🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 102 (from laksa096)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa102.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.aol.com/articles/does-box-baking-soda-fridge-010200785.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.aol.com/articles/does-box-baking-soda-fridge-010200785.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/does-box-baking-soda-fridge-010200785.html","crawl_time":1773901067,"first_indexed_time":0,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,aol!www,\/articles\/does-box-baking-soda-fridge-010200785.html s443","src_root_hash":"10243928666277241102","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Does That Box of Baking Soda in Your Fridge Do Anything? I Asked 3 Pro Cleaners - AOL","meta_descriptions":["It’s all about prevention and proper storage."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Credit: Simply Recipes \/ Adobe Stock\nKey Takeaways\nCleaning your fridge daily and tossing expired food helps prevent odors and harmful bacteria.\nA bleach solution adds an extra layer of sanitation during deep cleans every four to six months.\nBaking soda neutralizes fridge odors and works best when replaced every 30 days.\nSometimes, a box of baking soda won’t cut it to keep the refrigerator from smelling bad. I open up the fridge and I am greeted by some funky smell, regardless—it could be spilled leftovers or maybe an onion way past its prime. There has to be a better way to keep the fridge fresh.\n“The best way to keep your refrigerator from smelling bad is by keeping it clean every day,” says\nAnn Ziata\n, chef at the\nInstitute of Culinary Education\n’s New York City campus. “Doing a little bit every day is better than waiting days or weeks before tidying it up. Stay in the habit of discarding food the moment it goes bad and immediately wiping up any spills.”\nYour daily fridge check should include a wipe of the shelves and walls with some warm, soapy water. Then, be sure to look for any food past its prime. “There is nothing worse than holding onto expired food,” says Ziata. “It can spread bacteria, make your fridge smell awful, and can potentially be quite dangerous if accidentally consumed. Don’t wait for garbage pick-up day, toss it immediately.”\nTo keep food from going bad quickly, proper storage is important. Don’t keep liquids or cooked food uncovered. Be sure to use lids that fit tightly or wrap well with plastic wrap and, ideally, label containers with the contents or at least the date.\n“A good rule of thumb is to store ready-to-eat foods at the top of the fridge, cooked seafood below, and raw meat at the bottom,” says Ziata. “Raw poultry should be stored on the lowest shelf in your fridge. Many modern refrigerators now have specifically labeled drawers for produce, eggs, and more.”\nPrevention Is the Key to Avoiding a Stinky Fridge\nPrevention is key, agrees\nEnrique Martinez\n, biotechnology professor at the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico.\n“When it comes to bad-smelling refrigerators at home, it is most likely that this is caused due to the presence of microorganisms inside the appliance,” Martinez says. He suggests wiping any spills immediately with hot, soapy water and performing a deep clean of the fridge at least every four to six months.\nFor a deep clean, remove shelves, drawers, and trays and wash them with hot, soapy water, then rinse well. Wipe down the interior of the fridge with hot, soapy water and then rinse by wiping with clean water.\nMartinez suggests one extra step when deep cleaning. “Afterwards, apply a bleach and water sanitizing solution following the instructions, generally included on the bleach bottle. Let it sit for 10 minutes with doors open and proper ventilation and remove it, preferably with paper towels.”\nWhat About Baking Soda?\nThere’s a good chance you have an open box of baking soda tucked in your fridge. It really can help keep your fridge from smelling.\n“When stored, molecules of baking soda start to move around the fridge due to the air circulation from the fan,” Martinez explains. “As an alkaline (basic) substance, particles of baking soda get to neutralize the acids from odor particles, eventually achieving a clean smell over time.”\nYou should replace the box of baking soda at least every three months, but it’s even better to replace it every 30 days, says Jessica Ek, spokesperson for the\nAmerican Cleaning Institute\n. Make sure you open the box or purchase one specifically for fridge odors. That box usually has more holes in the side.\nEk explains, “The more surface area of the baking soda exposed, the better, as this will help with odor absorption.”