Keeping your refrigerator smelling fresh and inviting doesn't have to be a chore! Discover simple, natural ways to combat those lingering odors and maintain a pleasant scent.
From using everyday pantry staples to adding a touch of essential oils, these DIY solutions are easy to make and incredibly effective at keeping your fridge odor-free..
1. Baking Soda & Essential Oil Fridge Deodorizer

This easy-to-make deodorizer uses the power of baking soda to absorb unwanted smells.
Adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils, like lemon or lavender, leaves a subtle, fresh scent.
It's a super simple way to keep your fridge smelling clean and pleasant without any harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Mason jar with perforated lid
- Essential oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Absorbs odors
- Leaves a fresh scent
- Natural and simple
Pro Tip: Place the deodorizer in an area with good air circulation in your fridge, like a door shelf or the middle shelf, to maximize its effectiveness.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda & Essential Oil Fridge Deodorizer
2. Natural Fridge Freshener with Borax and Citrus

This natural fridge deodorizer harnesses the odor-absorbing power of Borax, enhanced by the bright, clean scent of lemon zest or lavender.
It's a simple, yet effective way to neutralize smells and keep your refrigerator smelling wonderfully fresh.
Plus, it's a great natural option for your trash can too!.
Key Ingredients:
- 20 Mule Team Borax
- Lemon zest or lavender leaves
- Canning jars
Benefits:
- Neutralizes odors
- Adds a fresh scent
- All-natural
Pro Tip: Customize your deodorizer with different natural scents like lemon or lavender to match your preference.
Get the Recipe: Natural Fridge Freshener with Borax and Citrus
3. Citrus & Baking Soda Fridge Deodorizer

This charming little deodorizer combines baking soda with the invigorating scent of citrus essential oils, like orange or grapefruit.
It's a delightful way to combat fridge odors and fill your refrigerator with a clean, uplifting aroma.
It's a cute and effective alternative to plain baking soda..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Citrus essential oil (orange, grapefruit, lime)
- Glass jar with holes in lid
Benefits:
- Absorbs odors
- Adds a refreshing citrus scent
- Visually appealing
Pro Tip: When you need to replace the mixture, don't throw out the baking soda; pour it down your drain with some vinegar to freshen your sink.
Get the Recipe: Citrus & Baking Soda Fridge Deodorizer
4. Activated Charcoal Fridge Odor Absorber

Harness the incredible odor-absorbing power of activated charcoal to keep your fridge smelling as fresh as can be.
This simple DIY uses charcoal powder to effectively capture and neutralize strong smells, leaving your refrigerator smelling neutral and clean.
It's a must-try for tackling stubborn odors..
Key Ingredients:
- Activated charcoal powder
- Mason jar with perforated lid
Benefits:
- Superior odor absorption
- Neutralizes smells effectively
- Long-lasting
Pro Tip: Give your charcoal deodorizer a gentle shake once a week to help expose fresh charcoal and maintain its odor-absorbing power.
Get the Recipe: Activated Charcoal Fridge Odor Absorber
5. Baking Soda & Diatomaceous Earth Fridge Deodorizer

Combine the odor-fighting strengths of baking soda and diatomaceous earth for a powerful fridge deodorizer.
This natural blend excels at absorbing stinky smells, and adding lemon essential oil provides a wonderfully fresh scent.
It's an effective and simple way to keep your refrigerator smelling clean and inviting..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Diatomaceous earth (food-grade)
- Lemon essential oil
Benefits:
- Powerful odor absorption
- Fresh scent with essential oils
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: If you don't have diatomaceous earth, you can substitute an additional 1/2 cup of baking soda for an equally effective deodorizer.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda & Diatomaceous Earth Fridge Deodorizer
6. DIY Fridge Deodorizer Tablets

Create simple, effective deodorizing tablets for your fridge using baking soda, water, and essential oils.
These little tablets absorb unpleasant odors while infusing your refrigerator with a light, clean scent.
They're a convenient and natural way to keep your fridge smelling fresh..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Lavender essential oil
- Lemon essential oil
- Silicone mold
Benefits:
- Absorbs odors
- Adds a light, clean scent
- Easy to make
Pro Tip: Place 1-3 tablets in a small bowl or on a plate in the back of your refrigerator for best results.
Get the Recipe: DIY Fridge Deodorizer Tablets
7. Easy Fridge Deodorizer with Baking Soda & Essential Oils

This super easy DIY fridge deodorizer uses baking soda to absorb bad smells and essential oils to add a lovely fragrance.
It's a quick and natural way to combat unpleasant odors, ensuring your refrigerator always smells fresh and clean.
You'll love how simple and effective it is!.
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Essential oils (lemon, purify, wild orange)
- Jar with a lid and poked holes
Benefits:
- Eliminates bad smells
- Adds a pleasant aroma
- Quick and simple to make
Pro Tip: Use essential oils like lemon, purifying blend, or wild orange for their excellent odor-eliminating properties.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fridge Deodorizer with Baking Soda & Essential Oils
8. Baking Soda and Lemon Essential Oil Fridge Freshener

