We’ve all opened the refrigerator and been hit with a pungent, unpleasant smell. Whether it’s from spoiled food, last night’s takeout, or strong ingredients like garlic and onions, no one wants a stinky fridge.
If you’re wondering how to remove bad odors from your refrigerator, try this simple 3-ingredient homemade refrigerator deodorizer. It’s a natural, effective odor absorber that leaves a light, clean scent. Place it on a shelf and let it quietly neutralize lingering smells.
What You Need to Make a Refrigerator Deodorizer
Note: This post mentions products for convenience. Some items may be available through retailers; purchase at your discretion.
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wide-mouth glass jar
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measuring cup
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wooden spoon
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baking soda
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organic food-grade diatomaceous earth (optional)
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essential oil of your choice
How to Make the Refrigerator Deodorizer
Step 1: Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the jar
Use a jar made from materials that are safe with diluted essential oils—glass and stainless steel are best. Choose a jar with a wide opening so the baking soda has plenty of exposure to the fridge air; more surface area means better odor absorption. Do not seal the jar with a solid lid. You can leave it open, use a perforated lid, or cover the top with a breathable fabric such as cheesecloth and secure it with a ring.
Step 2: Add 1/2 cup diatomaceous earth (optional)
For household deodorizing, use organic food-grade diatomaceous earth. Its porous, absorbent structure helps trap odors. Baking soda and diatomaceous earth together form a more effective deodorizer than either alone. If you don’t have diatomaceous earth, simply add another 1/2 cup baking soda (1 cup total).
Step 3: Add about 15 drops of essential oil
Lemon essential oil is a popular choice because it smells clean and acts as a natural deodorizer—the limonene content helps neutralize odors. However, you can choose any essential oil or blend you prefer. Below are suggested blends to help you customize the scent to your liking.
Step 4: Stir to mix well
Mix the baking soda and diatomaceous earth thoroughly with the essential oil so the powder is evenly scented. Stir once a week while the deodorizer is in use to expose fresh surface area for continued odor absorption.
Favorite Essential Oil Deodorizing Blends
Try one of these blends or mix your favorites. Each line is a single blend; counts indicate drops.
- 15 drops lemon
- 9 drops eucalyptus + 6 drops spearmint
- 6 drops bergamot + 6 drops sweet orange + 3 drops lemon
- 5 drops tea tree (melaleuca) + 5 drops lemon + 5 drops lime
- 5 drops lemongrass + 5 drops lavender + 5 drops eucalyptus
- 9 drops sweet orange + 6 drops peppermint
- 9 drops lemon + 6 drops cypress
- 9 drops sweet orange + 2 drops rosemary + 2 drops clove
- 12 drops lemon + 3 drops clove
- 5 drops tea tree + 5 drops lemon + 5 drops orange
- 3 drops lime + 3 drops sweet orange + 3 drops lemon + 6 drops spearmint
- 5 drops lavender + 5 drops lemon + 5 drops rosemary
- 5 drops lavender + 5 drops cypress + 5 drops tea tree
- 5 drops eucalyptus + 5 drops frankincense + 5 drops lemon
- 9 drops grapefruit + 3 drops frankincense + 3 drops peppermint
- 9 drops tangerine + 3 drops lemon + 3 drops tea tree
- 5 drops lemon + 5 drops peppermint + 5 drops eucalyptus
- 6 drops frankincense + 6 drops cypress + 3 drops ylang ylang
- 5 drops spearmint + 5 drops sweet orange + 5 drops lavender
- 4 drops lemon + 4 drops lime + 4 drops tea tree + 2 drops fir
How to Use
- Place the deodorizer on a shelf where it won’t be knocked over. If it spills, the powder can be messy.
- Ensure good airflow: keep the top off or use a lid with holes so air can circulate. The deodorizer must be exposed to the fridge air to work.
How Long Will This Deodorizer Last?
- Expect it to last about 1–2 months.
- Tip: Stir or shake the container weekly to expose fresh powder and reactivate absorption.
- Tip: When finished, pour the remaining powder down the drain to help deodorize your sink and drain—don’t waste it.
How to Deep Clean Your Refrigerator
For best results, pair this deodorizer with an occasional deep clean.
- Empty — Remove all food. If needed, store perishables in a cooler while cleaning.
- Tidy — Check dates and discard expired or spoiled items.
- Clean — Wipe down shelves, drawers, and surfaces. Scrub grooves and crevices; cotton swabs and toothpicks help reach small spaces.
- Dry — Let the interior dry completely before restocking.
- Restock — Wipe jars and containers as you return them to the fridge.
- Deodorize — Place the DIY refrigerator deodorizer to keep the fridge fresh between deep cleans.
- Exterior — Wipe and polish the outside of the fridge as needed.
How Often Should You Deep Clean?
Deep clean about every three months, or sooner if there’s a spill or strong odor. A seasonal schedule works well for most households.
Printable
A printable version of this refrigerator deodorizer recipe is available for personal use.
More DIY Deodorizing Ideas
Other homemade deodorizing recipes you might try include room sprays, toilet sprays, shoe sprays and powders, garbage-can sprays, trash-deodorizer tabs, essential-oil deodorizing pads, fabric refreshers (linen spray), laundry scent boosters, seasonal room sprays, and homemade deodorants. These recipes offer natural ways to manage odors throughout your home.
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Please note: Products and suggestions on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about medical concerns.
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