\nRead More:\nHow To Make a Stinky Dishwasher Smell Fresh, According to Whirlpool\nRead the original article on\nSimply Recipes","attrs_markdown":"- [Home](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/ \"Home\")\n- [Subscriptions](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/products?ncid=mbr_rusacqlnk00000036 \"Subscriptions\")\n- [Animals](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/animals\/ \"Animals\")\n- [Entertainment](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/entertainment\/ \"Entertainment\")\n- Finance\n- [Food](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/food\/ \"Food\")\n- [Games](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/games\/ \"Games\")\n- Health\n- [Home & Garden](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/home-garden\/ \"Home & Garden\")\n- News\n- [Shopping](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/shopping\/ \"Shopping\")\n- [Style](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/style\/ \"Style\")\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/travel\/ \"Travel\")\n- [True 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Tech\")\n- [Sports](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/sports\/ \"Sports\")\n- [Weather](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/weather\/ \"Weather\")\n\nMenu\n\n24\/7 Help\n\nFor premium support please call:\n\n[800-290-4726](tel:800-290-4726)\n\n[more ways to reach us](https:\/\/help.aol.com\/contact\/)\n\n[Sign in](https:\/\/oidc.www.aol.com\/login\/?lang=en-us&intl=us&src=fp-us&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aol.com%2Ffood%2Fdoes-box-baking-soda-fridge-010200785.html \"Sign in\")\n\n[Mail](https:\/\/mail.aol.com\/ \"email link\")\n\n24\/7 Help\n\nFor premium support please call:\n\n[800-290-4726](tel:800-290-4726)\n\n[more ways to reach us](https:\/\/help.aol.com\/contact\/)\n\n[Mail](https:\/\/mail.aol.com\/ \"email link\")\n\n[Sign in](https:\/\/oidc.www.aol.com\/login\/?lang=en-us&intl=us&src=fp-us&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aol.com%2Ffood%2Fdoes-box-baking-soda-fridge-010200785.html \"Sign in\")\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/ \"Home\")\n- 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[Subscriptions](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/products?ncid=mbr_rusacqlnk00000036 \"Subscriptions\")\n- [Animals](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/animals\/ \"Animals\")\n- [Entertainment](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/entertainment\/ \"Entertainment\")\n- Finance\n- [Food](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/food\/ \"Food\")\n- [Games](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/games\/ \"Games\")\n- Health\n- [Home & Garden](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/home-garden\/ \"Home & Garden\")\n- News\n- [Shopping](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/shopping\/ \"Shopping\")\n- [Style](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/style\/ \"Style\")\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/travel\/ \"Travel\")\n- [True Crime](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/true-crime\/ \"True Crime\")\n\n- Back\n- Finance\n- [Finance](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/finance\/ \"Finance\")\n- [Banking](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/finance\/banking\/ \"Banking\")\n- [Business News](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/business\/ \"Business News\")\n- [Estate & Retirement Planning](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/finance\/retirement-planning\/ \"Estate & Retirement Planning\")\n- [Loans & Mortgages](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/finance\/mortgages\/ \"Loans & Mortgages\")\n\n- Back\n- Health\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/health\/ \"Health\")\n- [Medicare](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/health\/medicare\/ \"Medicare\")\n\n- Back\n- News\n- [News](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/ \"News\")\n- [Business](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/business\/ \"Business\")\n- [Lighter Side](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/lighter \"Lighter Side\")\n- [Politics](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/politics\/ \"Politics\")\n- [Science & Tech](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/science-tech\/ \"Science & Tech\")\n- [Sports](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/sports\/ \"Sports\")\n- [Weather](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/weather\/ \"Weather\")\n\n# Does That Box of Baking Soda in Your Fridge Do Anything? I Asked 3 Pro Cleaners\n[![Simply Recipes](https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/gTxsL.3HpHUQWITpg9SiMw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI4MjtoPTgw\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/os\/creatr-uploaded-images\/2024-01\/9f151120-bba5-11ee-9fbf-51bc374c7e25)](https:\/\/www.simplyrecipes.com\/)\n\nMary Jo DiLonardo\n\nWed, March 18, 2026 at 1:02 AM UTC\n\n0\n\n![Credit: Simply Recipes \/ Adobe Stock](https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/B..60Vkn_8KtXfm8RXRtxg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_simply_recipes_articles_149\/26486581a355fa45f9f2b15ec6cf8c6b)\n\n*Credit: Simply Recipes \/ Adobe Stock*\n### Key Takeaways\n- Cleaning your fridge daily and tossing expired food helps prevent odors and harmful bacteria.