This super simple DIY combines baking soda with a few drops of lemon essential oil to create a wonderfully fresh scent in your fridge.
Baking soda is a champ at absorbing unwanted odors, while the lemon oil adds a bright, clean fragrance.
It's an easy way to make your fridge smell delightful..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Lemon essential oil
Benefits:
- Absorbs odors
- Adds a fresh scent
- Easy to make
Pro Tip: Place this freshener in a small, open container on a middle shelf for maximum odor absorption and scent circulation.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda and Lemon Essential Oil Fridge Freshener
9. Coffee Grounds for Fridge Deodorizing

Did you know coffee grounds are fantastic at absorbing fridge odors? This clever hack uses spent or fresh coffee grounds to neutralize unpleasant smells, leaving behind a subtle, pleasant coffee aroma.
It's a wonderful way to reuse coffee grounds and keep your fridge smelling great..
Key Ingredients:
- Coffee grounds
Benefits:
- Absorbs strong odors
- Leaves a mild coffee scent
- Eco-friendly
Pro Tip: For an extra touch, you can place the coffee grounds in a decorative jar with a cloth cover, like a teafilled Mason jar, to keep it tidy.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Grounds for Fridge Deodorizing
10. Baking Soda Deodorizer with Essential Oils

This simple DIY combines baking soda with your favorite essential oils for a powerful odor-neutralizing blend.
Baking soda is a classic for a reason, soaking up smells, while essential oils like citrus or lavender can add a refreshing touch.
It’s a must-try for a consistently fresh fridge..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Essential oil
Benefits:
- Odor absorption
- Customizable scent
- Simple ingredients
Pro Tip: Use a container with a lid that has holes (like a cheese shaker or a repurposed snack container) to allow for air circulation.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda Deodorizer with Essential Oils
11. Vinegar and Water for Fridge Cleaning and Deodorizing

A simple mix of vinegar and water is surprisingly effective at deep cleaning and banishing fridge odors.
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that breaks down grime and tackles smells at their source.
It leaves your fridge surfaces clean and refreshed without harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- White vinegar
- Water
Benefits:
- Deep cleaning
- Natural deodorizer
- Kills bacteria
Pro Tip: Spray the mixture generously on fridge walls, shelves, and seals, letting it sit for a few minutes before wiping down.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Water for Fridge Cleaning and Deodorizing
12. Activated Charcoal for Powerful Odor Removal

Activated charcoal is a powerhouse for absorbing stubborn fridge odors.
This highly porous material traps smells effectively, making it a fantastic long-term solution for a fresh-smelling appliance.
It's a natural and reusable way to keep your fridge odor-free..
Key Ingredients:
- Activated charcoal
Benefits:
- Strong odor absorption
- Reusable
- Natural
Pro Tip: To refresh activated charcoal, simply leave it in the sun for a few hours every month to restore its odor-absorbing power.
Get the Recipe: Activated Charcoal for Powerful Odor Removal
13. Baking Soda in a Shaker Jar

A classic for a reason, baking soda in a shaker jar is a super simple and effective way to keep your fridge smelling fresh.
The open container allows for maximum air circulation, letting the baking soda work its magic to absorb odors.
It's a set-and-forget solution for ongoing freshness..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Odor absorption
- Easy to maintain
Pro Tip: For an extra scent boost, add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before placing it in the jar.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda in a Shaker Jar
14. Baking Soda and Essential Oils Deodorizer Tablets

Whip up these easy deodorizing tablets for a convenient way to keep your fridge smelling great.
Combining baking soda, sea salt, and essential oils, these little tablets are great at absorbing odors and releasing a pleasant scent.
They're a cute and effective DIY that's super simple to make..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Sea salt
- Essential oils
- Water
Benefits:
- Odor absorption
- Pleasant fragrance
- Convenient
Pro Tip: Store the tablets in an airtight jar and place one in your fridge whenever you need an odor boost.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda and Essential Oils Deodorizer Tablets
15. Baking Soda Fridge Deodorizer

This super simple DIY uses the magic of baking soda to naturally absorb and neutralize unwanted odors in your fridge.
Just place an open box or bowl of baking soda, and it silently works to make your fridge smell neutral and clean.
It's an incredibly effective and budget-friendly way to keep things fresh..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Odor Absorption
- Neutralizes smells
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: Replace your baking soda every three months for continuous odor absorption. You can even repurpose the old baking soda for cleaning sinks or drains!
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda Fridge Deodorizer
16. Lemon and Activated Charcoal Fridge Freshener

For a double-duty approach to a fresh fridge, try combining lemon slices with activated charcoal.
This method not only absorbs lingering odors but also leaves a subtle, crisp citrus scent.
It’s a great way to keep your fridge smelling bright and inviting, especially during warmer months..
Key Ingredients:
- Lemon Slices
- Activated Charcoal
Benefits:
- Odor Absorption
- Fresh citrus scent
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: Refresh your lemon and charcoal combination every two weeks for optimal freshness. This combo works wonders to combat even stubborn summer smells.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Activated Charcoal Fridge Freshener
17. Baking Soda and Coffee Grounds Deodorizer

