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The Best Refrigerator Deodorizers for Long-Lasting Freshness
Written By Review Team at the Kitchen Institute
A fridge is an essential part of the modern kitchen, but we take it for granted until it starts to smell. If you’ve been dealing with an icky smell from your fridge, it’s time to invest in a quality refrigerator deodorizer. This article will review our top picks for the top refrigerator deodorizers of 2025.
Gone are the days of dealing with unpleasant odors seeping out of your fridge; now, you can keep things smelling fresh with these top-of-the-line deodorizers. We’ve also included a buying guide to discover the finest refrigerator deodorizer to enjoy an odor-free fridge.
Detailing Our Favorite Refrigerator Deodorizer of 2025
OTOTO Refrigerator Deodorizer
Best Overall
The OTOTO Refrigerator Deodorizer is an adorable and clever kitchen tool that can help keep your refrigerator smelling fresh. Its unique mushroom-shaped design adds a bit of personality, making it a fun and functional addition to any kitchen.
This product is made of food-grade, BPA-free materials that are heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe. It’s easy to use and maintain, just remove the lid and fill it with baking soda, then put it back in the egg section of your fridge. It’s designed to absorb odors in its belly so that you won’t have nasty smells wafting around your kitchen. It also makes a great gift.
Overall, this product is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an interesting twist on a mundane kitchen task. With its fun yet functional design, practicality, and ease of use, this refrigerator deodorizer is the top choice on our list.
Arm & Hammer Refrigerator Deodorizer
Best for Odor Control
The Arm & Hammer Refrigerator Deodorizer keeps your food fresh and free from unpleasant odors. This pack includes one 14 oz box. Its Flo-Thru technology makes this product unique, having dual panel vents for maximum odor control. This feature allows the baking soda to work, absorb, and deodorize continuously.
As a monthly reminder, use a new box for your fridge and freezer to help keep food tasting fresh. It’s also free from harsh chemicals and made from pure and natural baking soda. Each box covers a large fridge and lasts up to an entire month.
The convenient shape of the box allows it to fit easily into any refrigerator or freezer. Overall, this refrigerator deodorizer is an excellent product that helps keep food fresh and free from unpleasant odors.
NonScents Refrigerator Deodorizer
Most Fast-acting
The NonScents Refrigerator Deodorizer is far more effective than baking soda, lasting six times longer and working within hours to keep your food storage areas fresh and odorless. This fridge deodorizer is perfect for people who don’t have the time to maintain and clean their fridges every other day.
This refrigerator deodorizer contains non-toxic ingredients, making it safe for you and your family. Also, it is leak-proof, so you can place it anywhere without any fear of spills. And because it eliminates odors on a molecular level instead of using fragrances or perfumes that only hide those smells, you don’t have to worry about strong odors or synthetic chemicals.
This option is easy to use and requires no maintenance. Its patented technology does all the hard work for you and keeps your food storage areas fresh for up to 6 months.
Fridge Ninja Refrigerator Deodorizer
Most Aroma-neutralizing
The Fridge Ninja Refrigerator Deodorizer utilizes naturally activated charcoal to absorb odors, gases, and humidity so that your groceries stay fresher for longer. Compared to baking soda, this carbon-neutral product is proven more effective in removing unpleasant smells from the refrigerator.
The deodorizer is incredibly versatile and can be used together in the refrigerator, freezer, cooler, or lunch box. Both pieces are long-lasting and can last up to a year when recharged under direct sunlight. It is created with an eco-friendly formula and contains no added chemicals or fragrances.
Each piece absorbs over 2x its weight in moisture and odors. The pieces are small enough to fit virtually anywhere while still providing the power to combat odors and moisture efficiently. This fridge deodorizer is a reliable and cost-effective way to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh and clean.
Innofresh Refrigerator Deodorizer
Most Multi-purpose
The Innofresh Fridge-It-Refrigerator Deodorizer contains naturally activated charcoal, which is highly absorbent, trapping and neutralizing odors in seconds. The deodorizer lasts up to 6 months, making it six times longer lasting than a box of baking soda.
The air freshener is completely fragrance-free; no chemicals, scents, or fragrances have been added. This makes it safe around food, people, and pets, giving you peace of mind. It also ensures that it won’t release dust, protecting your family from harm.
What’s great about this product is its compact size; you can use it nearly anywhere, including the refrigerator, freezer, trash cans, diaper pails, office breakroom, or even closets. This makes it versatile, helping to keep those pesky odor-causing particles to a minimum regardless of where they may be hiding. This product is a great choice for neutralizing odors while leaving a pleasant scent in its wake.