\n- A bleach solution adds an extra layer of sanitation during deep cleans every four to six months.\n- Baking soda neutralizes fridge odors and works best when replaced every 30 days.\n\nSometimes, a box of baking soda won’t cut it to keep the refrigerator from smelling bad. I open up the fridge and I am greeted by some funky smell, regardless—it could be spilled leftovers or maybe an onion way past its prime. There has to be a better way to keep the fridge fresh.\n\n“The best way to keep your refrigerator from smelling bad is by keeping it clean every day,” says [Ann Ziata](https:\/\/www.ice.edu\/about\/chefs\/ann-ziata), chef at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https:\/\/www.ice.edu\/)’s New York City campus. “Doing a little bit every day is better than waiting days or weeks before tidying it up. Stay in the habit of discarding food the moment it goes bad and immediately wiping up any spills.”\n\nYour daily fridge check should include a wipe of the shelves and walls with some warm, soapy water. Then, be sure to look for any food past its prime. “There is nothing worse than holding onto expired food,” says Ziata. “It can spread bacteria, make your fridge smell awful, and can potentially be quite dangerous if accidentally consumed. Don’t wait for garbage pick-up day, toss it immediately.”\n\nTo keep food from going bad quickly, proper storage is important. Don’t keep liquids or cooked food uncovered. Be sure to use lids that fit tightly or wrap well with plastic wrap and, ideally, label containers with the contents or at least the date.\n\n“A good rule of thumb is to store ready-to-eat foods at the top of the fridge, cooked seafood below, and raw meat at the bottom,” says Ziata. “Raw poultry should be stored on the lowest shelf in your fridge. Many modern refrigerators now have specifically labeled drawers for produce, eggs, and more.”\n\n## Prevention Is the Key to Avoiding a Stinky Fridge\nPrevention is key, agrees [Enrique Martinez](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Enrique-Martinez-Martinez-2), biotechnology professor at the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico.\n\n“When it comes to bad-smelling refrigerators at home, it is most likely that this is caused due to the presence of microorganisms inside the appliance,” Martinez says. He suggests wiping any spills immediately with hot, soapy water and performing a deep clean of the fridge at least every four to six months.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nFor a deep clean, remove shelves, drawers, and trays and wash them with hot, soapy water, then rinse well. Wipe down the interior of the fridge with hot, soapy water and then rinse by wiping with clean water.\n\nMartinez suggests one extra step when deep cleaning. “Afterwards, apply a bleach and water sanitizing solution following the instructions, generally included on the bleach bottle. Let it sit for 10 minutes with doors open and proper ventilation and remove it, preferably with paper towels.”\n\n## What About Baking Soda?\nThere’s a good chance you have an open box of baking soda tucked in your fridge. It really can help keep your fridge from smelling.\n\n“When stored, molecules of baking soda start to move around the fridge due to the air circulation from the fan,” Martinez explains. “As an alkaline (basic) substance, particles of baking soda get to neutralize the acids from odor particles, eventually achieving a clean smell over time.”\n\nYou should replace the box of baking soda at least every three months, but it’s even better to replace it every 30 days, says Jessica Ek, spokesperson for the [American Cleaning Institute](https:\/\/www.cleaninginstitute.org\/). Make sure you open the box or purchase one specifically for fridge odors. That box usually has more holes in the side.\n\nEk explains, “The more surface area of the baking soda exposed, the better, as this will help with odor absorption.”\n\nRead More: [How To Make a Stinky Dishwasher Smell Fresh, According to Whirlpool](https:\/\/www.simplyrecipes.com\/how-to-make-a-dishwasher-smell-fresh-11740539)\n\nRead the original article on [Simply Recipes](https:\/\/www.simplyrecipes.