We know that a box or a cup of baking soda in the fridge will help curb odors. It’s a simple way to keep the fridge and the foods inside it fresher. It also works in the freezer. If you freeze something with a strong scent, that scent may well overpower ice cream, ice cubes, or anything else in the freezer. Baking soda can help with that.
However, baking soda also works in many other areas. The best things about baking soda are that it’s readily available, it’s inexpensive and it’s easy to use. Most of the time, all you have to do is open a box, set it down, and forget about it.
Still, there are a couple tricks that are nearly as simple and that will provide the same great results. If you have washed your kitchen trashcan but it still isn’t as fresh as you’d like, fill an old sock with baking soda and place it in the bottom of the can beneath the trash bag. It will help absorb odors that seem to have become embedded.
The sock full of baking soda trick also works in stinky shoes and boots (this idea from Woman’s Day). It’s a great way to use those socks that seem to have lost their match in the washing machine.
Mismatched old mittens and gloves will work too, just fill them up with baking soda and secure the open end to avoid spillage. It’s a great idea for small, musty smelling areas in the basement, attic, or garage as well. Toss one in the trunk of the car too.
On the other hand, an open box or dish of baking soda is a good choice in open areas. Baking soda makes great cleanser too, as do other common household items. Check out Make Your Own Household Cleaning Products for ideas.