Why does baking soda absorb odors?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “why does baking soda absorb odors” with an in-depth analysis of the chemistry lying behind the odor-absorbing property of the baking soda. Moreover, we are going to discuss how you can use baking soda to get rid of foul smells lingering around your laundry, oven, and refrigerator.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Why does baking soda absorb odors?
Baking soda is a compelling odor absorber due to its basic character. When it comes to smells most of the foul smells are acidic in nature. So when the baking soda neutralizes the very compounds that are responsible for a particularly foul smell, it gives them an ionic character which reduces the vapor pressure and makes them more water-soluble. Now, what reducing the vapor pressure does is that it makes the smell less available for the nose to detect.
So using baking soda for getting rid of the foul smells is an inexpensive and effective remedy. Baking soda is the pure form of sodium bicarbonate with no extra additives. As baking soda has the power to neutralize the acids and bases and this particular property of baking soda makes it an excellent odor absorber. So if you want to get rid of foul smells in your refrigerator, your kitchen cabinets or rugs, etc. simply buy some baking soda and let it do its magic.
How to freshen laundry with baking soda?
Cleaning your laundry
Just mix 1/2 cup of baking soda in your detergent and wash your laundry with it to get the fresh-smelling clothes.
Removing smoky smells
The smell of smoke tends to linger a long time on your clothes. So it is a good practice to soak your clothes in some baking soda and water before washing them in the washing machine. So all you gotta do is to add 1/2 cup of baking soda in a tub, bucket, or sink and add enough water to soak the clothes fully in it. Leave the clothes for a couple of hours in this water and baking soda mixture and afterward wash them with a detergent.
Removing the smell of sweat
So you can easily remove the smell of sweat lingering around your tracksuits, shorts, or everyday dresses by soaking them in baking soda and water. So take 1/2 cup of baking soda in a bucket or sink. fill in enough water to soak all the sweaty clothes. add the clothes to the bucket with water and baking soda and leave them for a couple of hours. afterward, wash the clothes as usual.
Removing the smell of gasoline
So to get rid of the smell of gasoline or oil from your clothes. You should take a mixture of baking soda and water in a large plastic zipper bag. Now place your clothes in this plastic bag and make sure that the clothes are completely soaked in the baking soda mixture. Now seal the bag and leave it for a day or two and afterward wash these clothes separately in a bucket with the help of a detergent.
Smelly laundry
So if you are not getting the time to wash your dirty clothes and they have piled up a lot. Surely there will be some smell around them. So what you can do in this scenario is to sprinkle some baking soda directly on these clothes to get rid of their foul smell. But do not forget to wash them when you get the time.
How to clean and freshen your oven with baking soda?
- Turn off your oven.
- Remove the oven racks.
- Make a baking soda paste with water.
- Apply this paste on the inside of the oven.
- Leave it for a couple of hours.
- Afterward, clean the oven with the help of a damp sponge.
How to freshen and clean your refrigerator with baking soda?
- Turn off the refrigerator.
- Remove all the food items and the racks present in the fridge.
- Make a baking soda paste with water or you can even make a paste out of baking soda with some lemon juice added to it to freshen up your refrigerator.
- Apply this paste in the refrigerator and leave it for a couple of hours.
- Afterward, clean the refrigerator with the help of a non-abrasive sponge.
Moreover, for an easier approach, you can place an uncovered container of baking soda in your refrigerator to get rid of smells from different food items.
Other FAQs about Baking Soda which you may be interested in.
How much baking soda and vinegar? (+5 Ways to use)
How to make baking soda at home? (+5 substitutes)
How to tell the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “why does baking soda absorb odors” with an in-depth analysis of the chemistry lying behind the odor-absorbing property of the baking soda. Moreover, we discussed how you can use baking soda to get rid of foul smells lingering around your laundry, oven, and refrigerator.
Citations
https://www.thespruce.com/baking-soda-and-laundry-odors-1900715