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-fridge-odors-pro-cleaners-11913496)\n\nShow comments\n\n0\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## From Our Partners\n[![Advertisement](https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/cv\/apiv2\/adbuilder\/gemini.png)](https:\/\/legal.yahoo.com\/us\/en\/yahoo\/privacy\/adinfo\/index.html)\n\nAdvertisement\n\nDon't miss our daily roundup.\n\nStay informed with a handpicked selection of the day's top AOL stories, delivered to your inbox.\n\nThanks for signing up.\n\nThank you for signing up. You will receive a confirmation email shortly.\n\nStay informed with a handpicked selection of the day's top AOL stories, delivered to your inbox.\n\n#### In Other News\n[Entertainment](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/entertainment\/)\n\n[Entertainment](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/entertainment\/ \"Entertainment\")\n\n[![USA TODAY](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/life\/)\n\n[USA TODAY](https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/life\/)\n\n[Rebecca Gayheart, two daughters make rare appearance since Eric Dane's death](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/rebecca-gayheart-two-daughters-rare-224241013.html)\n\n[![Rebecca Gayheart, two daughters make rare appearance since Eric Dane's death](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/rebecca-gayheart-two-daughters-rare-224241013.html)\n\n[Entertainment](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/entertainment\/ \"Entertainment\")\n\n[![Entertainment Weekly](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.ew.com\/)\n\n[Entertainment Weekly](https:\/\/www.ew.com\/)\n\n['Bridgerton' actress Ruth Gemmell 'went home and cried' over steamy scene](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/bridgerton-actress-ruth-gemmell-went-005406419.html)\n\n[!['Bridgerton' actress Ruth Gemmell 'went home and cried' over steamy scene](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/bridgerton-actress-ruth-gemmell-went-005406419.html)\n\n[Finance](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/finance\/)\n\n[Finance](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/finance\/ \"Finance\")\n\n[![Reuters](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/)\n\n[Reuters](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/)\n\n[Musk says SpaceX AI, Tesla will keep ordering Nvidia chips at scale](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/musk-says-spacex-ai-tesla-023636908.html)\n\n[![Musk says SpaceX AI, Tesla will keep ordering Nvidia chips at scale](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/musk-says-spacex-ai-tesla-023636908.html)\n\n[Finance](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/finance\/ \"Finance\")\n\n[![CNN Business](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/business)\n\n[CNN Business](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/business)\n\n[Compass drops lawsuit against Zillow over how some homes are marketed online](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/compass-drops-lawsuit-against-zillow-224250284.html)\n\n[![Compass drops lawsuit against Zillow over how some homes are marketed online](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/compass-drops-lawsuit-against-zillow-224250284.html)\n\n[Lighter Side](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/lighter\/)\n\n[Lighter Side](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/lighter\/ \"Lighter Side\")\n\n[![Parade](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/parade.com\/)\n\n[Parade](https:\/\/parade.com\/)\n\n[Costco CEO's hot dog video goes viral: A hilarious take on the CEO bite trend](https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/lifestyle\/articles\/costco-ceos-hot-dog-video-202500633.html)\n\n[![Costco CEO's hot dog video goes viral: A hilarious take on the CEO bite trend](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/lifestyle\/articles\/costco-ceos-hot-dog-video-202500633.html)\n\n[Lighter Side](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/lighter\/ \"Lighter Side\")\n\n[![Associated Press](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/apnews.com\/)\n\n[Associated Press](https:\/\/apnews.com\/)\n\n[A real possum appears among plush toy animals in Australian airport gift shop](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/real-possum-appears-among-plush-005922832.html)\n\n[![A real possum appears among plush toy animals in Australian airport gift shop](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/real-possum-appears-among-plush-005922832.html)\n\n[News](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/)\n\n[News](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/ \"News\")\n\n[![Reuters](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/)\n\n[Reuters](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/)\n\n[US weighs military reinforcements as Iran war enters possible new phase](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/exclusive-us-weighs-military-reinforcements-234717074.html)\n\n[![US weighs military reinforcements as Iran war enters possible new phase](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/articles\/exclusive-us-weighs-military-reinforcements-234717074.html)\n\n[News](https:\/\/www.aol.com\/news\/ \"News\")\n\n[![CNN](https:\/\/s.aolcdn.com\/aoldotcom-releases\/lazyload\/blank.gif)](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/)\n\n[CNN](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/)\n\n[Cuba is going dark under US pressure. 