Baking soda in the fridge neutralizes malodorous food molecules. ... As an “amphoteric” compound, and a weak base itself, baking soda reacts with both acidic and strong alkaline molecules, turning them, respectively, into neutral-smelling sodium salts or considerably reducing their stench.

How does baking soda absorb odors?

Baking soda alone can be used to remove odors from almost anything, from refrigerators to carpet. Just sprinkle some in the offending area (on the carpet, in your shoes) and let it sit or put some on a plate and let it sit. It just sucks the odor right out of there.

Does baking soda really eliminate odor?

Baking soda, unlike most commercial air fresheners, doesn't mask odors, “it absorbs them," says Mary Marlowe Leverette, a home economist and blogger. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate in a convenient box) neutralizes stubborn acidic odors -- like those from sour milk -- as well as other funky smells lurking in your home.