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Freshen Up Your Fridge Naturally—No Chemicals Needed
"Of all the inventions made in the 20th century, refrigeration was among those that altered the course of our everyday lives in a most tasteful way." ~ Lee Svitak Dean
Let’s be honest: refrigerators are hardworking appliances, and they can quickly start to smell like a science experiment. Between leftovers, strong-smelling produce, and the occasional forgotten container, odors happen. But before you reach for chemical-laden air fresheners, there’s a better way to handle fridge funk—naturally.
Why Make a DIY Fridge Deodorizer?
A natural deodorizer is a safer, cleaner way to absorb unwanted smells without masking them. Many store-bought options use artificial fragrances that simply cover odors and may contain ingredients you don’t want near your food. A DIY version uses safe, effective, and budget-friendly ingredients you already have at home.
Benefits of Using a Natural Deodorizer:
Non-toxic – Safe to use around food, kids, and pets.
Cost-effective – Most ingredients are pantry staples.
Customizable – Choose essential oils that match your scent preferences.
Long-lasting – Refreshes for weeks at a time with simple maintenance.
Zero waste – Reusable containers and natural ingredients reduce environmental impact.
Natural deodorizers don’t just mask odors—they neutralize them. Baking soda absorbs smells while essential oils bring freshness without the toxins.
DIY Refrigerator Deodorizer Recipe
This simple combo absorbs odors and leaves your fridge smelling clean and inviting.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup baking soda
15-20 drops of essential oil
Small glass jar or container with a breathable lid (or a mason jar with holes punched in the lid)
Instructions:
Add baking soda to your jar.
Drop in essential oils and stir gently.
Cover with a breathable lid and place in the back or side of your fridge.
Replace the mixture every 30 days or when it stops absorbing odors.
Best Essential Oils for Fridge Freshness
When choosing oils for your fridge, it’s best to stick with ones that are:
Antibacterial or antifungal to help keep things fresh
Crisp and clean-smelling to neutralize food odors
Recommended Essential Oils:
Lemon – Uplifting, cuts through sour odors
Purify (doTERRA blend) – Designed for eliminating odors naturally
Tea Tree – Antifungal and antibacterial
Peppermint – Cooling and invigorating scent
Abode – doTERRA’s surface-cleansing powerhouse blend
Thyme or Clove – Potent antimicrobial oils (use sparingly)
Avoid overly floral or spicy scents that could compete with food aromas.
Monthly Refresh for a Fresher Fridge
Your fridge deserves some TLC, and maintaining freshness doesn’t have to be complicated. Refresh your deodorizer monthly when you do your fridge clean-out. You can even keep a second jar in your freezer to help with unwanted smells there, too.
A fresh fridge is a happy fridge—and now, a natural one too! ✨