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All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"![Credit: Simply Recipes \/ Adobe Stock](https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/B..60Vkn_8KtXfm8RXRtxg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/aol_simply_recipes_articles_149\/26486581a355fa45f9f2b15ec6cf8c6b)\n\n*Credit: Simply Recipes \/ Adobe Stock*\n### Key Takeaways\n- Cleaning your fridge daily and tossing expired food helps prevent odors and harmful bacteria.\n- A bleach solution adds an extra layer of sanitation during deep cleans every four to six months.\n- Baking soda neutralizes fridge odors and works best when replaced every 30 days.\n\nSometimes, a box of baking soda won’t cut it to keep the refrigerator from smelling bad. I open up the fridge and I am greeted by some funky smell, regardless—it could be spilled leftovers or maybe an onion way past its prime. There has to be a better way to keep the fridge fresh.\n\n“The best way to keep your refrigerator from smelling bad is by keeping it clean every day,” says [Ann Ziata](https:\/\/www.ice.edu\/about\/chefs\/ann-ziata), chef at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https:\/\/www.ice.edu\/)’s New York City campus. “Doing a little bit every day is better than waiting days or weeks before tidying it up. Stay in the habit of discarding food the moment it goes bad and immediately wiping up any spills.”\n\nYour daily fridge check should include a wipe of the shelves and walls with some warm, soapy water. Then, be sure to look for any food past its prime. “There is nothing worse than holding onto expired food,” says Ziata. “It can spread bacteria, make your fridge smell awful, and can potentially be quite dangerous if accidentally consumed. Don’t wait for garbage pick-up day, toss it immediately.”\n\nTo keep food from going bad quickly, proper storage is important. Don’t keep liquids or cooked food uncovered. Be sure to use lids that fit tightly or wrap well with plastic wrap and, ideally, label containers with the contents or at least the date.\n\n“A good rule of thumb is to store ready-to-eat foods at the top of the fridge, cooked seafood below, and raw meat at the bottom,” says Ziata. “Raw poultry should be stored on the lowest shelf in your fridge. Many modern refrigerators now have specifically labeled drawers for produce, eggs, and more.”\n\n## Prevention Is the Key to Avoiding a Stinky Fridge\nPrevention is key, agrees [Enrique Martinez](https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Enrique-Martinez-Martinez-2), biotechnology professor at the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico.\n\n“When it comes to bad-smelling refrigerators at home, it is most likely that this is caused due to the presence of microorganisms inside the appliance,” Martinez says. He suggests wiping any spills immediately with hot, soapy water and performing a deep clean of the fridge at least every four to six months.\n\nFor a deep clean, remove shelves, drawers, and trays and wash them with hot, soapy water, then rinse well. Wipe down the interior of the fridge with hot, soapy water and then rinse by wiping with clean water.\n\nMartinez suggests one extra step when deep cleaning. “Afterwards, apply a bleach and water sanitizing solution following the instructions, generally included on the bleach bottle. Let it sit for 10 minutes with doors open and proper ventilation and remove it, preferably with paper towels.”\n\n## What About Baking Soda?\nThere’s a good chance you have an open box of baking soda tucked in your fridge. It really can help keep your fridge from smelling.\n\n“When stored, molecules of baking soda start to move around the fridge due to the air circulation from the fan,” Martinez explains. “As an alkaline (basic) substance, particles of baking soda get to neutralize the acids from odor particles, eventually achieving a clean smell over time.”\n\nYou should replace the box of baking soda at least every three months, but it’s even better to replace it every 30 days, says Jessica Ek, spokesperson for the [American Cleaning Institute](https:\/\/www.cleaninginstitute.org\/). Make sure you open the box or purchase one specifically for fridge odors. That box usually has more holes in the side.