This 1 'low cost, low waste' non-toxic kitchen ingredient easily banishes fridge odors – 'it's a vintage cleaning method that's secretly genius', say pros

Filled with fresh produce, food, and drinks, it's no surprise that fridges can quickly become odor magnets. But, how do you banish these sour, stale scents, and keep your fridge smelling fresher for longer?

It's not usually desired, or recommended, to introduce harsh chemicals where food is stored, with experts and homeowners alike championing non-toxic alternatives. That's why using dried rolled oats in your fridge as a natural deodorizer is the perfect fix.

Here, our cleaning professionals share how to use this breakfast staple to get rid of fridge smells once and for all.

What is the dried oat method to banish fridge smells?

Daniel Heayberd, cleaning professional and operations director at Mustang Hygiene, shares that, while as a cleaning expert he's always testing out strange methods to see if they actually work, even he was surprised by this method.

But, he says, 'Using dried oats to remove fridge smells isn't just a strange tip, it's a vintage method that's secretly genius.'

He explains, 'Think of oats as miniature neutralizing sponges. They're highly absorbent, naturally odorless, and can pull weird odors right out of the air in your fridge without leaving a scent of their own,' making them one of nature's best deodorizers to use around your home.

'While everyone else is rushing to the baking soda or coffee grounds, oats are just sitting there with unsung potential,' he adds.

Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless agrees, highlighting that oats are surprisingly effective at reducing moisture and smell particles that cause 'fridge funk,' all without introducing any chemicals or artificial fragrances.

This is particularly important when striving to make a home less toxic.

What are the pros and cons of this method?

As with anything, there are benefits and drawbacks to this clever, affordable and natural deodorizing method. Our experts share the pros:

• It's non-toxic and food-safe.
• It's completely fragrance-free.
• Oats are budget-friendly and likely already in your pantry.
• This method works well for moderate odors.
• It 'won't mask odors, but absorb them,' says Daniel, ' which renders them ideal for subtle fridge funk, like leftovers, sliced onions, or that questionable container you neglected.'

And the cons:

• It is not as fast-acting as baking soda or activated charcoal made for the purpose, such as the Fridge Ninja Activated Charcoal Fridge Deodorizer available at Amazon.
• The oats need to be replaced regularly (approximately every one to two weeks).
• It may not fully neutralize very strong smells on its own. As Daniel says, 'If your fridge smells like a science experiment, oats won't perform miracles – you'll have to thoroughly clean your refrigerator first.'

How to try the dried oat method in your own home

Luckily, fixing this thing making your kitchen smell bad with oats is incredibly quick and easy, and all you need is a small bowl, such as the Your Zone 19-Ounce Plastic Purple Bowl available at Walmart, or a shallow container.

'Get a small bowl or open container and fill it about halfway with some plain, uncooked old-fashioned rolled oats,' advises Daniel. 'I like to use Quaker Old Fashioned Rolled Oats from Walmart because they're cheap and have a resealable container. Avoid flavored or instant oats – they contain sugars or additives that will go stale quickly.

'Place the bowl on a middle or top shelf in your fridge, if possible, away from fan vents or areas that get condensation. Let sit undisturbed for up to two weeks, then discard the oats and replenish as needed.

'For an extra moisture-controlling action, I'll sometimes place the oats in Small Glass Cooking Bowls from Amazon, so I can visibly notice when they start to look clumpy or soft.'

Who is the dried oat method good for?

As Daniel explains, this method is ideal for anyone who suffers from fragrance sensitivity.

'If you hate the artificial scent of fridge deodorizers or don't want to have chemicals near your food, oats offer a clean, scent-free alternative,' he says. 'It’s also ideal for small households, renters, or college students who might not be able to deep-clean their fridge regularly,' which, while a fridge cleaning mistake, is sometimes unavoidable.

'I’ve also recommended this method to people who meal prep and store a lot of containers,' he continues. 'They often notice that food smells start to blend together, and oats quietly fix that. If you have children or live with pets and must use something edible and non-toxic, oats are one of the few things I'm comfortable recommending.'

And, as Karina adds, really this method is good for 'anyone looking for a low-cost, low-waste option using what they already have.'

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

FAQs

What neutralizes fridge smells?

As well as oats, you can also try cleaning with baking soda or using coffee and salt to deodorize a fridge, both of which are also natural, non-toxic options. Vanilla and vinger can be used to clean your fridge and leave a lovely, gentle natural smell behind.

Meet our experts

Karina Toner

With numerous contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, Karina is an expert when it comes to keeping your home clean, sanitary, and free of any ominous odors.

Daniel Heayberd

Daniel is a cleaning specialist and the operations director for Mustang Hygiene, with a mission is to deliver reliable, professional hygiene services that leave places clean, safe, and smelling fresh.

So the next time your fridge is wafting of an unpleasant odor and you don't have baking soda on hand, reach for your oatmeal,' says Daniel. 'It's one of those grandma-style hints that's worth so much more attention.'

Next, why not try making a vanilla vinegar cleaner to banish odors with a sweet scent.