The Ultimate Guide to Tackling Kitchen Smells

Kitchen Smell

Published: 2024-10-25

The kitchen, what we often call the heart of the home, is a place where we cook and make memories. But this place can also have bad smells that might stick around even after cleaning.

If you are tired of using the usual cleaning methods that are not showing any good results, worry not! Continue reading this blog, where we will discuss effective cooking odor removal strategies to help you keep your space smelling fresh and welcoming. 

What are some common causes of smell in the kitchen?

You can only remove cooking odors when you know their sources. Here are some common sources:

  • Food residues: Tiny bits of leftover food particles can stick to surfaces like counters, inside the fridge and stovetops.
  • Cooking: Food like garlic, fish and spices can leave strong odors in the air. 
  • Mold and mildew: Damp areas, like under sinks, can cause musty smells when they grow mold. 
  • Garbage: Sometimes, the bins still smell bad even after you take out the trash.

How to get rid of cooking odors?

Here are some quick fixes you can try to remove cooking smells:

  1. Ventilation is the key:

Good airflow can help reduce bad smells and create a more comfortable environment in the kitchen. Improving ventilation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce kitchen odors. Let fresh air by keeping doors and windows open. Moreover, consider turning on the exhaust fan while cooking, as it will help remove cooking odors from the air.

  1. Try the baking soda magic

As you might already know, baking soda is great for absorbing odors. You can put an open box of baking soda in your fridge to eliminate kitchen odors. In addition to this, you can also mix it with water to make a paste and use it to scrub surfaces that tend to trap smells.

  1. Simmer a pot of water

Another great way to get rid of smells in the kitchen is to simmer a pot of water on the stove. Add ingredients such as lemon slices, herbs or a splash of vinegar. The steam will spread these pleasant scents throughout the kitchen. This will ultimately help cover up bad odors as the method not only refreshes the air but also makes the space feel welcoming.

  1. Clean the refrigerator thoroughly

Sometimes, usual surface cleaning is not enough, and you may need to take a deeper approach like deep cleaning strategies. One such method to tackle persistent odors is to clean the refrigerator thoroughly.

The refrigerator often causes bad smells, and you can keep it clean by taking out all the food items and checking for expired items. Wipe down all the shelves and drawers using a mix of equal parts water and vinegar, as it can easily neutralize odors.

  1. Wash your trash can

The trash can still holds onto smells even after you empty it. Therefore, you must clean it with warm and soapy water and disinfect it using a vinegar and water mix. If stubborn odors persist, consider sprinkling baking soda inside and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing it out. This will help absorb any lingering smells and keep your trash can fresh.

  1. Use activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is well-known for its ability to absorb odors effectively. You can place its bowls around your kitchen and smelly areas like the garbage can or refrigerator. This natural solution helps get rid of unwanted smells without adding any fragrances that might mix poorly with your cooking.

  1. Try commercial odor eliminators

Sometimes, DIY methods do not work, and you might need to consider using commercial odor eliminators made for kitchens. These products can come in sprays, plug-ins and gels that release pleasant scents while getting rid of bad ones. But remember to only look for options that are non-toxic and safe for use around food.

How to keep odors at bay?

Now that you know how to get rid of kitchen smells, you must also learn the steps to prevent them from returning. Here are some practical tips:

  1. Store food properly:

Make sure you store all food in airtight containers. This will not only help keep food fresh for longer but will also prevent strong odors from escaping. Besides this, you should also learn to be mindful of leftovers. Store them properly and use them within a few days to avoid odor buildup.

  1. Use natural air fresheners:

Natural air fresheners like essential oil diffusers can leave your kitchen smelling nice. Citrus scents, like lemon or orange, are particularly effective at masking bad odors and adding a refreshing touch to your cooking space.

  1. Dispose of waste quickly:

Take out the trash regularly, and do not let food scraps sit in the kitchen for too long. Consider composting organic waste to reduce odors and protect the environment. Composting is a good way to keep your kitchen clean while promoting eco-friendly practices. 

  1. Establish a regular cleaning routine:

Having a regular cleaning schedule for your kitchen can make a significant difference. Therefore, consider wiping down surfaces every day and deep cleaning kitchen appliances weekly or bi-weekly. Regular upkeep will help keep odors at bay and help maintain a pleasant environment.

Also Read: How to Eliminate Unpleasant Odours in the Home

Conclusion

Kitchen odors removal can be really frustrating at times, especially when regular cleaning does not work. However, you can neutralize unwanted smells and create a fresh and inviting cooking environment by understanding where these odors come from and implementing different strategies.

A little effort and the best fragrance products from Elix are all you need to make your kitchen a comfortable place to cook and spend time with family and friends. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1- What are the most common sources of smell in the kitchen?

Ans. Food residues left on surfaces, strong smelling ingredients from cooking, garbage and damp areas that foster mold and mildew are some common sources of kitchen odors. You must identify these sources for effective odor neutralization. 

Q2- How to get rid of kitchen odors naturally?

Ans. Natural remedies such as baking soda, vinegar and activated charcoal are ideal to prevent kitchen odors naturally. These substances effectively absorb and neutralize unpleasant smells, and that too, without introducing artificial fragrances. 

Q3- How can I quickly eliminate odors after cooking?

Ans. In addition to using air fresheners, odor eliminators and fragrance diffusers, opening doors and windows for ventilation and using baking soda to absorb smells are the two best ways to quickly eliminate odors after cooking.