\n\nEk explains, “The more surface area of the baking soda exposed, the better, as this will help with odor absorption.”\n\nRead More: [How To Make a Stinky Dishwasher Smell Fresh, According to Whirlpool](https:\/\/www.simplyrecipes.com\/how-to-make-a-dishwasher-smell-fresh-11740539)\n\nRead the original article on [Simply Recipes](https:\/\/www.simplyrecipes.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-fridge-odors-pro-cleaners-11913496)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Credit: Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock Key Takeaways Cleaning your fridge daily and tossing expired food helps prevent odors and harmful bacteria. A bleach solution adds an extra layer of sanitation during deep cleans every four to six months. Baking soda neutralizes fridge odors and works best when replaced every 30 days. Sometimes, a box of baking soda won’t cut it to keep the refrigerator from smelling bad. I open up the fridge and I am greeted by some funky smell, regardless—it could be spilled leftovers or maybe an onion way past its prime. There has to be a better way to keep the fridge fresh. “The best way to keep your refrigerator from smelling bad is by keeping it clean every day,” says Ann Ziata , chef at the Institute of Culinary Education ’s New York City campus. “Doing a little bit every day is better than waiting days or weeks before tidying it up. Stay in the habit of discarding food the moment it goes bad and immediately wiping up any spills.” Your daily fridge check should include a wipe of the shelves and walls with some warm, soapy water. Then, be sure to look for any food past its prime. “There is nothing worse than holding onto expired food,” says Ziata. “It can spread bacteria, make your fridge smell awful, and can potentially be quite dangerous if accidentally consumed. Don’t wait for garbage pick-up day, toss it immediately.” To keep food from going bad quickly, proper storage is important. Don’t keep liquids or cooked food uncovered. Be sure to use lids that fit tightly or wrap well with plastic wrap and, ideally, label containers with the contents or at least the date. “A good rule of thumb is to store ready-to-eat foods at the top of the fridge, cooked seafood below, and raw meat at the bottom,” says Ziata. “Raw poultry should be stored on the lowest shelf in your fridge. Many modern refrigerators now have specifically labeled drawers for produce, eggs, and more.” Prevention Is the Key to Avoiding a Stinky Fridge Prevention is key, agrees Enrique Martinez , biotechnology professor at the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. “When it comes to bad-smelling refrigerators at home, it is most likely that this is caused due to the presence of microorganisms inside the appliance,” Martinez says. He suggests wiping any spills immediately with hot, soapy water and performing a deep clean of the fridge at least every four to six months. For a deep clean, remove shelves, drawers, and trays and wash them with hot, soapy water, then rinse well. Wipe down the interior of the fridge with hot, soapy water and then rinse by wiping with clean water. Martinez suggests one extra step when deep cleaning. “Afterwards, apply a bleach and water sanitizing solution following the instructions, generally included on the bleach bottle. Let it sit for 10 minutes with doors open and proper ventilation and remove it, preferably with paper towels.” What About Baking Soda? There’s a good chance you have an open box of baking soda tucked in your fridge. It really can help keep your fridge from smelling. “When stored, molecules of baking soda start to move around the fridge due to the air circulation from the fan,” Martinez explains. “As an alkaline (basic) substance, particles of baking soda get to neutralize the acids from odor particles, eventually achieving a clean smell over time.” You should replace the box of baking soda at least every three months, but it’s even better to replace it every 30 days, says Jessica Ek, spokesperson for the American Cleaning Institute . Make sure you open the box or purchase one specifically for fridge odors. That box usually has more holes in the side. Ek explains, “The more surface area of the baking soda exposed, the better, as this will help with odor absorption.” Read More: How To Make a Stinky Dishwasher Smell Fresh, According to Whirlpool Read the original article on Simply Recipes
