How to Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors (Plus, the Science of Why It Works)

Baking soda is one of the most effective natural cleaners to use in your home. While it can do everything from eliminate stains on clothes to remove soap scum in your shower, one of the most well-known uses for baking soda is odor removal. Whether you have an unwanted smell lingering in your garbage can or your carpet or furnishings smell like pet hair, baking soda has been used to neutralize odors for generations. But have you ever wondered if this tried-and-true cleaning technique is actually effective? To get to the bottom of it, we asked experts to explain how baking soda works as an odor eliminator.

How Baking Soda Absorbs Odor

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."

How Long Baking Soda Takes to Absorb Odor

Baking soda typically take 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.

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 vaccumable 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."

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.

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."