Cooking good food is lovely, but lingering smells? Not so much. A quick snack should not mean that your house smells of fish tacos for three days. If your kitchen needs a breath of fresh air, here are ten smart and simple strategies for removing stubborn cooking odors. Dive in!
What Makes Cooking Smells Stick Around?
Cooking smells seem to stick because they are made of grease particles, aromatic spices, and even potent ingredients like garlic or fish. In this way, they get stuck to other surfaces, fabrics, and even appliances. Fortunately, with a few smart tricks, you will be able to get rid of cooking smells. Here it goes.
Tip #1: Improve Ventilation Using a Range Hood and Fresh Air
Good ventilation is your first defense. Turn on your range hood while cooking to draw odors out, or open windows to draw in fresh air. If you don’t have a range hood, consider placing a fan near a window to blow stale air out.
Tip #2. Simmer Natural Air Fresheners
Create a DIY potpourri by simmering a pot of water with lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, or herbs like thyme and rosemary. This trick not only neutralizes odors but adds a cozy, inviting scent to your kitchen.
Tip #3. Leave Out a Bowl of Vinegar or Baking Soda
White vinegar and baking soda are the superheroes of your kitchen when it comes to odor control. Leave a bowl of either one on your countertop overnight, and let them absorb those stubborn smells.
Tip #4: Try Salted Potatoes
This vintage trick works wonderfully. Just cut up a potato and sprinkle salt onto the cut side. Then rub it into smelly spots in the kitchen, like over cutting boards or countertops. That will absorb smells, but please, after that, don’t eat the potato. It’s better to toss it since it’s been used for cleaning.
Tip #5: Put Coffee Grounds to Work
Used coffee grounds are very good at absorbing odors and leaving a subtle, pleasant scent. Place them in small bowls and leave them around the kitchen to absorb unwanted odors.
Tip #6: Invest in an Air Purifier
An air purifier with a carbon filter can work wonders for removing lingering kitchen smells. It’s especially helpful if your kitchen is part of an open floor plan.
Tip #7: Refresh Your Upholstery
Fabrics like chairs, rugs, and curtains just love to trap smells. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on them, let it sit for about 20 minutes, then vacuum it up. Easy peasy to freshen your space.
Tip #8: Clean as You Cook
Cleaning as you cook is a game changer. Wash dishes, wipe down counters, and tackle spills immediately to prevent odors from setting in. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective.
Tip #9. Keep Your Trash Can Fresh
Trash cans are a magnet for bad smells. Clean yours regularly with hot, soapy water and a splash of vinegar. For extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda at the bottom before lining it.
Need Help Keeping Your Kitchen Fresh?
Whether you need to refresh your kitchen or a clean, odor-free home, our professionals are just a click away. Book your cleaning service today and breathe easy in a fresh, welcoming space!