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I Asked 3 Pro Cleaners [![Simply Recipes](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gTxsL.3HpHUQWITpg9SiMw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI4MjtoPTgw/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-01/9f151120-bba5-11ee-9fbf-51bc374c7e25)](https://www.simplyrecipes.com/) Mary Jo DiLonardo Wed, March 18, 2026 at 1:02 AM UTC 0 ![Credit: Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B..60Vkn_8KtXfm8RXRtxg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_simply_recipes_articles_149/26486581a355fa45f9f2b15ec6cf8c6b) Credit: Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock ### Key Takeaways - Cleaning your fridge daily and tossing expired food helps prevent odors and harmful bacteria. - A bleach solution adds an extra layer of sanitation during deep cleans every four to six months. - Baking soda neutralizes fridge odors and works best when replaced every 30 days. Sometimes, a box of baking soda won’t cut it to keep the refrigerator from smelling bad. I open up the fridge and I am greeted by some funky smell, regardless—it could be spilled leftovers or maybe an onion way past its prime. There has to be a better way to keep the fridge fresh. “The best way to keep your refrigerator from smelling bad is by keeping it clean every day,” says [Ann Ziata](https://www.ice.edu/about/chefs/ann-ziata), chef at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https://www.ice.edu/)’s New York City campus. “Doing a little bit every day is better than waiting days or weeks before tidying it up. Stay in the habit of discarding food the moment it goes bad and immediately wiping up any spills.” Your daily fridge check should include a wipe of the shelves and walls with some warm, soapy water. Then, be sure to look for any food past its prime. “There is nothing worse than holding onto expired food,” says Ziata. “It can spread bacteria, make your fridge smell awful, and can potentially be quite dangerous if accidentally consumed. Don’t wait for garbage pick-up day, toss it immediately.” To keep food from going bad quickly, proper storage is important. Don’t keep liquids or cooked food uncovered. Be sure to use lids that fit tightly or wrap well with plastic wrap and, ideally, label containers with the contents or at least the date. “A good rule of thumb is to store ready-to-eat foods at the top of the fridge, cooked seafood below, and raw meat at the bottom,” says Ziata. “Raw poultry should be stored on the lowest shelf in your fridge. Many modern refrigerators now have specifically labeled drawers for produce, eggs, and more.” ## Prevention Is the Key to Avoiding a Stinky Fridge Prevention is key, agrees [Enrique Martinez](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Enrique-Martinez-Martinez-2), biotechnology professor at the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. “When it comes to bad-smelling refrigerators at home, it is most likely that this is caused due to the presence of microorganisms inside the appliance,” Martinez says. He suggests wiping any spills immediately with hot, soapy water and performing a deep clean of the fridge at least every four to six months. Advertisement For a deep clean, remove shelves, drawers, and trays and wash them with hot, soapy water, then rinse well. Wipe down the interior of the fridge with hot, soapy water and then rinse by wiping with clean water. Martinez suggests one extra step when deep cleaning. “Afterwards, apply a bleach and water sanitizing solution following the instructions, generally included on the bleach bottle. Let it sit for 10 minutes with doors open and proper ventilation and remove it, preferably with paper towels.” ## What About Baking Soda? There’s a good chance you have an open box of baking soda tucked in your fridge. It really can help keep your fridge from smelling. “When stored, molecules of baking soda start to move around the fridge due to the air circulation from the fan,” Martinez explains. “As an alkaline (basic) substance, particles of baking soda get to neutralize the acids from odor particles, eventually achieving a clean smell over time.” You should replace the box of baking soda at least every three months, but it’s even better to replace it every 30 days, says Jessica Ek, spokesperson for the [American Cleaning Institute](https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/). Make sure you open the box or purchase one specifically for fridge odors. That box usually has more holes in the side. Ek explains, “The more surface area of the baking soda exposed, the better, as this will help with odor absorption.” Read More: [How To Make a Stinky Dishwasher Smell Fresh, According to Whirlpool](https://www.simplyrecipes.com/how-to-make-a-dishwasher-smell-fresh-11740539) Read the original article on [Simply Recipes](https://www.simplyrecipes.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fridge-odors-pro-cleaners-11913496) Show comments 0 Advertisement ## From Our Partners [![Advertisement](https://s.yimg.com/cv/apiv2/adbuilder/gemini.png)](https://legal.yahoo.com/us/en/yahoo/privacy/adinfo/index.html) Advertisement Don't miss our daily roundup. Stay informed with a handpicked selection of the day's top AOL stories, delivered to your inbox. Thanks for signing up. Thank you for signing up. You will receive a confirmation email shortly. 