We all love the smell of a delicious meal cooking, but no one wants yesterday’s fish taco aroma lingering on. Kitchen smells have a way of overstaying their welcome, invading your living room and sometimes your life. If the aroma of your kitchen feels more like “mystery stew” territory than “fresh and clean,” it’s time to take action. Here are 10 tried-and-true tips to banish cooking odors and keep your kitchen smelling fabulous.
What Causes Cooking Smells in The Kitchen?
Before we tackle smells, let’s understand them first. Most of the time, cooking odors could be due to grease particles, food splatters, or strongly aromatic ingredients in the recipe, like garlic, onions, and fish smells, which might attach to the walls, fabrics, or other appliances, which is outrageously difficult to get rid of. But don’t you worry, fresh air is coming!
Tip# 1. Vent Your Kitchen with a Range Hood and Open Windows
Let the stink out first! While cooking, turn on your range hood, and crack open a window to let fresh air flow through. No range hood? A trusty fan pointed toward an open door or window can also work wonders.
Tip #2. Simmer Odor-Killing Potpourri
Make your kitchen an aromatherapy space: just put a pan of water on the boil with slices of lemon, a couple of cinnamon sticks, or even rosemary in it. Not only will that kill the bad smell, but your house will smell like a bakery too.
Tip #3. Leave Out Vinegar or Baking Soda
No, you are not brewing some sort of science experiment; these odor-fighting heroes are for real. Leave a bowl of white vinegar or baking soda on your counter overnight to soak up those lingering smells. Added plus: they are cheap!
Tip #4. Coffee Grounds
If the smell of coffee gets you going, then you’re in luck. Take some used coffee grounds and sprinkle them in a bowl, leaving them out. They will absorb odors and add a rich, aromatic smell to your space, just like a café.
Tip #5. Get an Air Purifier
An air purifier isn’t just for when the pollen count is high. Invest in one with a carbon filter to zap those stubborn odors. It’s the MVP of fresh air.
Tip #6. Deodorize Your Upholstery
The odors just cling to the kitchen chairs, curtains, and rugs. Sprinkle baking soda over fabric surfaces and let it stay for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. Freshness, restored!
Tip #7. Clean Immediately After Cooking
We know—the last thing you want to do after cooking is clean. But trust us, wiping down surfaces, washing dishes, and taking out the trash right away can prevent smells from settling in.
Tip #8. Keep Your Trash Can Clean
Garbage bins are one of the perfect spots in the house where all bad odors stay. Try periodically rinsing it out with hot water and white vinegar. For an added boost, sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom.
Tip #9. Clean Your Sink and Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal
Odors are attracted to sinks and garbage disposals. Sprinkle baking soda down the drain, add a splash of vinegar, and flush with hot water. Throw in a few lemon peels for that extra zing.
Need Professional Help in Keeping Your Kitchen Spotless?
The kitchen can be a lot of work, and time might not be a luxury you have. So, let CalMaids take care of your home cleaning, from sparkling countertops to fresh and odor-free spaces, all taken care of by the pros. Book with us today!
