why do baking soda absorb odors ?

Question

i used it in a room full of cigarrette odors and noticed huge difference ....

i think i found the answer
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/oct98/904621982.Ch.r.html

Answer 1

If you look at it under a scanning electron microscope it looks like a sponge. It has a massive surface area/ volume ratio in much the same way as charcoal powder does.

Answer 2

Baking soda is limited in what odors it absorbs and doesn't work for that long I found. - Better idea - Someone else mentioned charcoal. I have the perfect product that I've used for years and know dozens of other people that use it. It is a product called FRIDGE IT odor absorbers. It is a little purple cube with an incredible activated carbon filter inside that is really, really, great. It works so much better than baking soda and all those sprays and fragrances that just cover up smells and doesn't get rid of them. Also, alot of sprays have warning statements about being eye irritant. The carbon literally absorbs and eliminates the odors and works for a long time. Just place some of them around problem area. I use this product everywhere including car(smoke and pet smells), storage, closets, my fridge and also under sinks, near trash and have friends that use it on cat litter box and also diaper pails - it's that good. I really recommend it. You can buy it in kitchen gadget sections in stores like walmart and linens and things. I also think camping world sells it. Someone else even said available in England. Definitely worth trying

Answer 3

The baking soda releases Oxygen and that oxidizes the odors and renders them a different odorless compound.

Answer 4

It absorbs moisture from the air, and most of the odurs get trapped in this moisture

Answer 5

because of the chemical composition of it all