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Readable Markdown	![Credit: Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B..60Vkn_8KtXfm8RXRtxg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_simply_recipes_articles_149/26486581a355fa45f9f2b15ec6cf8c6b) Credit: Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock ### Key Takeaways - Cleaning your fridge daily and tossing expired food helps prevent odors and harmful bacteria. - A bleach solution adds an extra layer of sanitation during deep cleans every four to six months. - Baking soda neutralizes fridge odors and works best when replaced every 30 days. Sometimes, a box of baking soda won’t cut it to keep the refrigerator from smelling bad. I open up the fridge and I am greeted by some funky smell, regardless—it could be spilled leftovers or maybe an onion way past its prime. There has to be a better way to keep the fridge fresh. “The best way to keep your refrigerator from smelling bad is by keeping it clean every day,” says [Ann Ziata](https://www.ice.edu/about/chefs/ann-ziata), chef at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https://www.ice.edu/)’s New York City campus. “Doing a little bit every day is better than waiting days or weeks before tidying it up. Stay in the habit of discarding food the moment it goes bad and immediately wiping up any spills.” Your daily fridge check should include a wipe of the shelves and walls with some warm, soapy water. Then, be sure to look for any food past its prime. “There is nothing worse than holding onto expired food,” says Ziata. “It can spread bacteria, make your fridge smell awful, and can potentially be quite dangerous if accidentally consumed. Don’t wait for garbage pick-up day, toss it immediately.” To keep food from going bad quickly, proper storage is important. Don’t keep liquids or cooked food uncovered. Be sure to use lids that fit tightly or wrap well with plastic wrap and, ideally, label containers with the contents or at least the date. “A good rule of thumb is to store ready-to-eat foods at the top of the fridge, cooked seafood below, and raw meat at the bottom,” says Ziata. “Raw poultry should be stored on the lowest shelf in your fridge. Many modern refrigerators now have specifically labeled drawers for produce, eggs, and more.” ## Prevention Is the Key to Avoiding a Stinky Fridge Prevention is key, agrees [Enrique Martinez](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Enrique-Martinez-Martinez-2), biotechnology professor at the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. “When it comes to bad-smelling refrigerators at home, it is most likely that this is caused due to the presence of microorganisms inside the appliance,” Martinez says. He suggests wiping any spills immediately with hot, soapy water and performing a deep clean of the fridge at least every four to six months. For a deep clean, remove shelves, drawers, and trays and wash them with hot, soapy water, then rinse well. Wipe down the interior of the fridge with hot, soapy water and then rinse by wiping with clean water. Martinez suggests one extra step when deep cleaning. “Afterwards, apply a bleach and water sanitizing solution following the instructions, generally included on the bleach bottle. Let it sit for 10 minutes with doors open and proper ventilation and remove it, preferably with paper towels.” ## What About Baking Soda? There’s a good chance you have an open box of baking soda tucked in your fridge. It really can help keep your fridge from smelling. “When stored, molecules of baking soda start to move around the fridge due to the air circulation from the fan,” Martinez explains. “As an alkaline (basic) substance, particles of baking soda get to neutralize the acids from odor particles, eventually achieving a clean smell over time.” You should replace the box of baking soda at least every three months, but it’s even better to replace it every 30 days, says Jessica Ek, spokesperson for the [American Cleaning Institute](https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/). Make sure you open the box or purchase one specifically for fridge odors. That box usually has more holes in the side. Ek explains, “The more surface area of the baking soda exposed, the better, as this will help with odor absorption.” Read More: [How To Make a Stinky Dishwasher Smell Fresh, According to Whirlpool](https://www.simplyrecipes.com/how-to-make-a-dishwasher-smell-fresh-11740539) Read the original article on [Simply Recipes](https://www.simplyrecipes.com/how-to-get-rid-of-fridge-odors-pro-cleaners-11913496)
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