7 Ways to Deodorize Your Kitchen

Written by Jae Vinson of Design OCD

Typically, you use baking soda in two ways: either as a leavening agent in baking, or to keep your refrigerator odor free. But there are so many other ways it can be used!

Let’s start with the basics: What exactly is baking soda? Baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, is a salt. It is slightly alkaline, and therefore works to neutralize acids. This neutralizing quality is the reason it is so effective as a deodorizer. It’s also why it’s often added to toothpastes, deodorants, and laundry detergents.

The kitchen is one of the spots in the house that generates the most odors (we won't talk about the other room that tends to have odors, at least not today) and since it’s a place that is used to prepare food and eat, many people prefer to use natural, subtle cleaning agents over strong-smelling, harsh chemicals. Enter baking soda! Here are seven ways baking soda can freshen up your kitchen!

The Refrigerator

You probably already have a box of baking soda stashed in your fridge to keep it smelling fresh, but do you know how often it needs to be replaced? It is recommended that you change your baking soda every 30 days to stop flavor transfer and keep foods tasting fresher, longer. The box is spill proof and features removable front and back panels to allow for air flow. Tip: Buy two of these boxes and use one in your freezer as well!

The Sink

Build up in the drain and on the surface of your sink can produce some unwelcome odors. To remedy this, sprinkle baking soda in the sink, use a sponge to scour and wipe down the sides and bottom, then rinse with hot water. And get some extra mileage out of the expired box in your fridge: instead of throwing it in the garbage, pour it down the sink and run warm water afterwards to rinse away stale sink smells.

Garbage Disposal

To clean the garbage disposal, run hot water down the drain for a few minutes, then pour ½ cup baking soda into the disposal. After a few minutes, run more hot water to rinse the disposal. For extra cleaning power, add a few pieces of lemon to the disposal as it is running, then rinse with cool water. To add more bulk to the lemon pieces in the disposal, use ice cubes while running with cold water. Your disposal will be instantly freshened up, with a clean, citrusy smell.

Cutting boards

Use baking soda to clean wood or plastic cutting boards. First, make a paste of baking soda and water, then scrub your boards with the mixture. Rinse well with hot water and you're done!

Pots & Pans

Baking soda can also be used as an effective cleanser for dirty pots and pans. Just sprinkle baking soda on the pan and sprinkle with hot water to make a paste. Let the paste sit on the soiled area for an hour, then sponge clean. Previously stuck-on grease or food will wipe right off!

If your primary method of cooking involves the microwave, sprinkle the interior with baking soda and wipe clean to remove food odors there, too!

Dishwasher

Loading the dishwasher can often be an assault on your sense of smell! Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher to easily eliminate food odors that linger. To deep clean the dishwasher, make a paste of baking soda and hot water, then dip a toothbrush in the paste to clean and scrub the crevices around the dishwasher seals and door.

Garbage Pail

Whether your kitchen has a hidden garbage container or a free-standing exposed garbage can, it, too, can benefit from baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on a sponge and wipe down the container. Then, sprinkle a little baking soda on the bottom of the pail. Once you put in a new garbage liner, add a dusting of baking soda to the bag to effectively keep odors at bay.