Refrigerator Deodorizers: A Buyer’s Guide
Now that you know the top-rated refrigerator deodorizers out there, take a look at this short buying guide to make the right purchase.
How Does a Refrigerator Deodorizer Work?
A refrigerator deodorizer releases special enzymes into the air that digest odors, leaving behind a pleasant scent. The deodorizing action of the enzymes breaks down molecules that cause unpleasant smells while also breaking down airborne bacteria and mold spores. Some models also come with replaceable carbon filters that enhance odor-eliminating power.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Refrigerator Deodorizer
Effectiveness
Look for deodorizers that have been tested and proven to be effective in removing strong odors, such as smoke, food, and pet smells. Some products may be better suited for certain types of odors, so consider this.
Safety
Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals and do not pose a risk to food safety. Some deodorizers contain natural ingredients, such as baking soda or activated charcoal, that make them safe to use around food.
Ease of use
Look for products that require minimal effort to set up, use, and clean. It should also be simple to replace the product once it has reached the end of its life cycle. You can get a good idea of how easy to use a deodorizer is by going through some customer testimonials on its product page.
Scent
This can be an advantage if you want to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh in between using the deodorizer. But be aware that some scents can be overwhelming, so it may be better to avoid products that leave behind strong fragrances.
Design
Look for models specifically designed for refrigerators or ones with an adjustable design that can fit in different sizes and shapes of spaces within the refrigerator.
Durability
Look for a refrigerator deodorizer that is well-made and built to last. Products with sturdy construction and materials will endure regular use more effectively. Also, consider if the product has additional features, such as an outer casing or protective coating.
The Correct Place to Keep a Refrigerator Deodorizer
The correct place to keep a refrigerator deodorizer is typically inside the fridge, on the top shelf, or in the back corner. This allows for it to circulate throughout the refrigerator and absorb odors more effectively. It can also help reduce spoilage as it keeps food fresher for longer by controlling bacteria growth.
Benefits of Using a Refrigerator Deodorizer
- Refrigerator deodorizers use activated charcoal, baking soda, essential oils, and other natural ingredients to absorb moisture and trap odors and bacteria.
- By using a refrigerator deodorizer, you can reduce or eliminate bad smells that are often mildew ,caused by mold, rotting food, or spilled liquids in your refrigerator.
- You can also help prevent cross-contamination of odors between foods stored in your fridge.
- By using a deodorizer regularly, you can ensure that any lingering moisture is properly absorbed, reducing the chances of getting musty scents.
People Also Asked
What is a refrigerator deodorizer?
A refrigerator deodorizer is a product that is specifically designed to eliminate unpleasant odors from the inside of a refrigerator or freezer. It usually comes in the form of a pouch, containing an absorbent material such as activated charcoal, baking soda, or other scent-eliminating products.
How does a refrigerator deodorizer work?
Refrigerator deodorizers work by absorbing, filtering, and neutralizing odor-causing molecules. This process varies depending on the type of deodorizer used but typically involves trapping the molecules in a porous material and using a chemical reaction or adsorption process to neutralize or eliminate them.
Is a refrigerator deodorizer safe to use?
Most refrigerator deodorizers are generally safe to use in refrigerators. It is always essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions and to follow all safety precautions when using any type of deodorizer.
How often do I need to change my refrigerator deodorizer?
The frequency with which you will need to change your deodorizer will depend on the type you are using and the number of odors present in your refrigerator or freezer. Generally, it is recommended that you replace your deodorizer approximately every two months for optimal results.
How do I install the deodorizer in my refrigerator?
Installing a refrigerator deodorizer will vary depending on the type that you are using. Typically, items like activated charcoal or baking sodas are simply placed in an open container on one or more shelves of your refrigerator, while other types may require specific installation instructions enclosed within the packaging when purchased.
Is there an easy way to remove the deodorizer when it's no longer effective?
Yes, typically just disposing of it in the bin when it has reached its end of life should suffice. But, if you have purchased an item with a re-fillable core, then all that would be necessary is replacing the core with a new one.
How long will the deodorizer last in my refrigerator?
This will depend largely upon the type of product you are using. Some items, such as essential oils, can last up to two months before needing replacement, while others, like activated charcoal, may last up to six months with periodic replacement being necessary for full efficacy over time.
Are there any special instructions for using a refrigerator deodorizer?
Yes! Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage before use. Some items, such as essential oils, may require dilution before use, while others, like baking soda, may require periodic stirring from time to time for maximum effectiveness.
Are there any health risks associated with using a refrigerator deodorizer?
In general, refrigerator deodorizers are considered safe for home use. But any type of inhalation can still pose potential health risks depending upon the ingredients used in each product. Always make sure to read the manufacturer’s warnings carefully before use and take all necessary precautions.
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