An expert on NPR said this is what you should use to keep your refrigerator funk-free (FYI, it's not baking soda!)

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If you’ve ever wondered if that box of baking soda in your fridge is actually doing anything, the answer is probably not. While baking soda can help reduce smells caused by acidic items, the hard truth is that baking soda’s odor-eliminating abilities are drastically overblown.

That said, you don’t just have to deal with strong smells in your fridge. I was recently listening to a segment on NPR and was surprised to learn there’s another readily available ingredient that keeps food smells at bay way better than baking soda: Activated charcoal.

You’ve probably heard of people using activated charcoal for all kinds of things, from brushing their teeth to keeping their fish tank clean. Believe it or not, this powerhouse ingredient is also a workhorse in your refrigerator, neutralizing strong smells from foods like onions and garlic.

Activated Charcoal Bags Odor Absorber, $23.98

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If you're not convinced activated charcoal can work wonders in reducing odors in your fridge (and really, all around your house), check out these Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber Bags on Amazon. They have 4.3 out of 5 stars and more than 10,000 reviews. People rave about how well they work everywhere, from the kitchen to children's rooms.

“Soaks up smells,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “I purchased different sizes in a bundle. They came fast, and they absolutely mask odors. I put them in cars, closets, kitchen — just everywhere. [I] love them.”

Another shopper commented, “I had this horrible wet smell because of some bad plumbing. My son’s room was the greatest test. The house smells clear. So five stars it is. If you have odor issues in your home, this product is a great buy.”

If you’re new to activated charcoal, you should know the product is very long-lasting, but it does require some maintenance. According to the product description, these Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber Bags “will last up to two years. Just reactivate them under the sunlight for two hours every month, and they will work like new again.”

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