Discover the best natural ways to remove stubborn cooking smells from your kitchen. Learn how to use lemon, vinegar, baking soda, and proper ventilation to keep your home fresh.
Cooking delicious meals at home is enjoyable, but lingering food odors can be challenging to deal with. If you’re dealing with persistent smells from garlic, onions, fried foods, or seafood, don’t worry! This guide will show you natural and effective methods to get rid of unwanted odors and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
So, to answer the question of, “Why Do Cooking Odors Linger?”, here is what we’ve found:
Cooking releases tiny grease and odor particles into the air, which settle on kitchen surfaces, walls, and even fabrics like curtains and seat cushions. Without proper ventilation and cleaning, these odors can build up over time. Strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, fish, and fried dishes are especially difficult to eliminate.
Fortunately, by using simple and natural deodorizing techniques, you can refresh your space without relying on chemical air fresheners.
1. Simmer a Natural Deodorizer on the Stove – get rid of unwanted odors
One of the most effective ways to neutralize cooking odors quickly is by simmering a pot of water infused with natural ingredients.
How to Make a DIY Simmer Pot
Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle boil.
Add fresh lemon slices to cut through grease and remove stubborn food smells.
Drop in a few sprigs of rosemary for a refreshing herbal scent.
Pour in a splash of white vinegar, which acts as a natural deodorizer.
Let the mixture simmer for 15–30 minutes to allow the fresh aroma to circulate throughout your kitchen.
Pro Tip: You can also add cinnamon sticks or cloves for a warm, inviting fragrance.
2. Baking Soda: The Ultimate Odor Absorber
Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer that absorbs odors instead of masking them. Here’s how you can use it in different areas of your kitchen:
Wipe Down Kitchen Surfaces; Mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a cleaning paste.
Use it to wipe down countertops, stovetops, and cabinets to eliminate grease and trapped odors.
Deodorize Your Sink & Drain
Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain.
Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar and let it fizz for 10 minutes.
Rinse with hot water to flush out any remaining buildup.
Passive Odor Control
Place small bowls of baking soda around the kitchen, inside trash cans, and in the refrigerator to absorb bad smells.
Pro Tip: Replace the baking soda in your fridge every month to keep it fresh!
3. Improve Kitchen Ventilation: Good airflow is essential for preventing cooking smells from lingering.
Here’s how to boost ventilation in your kitchen:
Always turn on your range hood or exhaust fan while cooking.
Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate.
Use an air purifier with an activated carbon filter to trap airborne odors.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a range hood, place a box fan near a window to help pull cooking fumes outside.
4. Natural Air Fresheners for a Lasting Fresh Scent
Instead of using synthetic air fresheners, try these eco-friendly alternatives:
Citrus Peels
Place dried lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels in a small bowl to create a fresh, citrusy scent.
Essential Oils
Add a few drops of lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus oil to a cotton ball and place it in cabinets or near the stove.
Activated Charcoal
Use small pouches of activated charcoal in your kitchen to absorb persistent odors over time.
5. Deep Cleaning: The Ultimate Odor Removal Solution
If odors continue to linger, it’s time for a deep clean.
Follow these steps for long-term odor control:
Scrub stovetops, oven interiors, and range hoods to remove built-up grease.
Wash kitchen curtains, rugs, and seat cushions that might have absorbed food smells.
Disinfect garbage bins with vinegar and water solution to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Pro Tip: For extra freshness, place dryer sheets at the bottom of your trash can absorb bad smells.
Some Final Thoughts
Cooking smells don’t have to take over your home. By using natural deodorizing techniques like simmer pots, baking soda, and proper ventilation, you can enjoy a clean and fresh-smelling kitchen every day.
For more home maintenance and cleaning tips, visit Redfin’s Apartment Guide blog.
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