We’ve all experienced the discomfort of opening the fridge only to be met with a nasty, unpleasant smell. Whether it’s due to spoiled food, leftover takeout, or the lingering scents of pungent ingredients like garlic and onions, a stinky refrigerator is something no one wants to deal with. So, how can you effectively remove these odors from your fridge?
The solution is simple — create this easy 3-ingredient homemade refrigerator deodorizer. It’s a natural odor absorber that not only eliminates unpleasant smells but also leaves behind a light, fresh scent. Just place this concoction on a shelf in your fridge, and watch as those lingering odors dissipate in no time.
Ingredients for Your Refrigerator Deodorizer
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- Wide-mouth glass jar
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon
- Baking soda
- Organic food-grade diatomaceous earth (optional)
- Essential oil of your choice
Steps to Create Your Refrigerator Deodorizer
Step 1: Add 1/2 Cup of Baking Soda to the Jar
Tip: Choose a jar made from materials that are safe for use with diluted essential oils. Glass, stainless steel, and certain types of plastic (like plastic #1 HDPE or plastic #2 PET) are ideal.
Tip: Opt for a jar with a wide opening to maximize exposure to air. The more surface area the baking soda mixture has, the more odors it can absorb.
Tip: Avoid sealing the jar with a tight lid. Instead, either leave it open, use a lid with holes for air circulation, or cover it with a breathable fabric like cheesecloth secured with a mason jar ring.
Step 2: Incorporate 1/2 Cup of Diatomaceous Earth
Tip: There are two types of diatomaceous earth: pool grade and food grade. For home use, always select organic food-grade diatomaceous earth.
Tip: Diatomaceous earth is a natural deodorizer with a porous structure that effectively absorbs odors.
Tip: Combining baking soda with diatomaceous earth enhances their odor-absorbing properties. If you don’t have diatomaceous earth, you can replace it with another 1/2 cup of baking soda for a total of 1 cup.
Step 3: Add 15 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil not only provides a refreshing scent but also serves as a powerful natural deodorizer. Its high limonene content helps to neutralize odors, leaving your refrigerator smelling fresh. There are various essential oils you can use to customize your deodorizer to your preferred fragrance. Below are 20 of my favorite essential oil blends for you to explore.
Step 4: Stir to Combine Ingredients Thoroughly
Recommended Essential Oil Blends for Deodorizing
Here are some essential oils and blends that are particularly effective for your homemade refrigerator deodorizer. Feel free to mix and match according to your scent preference:
- 15 drops of lemon essential oil
- 9 drops of eucalyptus + 6 drops of spearmint
- 6 drops of bergamot + 6 drops of sweet orange + 3 drops of lemon
- 5 drops of tea tree + 5 drops of lemon + 5 drops of lime
- 5 drops of lemongrass + 5 drops of lavender + 5 drops of eucalyptus
- 9 drops of sweet orange + 6 drops of peppermint
- 9 drops of lemon + 6 drops of cypress
- 9 drops of sweet orange + 2 drops of rosemary + 2 drops of clove
- 12 drops of lemon + 3 drops of clove
- 5 drops of tea tree + 5 drops of lemon + 5 drops of orange
- 3 drops of lime + 3 drops of sweet orange + 3 drops of lemon + 6 drops of spearmint
- 5 drops of lavender + 5 drops of lemon + 5 drops of rosemary
- 5 drops of lavender + 5 drops of cypress + 5 drops of tea tree
- 5 drops of eucalyptus + 5 drops of frankincense + 5 drops of lemon
- 9 drops of grapefruit + 3 drops of frankincense + 3 drops of peppermint
- 9 drops of tangerine + 3 drops of lemon + 3 drops of tea tree
- 5 drops of lemon + 5 drops of peppermint + 5 drops of eucalyptus
- 6 drops of frankincense + 6 drops of cypress + 3 drops of ylang ylang
- 5 drops of spearmint + 5 drops of sweet orange + 5 drops of lavender
- 4 drops of lemon + 4 drops of lime + 4 drops of tea tree + 2 drops of fir
How to Use Your Deodorizer
- Place it in the refrigerator: Position the jar on a shelf where it won’t be accidentally knocked over.
- Ensure good airflow: Leave the lid off or use a lid with holes so the deodorizer can work effectively.
How Long Will This Deodorizer Last?
- Generally, it lasts for about 1-2 months.
- Tip: To maintain its effectiveness, stir or shake the container weekly to expose fresh baking soda and diatomaceous earth to the air.
- Tip: When you’re ready to dispose of the deodorizer, don’t just throw it away. Pour it down the sink to help deodorize your drains as well.
Deep Cleaning Your Refrigerator
If you want to go the extra mile, consider deep cleaning your refrigerator in addition to using this DIY deodorizer. Here’s how:
- Empty: Remove everything from the fridge. Tip: If you expect interruptions, store perishable items in a cooler.
- Tidy up: Check expiration dates and discard any expired or spoiled food.
- Wipe: Use a homemade “Lysol” disinfecting spray to thoroughly clean all surfaces inside the fridge. Tip: Pay special attention to grooves and corners where bacteria can hide.
- Dry: Allow the refrigerator to dry completely before restocking.
- Restock: As you put items back, wipe down containers to keep everything clean.
- Deodorize: Utilize the DIY deodorizer to keep your fridge smelling fresh until the next cleaning.
- Clean the exterior: Use a homemade stainless steel cleaner for the outside of the fridge.
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Fridge?
It’s a good idea to deep clean your refrigerator every three months. I usually do this with the change of seasons. However, if spills occur or you notice unpleasant smells, don’t hesitate to clean sooner.
Download Your Free Printable Refrigerator Deodorizer Recipe
Explore More DIY Deodorizing Recipes
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Odor eliminator room spray
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Homemade Poo-Pourri toilet spray
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Stinky shoe spray
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Garbage can spray
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Trash can deodorizer tabs
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Essential oil deodorizing pads
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Fabric refresher linen spray
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Laundry scent booster
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Seasonal room sprays
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Homemade deodorants
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Vacuum deodorizing with essential oils
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Disclaimer: The products mentioned on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a medical professional for advice. This website may contain affiliate links; purchases made through these links may provide a small commission to me at no extra cost to you.