrigerator and a recurring reminder on your phone, so you know when it’s time to be replaced. To help prevent future smells, try using glass containers for food storage and always check that they’re properly sealed.
Chill Bill Refrigerator Deodorizer
Pros:
- Has a cute penguin design
- Easy to clean and compact
- Simply needs to be filled with baking soda
Cons:
- Doesn't hold much baking soda
- Baking soda needs to be replaced every few weeks
If you like to have a little fun with your chores, the Chill Bill refrigerator deodorizer is the option for you! This adorable penguin is actually a functional little decoration that stores baking soda and lives in the fridge or freezer, where it fights off funky odors and moisture.
“Chill Bill was a budget-friendly addition to our wedding registry,” shares Deputy Editor Katie Bandurski. “When filled with baking soda, he does a great job absorbing onion, meat and takeout smells. Just make sure to put him in a safe spot. I made the mistake of knocking him over once and the baking soda spilled all over.”
Fridge Ninja
Pros:
- Can be used in freezers, lunch boxes, etc.
- Flat, slim and easy to put anywhere
- Reusable for up to a year
Cons:
- Bright yellow packaging
The super slim design of the Fridge Ninja gives you so many options for where to place it. Utilizing activated charcoal, the square-shaped fridge deodorizer traps and absorbs bad odors that circulate in the refrigerator.
In addition to being able to use them in other stinky food spots like freezers, lunch boxes and coolers, these deodorizers can be reused for an entire year. Simply place the entire Fridge Ninja in direct sunlight every month to “recharge” the natural odor-fighting ingredients.
NonScents Refrigerator Deodorizer
Pros:
- Works within hours
- Up to six months of odor protection
- Compact, easy to use and in a neutral color
Cons:
- Can't be recharged like other organic charcoal products
For scents that need to be stopped ASAP, the NonScents refrigerator deodorizer begins working within hours. With over 9,000 ratings on Amazon with a 4.5-star average, buyers are enamored with how fast and effective this refrigerator odor eliminator is.
Verified Amazon customer Crystal shares: “This product really works! I had ‘lump crab meat’ in the refrigerator, and it made the fridge smell like the beach! I purchased this deodorizer, and the smell was gone… within minutes. This helps my fridge smell fresh and clean, no more “knock me out “ oders, when opening the fridge door.
Worth it!”
OTOTO Fun Guy
We love OTOTO products for the whimsy they add to the kitchen, and this Fun Guy fridge odor eliminator is no exception. His body can be filled with baking soda, while his top provides airflow.
“I always laugh when I find this guy in the back of my fridge,” says Katie. “He does a great job keeping odors at bay and looks cute, to boot. Like others on the list, just be sure to put him in a spot where he’s not easily knocked over as the baking soda will spill out.”
What To Look for When Buying Fridge Odor Eliminators
Choosing the best refrigerator odor eliminator depends on the scents in question. Consider how strong the smell is and how quickly you need it to be removed, the size of your fridge, how much room you have for an odor eliminator and how often you want to be responsible for remembering to tend to it.
It’s also important to remember that odor eliminators typically neutralize odors rather than mask them or replace them with a more pleasing scent. Once you’ve gotten rid of those stinky fridge smells, make it smell better with vanilla extract or coffee grounds.
FAQ
Does baking soda eliminate refrigerator odors?
Yes, baking soda eliminates refrigerator odors by absorbing smells and neutralizing the air. This natural odor eliminator has been used in refrigerators since the early 1970s. Although baking soda is a simple and reliable odor neutralizer, it’s important to remember that it’s best for mild to moderate smells. Baking soda will struggle to absorb the smell of particularly pungent foods. To maximize baking soda’s odor-fighting effectiveness, give it as much exposed surface space as possible. Some boxes of baking soda are specifically designed for the fridge and freezer with large cut-outs that expose more baking soda than a traditional box, without any spills.
How do you prevent refrigerator odor?
One of the best ways to avoid refrigerator odor is to prevent it before it starts. Here’s how you can prevent a smelly fridge:
- Use airtight containers to store food.
- Spills happen. Clean them up as soon as you can to avoid odors.
- Clean out your fridge regularly and remove any old or expired foods. Don’t forget to label and date leftovers.
- Check and clean the freezer, too. It can also hide bad smells.
- Organize the food in your refrigerator so food stays fresher longer and odors stay away.
- Add a deodorizer to get rid of fridge smells.
- Deep-clean the interior of your fridge every couple of months.
Why is there a funky smell coming from my refrigerator?
A bad smell in your fridge can come from many different sources, like expired food or leftovers. It can also be because you haven’t cleaned your fridge in a few weeks or months. Sometimes, it’s simply because you stored leftover produce or food in aluminum foil or an open bowl instead of an airtight container. In rarer cases, your refrigerator may have poor air circulation or growing mold. While a fridge odor eliminator can help in the short term, you may want to call in an appliance pro to investigate whether your refrigerator is working properly.
What does a Freon leak in a refrigerator smell like?
If there’s a chemical leak in your refrigerator, it won’t smell like bad or expired food. Instead, you’ll smell something closer to nail polish remover, chloroform or even chlorine. Pure Freon is odorless, but it’ll have a scent when it interacts with other chemicals.
Why You Should Trust Us
Lauren Naru has been working in media relations for 20 years and branched into freelance food writing in 2016. Her work for Taste of Home covers subjects like gift guides, sales and must-have kitchen items. She lives and works in New York’s Hudson Valley region, where she spends time writing, working in marketing and volunteering at her local community center. In her spare time, Lauren is hard at work mixing batter and piping intricate designs for her custom cookie business, Claire’s Custom Cookies.