If you're out of baking soda, dry coffee grounds can be a surprisingly effective alternative for neutralizing fridge odors.
They absorb unpleasant smells and can leave behind a subtle, earthy aroma.
This is a quick fix using common kitchen staples to bring back freshness..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Dry Coffee Grounds
Benefits:
- Odor Absorption
- Alternative to baking soda
- Subtle scent
Pro Tip: Coffee grounds work well in a small, open bowl. Remember to replace them every few days for the best odor-absorbing results.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda and Coffee Grounds Deodorizer
18. Natural Baking Soda and Essential Oil Deodorizer

Elevate your fridge's freshness with a simple blend of baking soda and your favorite essential oils, like lemon or orange.
This DIY not only absorbs odors but also adds a delightful, clean fragrance.
It's an easy way to make your fridge smell amazing naturally..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Orange Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Odor Absorption
- Refreshing scent
- Natural deodorizer
Pro Tip: Always ensure you're using essential oils that are safe for use around food. Lemon and orange are fantastic choices for a refreshing scent.
Get the Recipe: Natural Baking Soda and Essential Oil Deodorizer
19. Baking Soda and Lavender Sleep Spray

While this recipe is primarily for creating a calming sleep spray, the principle of using baking soda to absorb odors is highly relevant to fridge freshness.
Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer, perfect for tackling those unwanted smells and leaving your fridge smelling clean and calm..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Lavender Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Odor Neutralization
- Calming scent potential
- Simple and effective
Pro Tip: For fridge use, simply place an open box of baking soda inside. If you want a hint of scent, a few drops of lavender essential oil can be added to the baking soda in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda and Lavender Sleep Spray
20. Activated Bamboo Charcoal Fridge Deodorizer

Activated bamboo charcoal is a powerhouse for absorbing moisture and odors, keeping your fridge consistently fresh.
It's a long-lasting and reusable solution that works naturally to create a clean-smelling environment for your food.
Simply place a charcoal bag in your fridge and enjoy the freshness..
Key Ingredients:
- Activated Bamboo Charcoal
Benefits:
- Odor Absorption
- Moisture Absorption
- Reusable
Pro Tip: To refresh your activated charcoal, simply place the bags in direct sunlight for a few hours. This makes it reusable for months!
Get the Recipe: Activated Bamboo Charcoal Fridge Deodorizer
21. Deep Cleaning with Baking Soda Solution

When odors are persistent, a thorough deep clean is essential.
Using a simple baking soda solution is a fantastic way to wash away grime and neutralize lingering smells from shelves and drawers.
This method ensures a truly fresh start for your entire refrigerator..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Hot Water
- Dish Soap
Benefits:
- Deep Cleaning
- Odor Elimination
- Hygiene Improvement
Pro Tip: Don't forget to check and clean the drip pan! It's often a hidden source of odors. A mixture of dish soap and water works well.
Get the Recipe: Deep Cleaning with Baking Soda Solution
22. Baking Soda Fridge Deodorizer

Baking soda is a fantastic, natural way to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh.
It works by absorbing those lingering odors from strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic, or even that stale smell that creeps in over time.
Simply placing an open box or a small dish of baking soda on a shelf can make a big difference, leaving your fridge smelling clean and neutral..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Odor Absorption
- Natural Freshener
- Neutralizes Stale Smells
Pro Tip: For stubborn smells, try making a paste of baking soda and hot water to scrub down any affected areas. Remember to change out your baking soda every three months for optimal freshness!
Get the Recipe: Baking Soda Fridge Deodorizer
23. Visible Progress Refrigerator Deodorizer

This innovative fridge deodorizer offers a visible indicator of its odor-eliminating process.
Unlike traditional methods, you can actually see the granules change color as they work, showing you exactly when it's time for a refresh.
It's designed to be powerful and long-lasting, effectively tackling odors without leaving any chemical residue, ensuring a consistently clean and fresh fridge..
Key Ingredients:
- Odor Eliminating Granules
Benefits:
- Visible Process Tracking
- Fast Acting
- Long-Lasting Freshness
- Space-Saving Design
Pro Tip: The compact capsule design means it fits easily into any corner of your fridge, maximizing space while effectively neutralizing odors. It's a great option for smaller refrigerators.
Get the Recipe: Visible Progress Refrigerator Deodorizer
24. Smart Fridge Deodorizer for Peace of Mind

This clever deodorizer is a must-try for busy households, especially those with children who might struggle with hygiene habits or memory.
It's designed to be contained, spill-proof, and safe, unlike open containers that can easily tip over.
It works effectively to absorb odors, making fridge cleanup less of a battle and ensuring a fresher environment for everyone..
Key Ingredients:
- Odor Absorbing Material
Benefits:
- Spill-Proof Design
- Safe for Households
- Long-Lasting Odor Control
- Peace of Mind
Pro Tip: This is a fantastic gift for new parents or anyone looking to simplify their home maintenance routine. Its sturdy design means it can handle accidental bumps and even power outages without issue.
Get the Recipe: Smart Fridge Deodorizer for Peace of Mind