Say Goodbye to Kitchen Odours: Simple Fixes That Work

The kitchen, often regarded as the heart of the home, can unfortunately harbour unwelcome odours that detract from its charm. You don’t have to run a restaurant like we do to know that the lingering smell of sautéed fish or the acrid scent of burnt toast are olfactory nuisances that can turn an inviting space into one far less pleasant.

Fortunately, there are refined yet accessible solutions available to help restore a fresh atmosphere without the need for expensive gadgets or professional assistance. In this article we offer you a carefully curated selection of practical, cost-effective strategies for eliminating kitchen odours, using everyday household items and simple techniques that deliver impressive results. 

Why Kitchen Odours Happen 

To effectively tackle kitchen odours, one must first understand their origins. These unwelcome smells typically come from cooking activities, organic waste, or overlooked and neglected maintenance of appliances and surfaces. Below, we examine the primary sources of these olfactory nuisances with clarity and precision. 

Cooking and Food Residue 

Culinary endeavours, especially frying pungent ingredients such as fish, onions, or garlic, release volatile compounds that stick tenaciously to surfaces, textiles or fabrics, and ambient air. Unattended spills and splatters on countertops or stovetops can, over time, emit unpleasant odours if not promptly cleaned. 

Trash and Compost Bins  

Trash bins and compost bins can contribute to unpleasant kitchen odours. Organic waste, especially proteins such as meat or dairy, decomposes rapidly, emitting offensive scents. Even with regular emptying, residual matter can accumulate, which keeps the unwelcome aroma in the air. Pay extra attention to this in the summer, especially with compost bins, when the heat accelerates the process. 

Appliances and Sinks 

Household appliances, such as fridges, microwaves, and dishwashers, can become sources of unpleasant odours if not carefully maintained. Forgotten perishables in the fridge or a build-up of grease in the oven may produce disagreeable smells. Similarly, food particles trapped in sink drains or waste disposal units can lead to musty or foul aromas. 

Natural Odour Removal Solutions 

For effective odour removal, natural remedies are often both efficient and economical. These methods utilise everyday household items to neutralise and eliminate unpleasant smells or malodors, providing a gentle yet powerful alternative to harsh chemical solutions. 

Baking Soda or Bicarbonate: The Odour Absorber 

Baking soda or bicarbonate is a natural, very powerful ally in neutralising and eliminating kitchen odours. Its alkaline properties absorb acidic odour molecules, rendering it versatile for diverse scents. 

• Refrigerator Freshening: Place an open container of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb food-related odours. Replace it every one to two months for optimal efficacy. 
• Bin Maintenance: Sprinkle a layer of baking soda at the bottom of your bin before inserting a new liner to prevent odour build-up. 
• Drain Purification: Rinse your sink or garbage disposal with a mixture of baking soda and hot water to neutralise entrenched smells. 

White Vinegar: A Versatile Deodoriser 

White vinegar, due to its acetic acid composition, serves as a powerful deodoriser, by breaking down odour-causing compounds without leaving a strong scent. 

• Surface cleaning: Combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to clean countertops, cutting boards, and other surfaces where culinary odors persist. 
• Microwave Refreshening: Heat a bowl with a mixture of vinegar and water in the microwave for two to three minutes, then wipe down the interior to get rid of bad smells and stains. 
• AIr Freshening: Simmer a pot of water infused with a cup of vinegar and a handful of citrus peels to clear cooking odours from the air and refresh the surroundings. 

Lemon and Citrus: Fresh and Effective 

Citrus fruits – such as lemons, limes, and oranges – are the perfect natural refreshers offering a crisp, invigorating fragrance, and particularly effective at neutralising greasy and fishy odours. 

• DisposalRrefresening: Place lemon or orange peels into your garbage disposal unit, rinsing it with cold water to eliminate bad smells and infuse a citrus scent. 
• Cutting Board Cleanse: Rub a halved lemon across your cutting board, allow it to sit briefly, then rinse to remove onion or garlic odours. 
• Air Freshening: Simmer citrus peels with a pinch of cinnamon or cloves to craft a natural air freshener that neutralises malodors. 

Cleaning Habits to Prevent Odours 

Proactive maintenance is essential for sustaining a clean, odour-free kitchen. By integrating straightforward, simple cleaning habits into your routine, you can prevent malodours before they arise. 

Regular Trash and Compost care 

Empty the trash and compost bins regularly, best before they reach full capacity. Clean these containers weekly with hot soapy water or a vinegar-based solution to remove lingering residue. Compostable liners for organic waste are a good choice to minimise leaks and and unpleasant smells. 

Appliance maintenance 

Appliances are expensive and need to be taken care of. Besides the daily cleaning, it is important to inspect and clean your refrigerator monthly. Dispose expired items and wipe the interior with a mixture of baking soda or vinegar solution. For microwaves and ovens, promptly address spills to prevent build-up and the resulting persistent odours. 

Ventilation and Air Circulation 

Proper ventilation is essential in preventing and eliminating kitchen odours. Without adequate airflow, smells may permeate fabrics, walls, and furnishings. 

Use the Extractor Fan 

The extractor fan, or range hood, is designed to extract cooking vapours and odours, making it a must have tool. Activate it before cooking and allow it to let it do its ‘job’ for a short while after your cooking is finished. Monthly filter cleaning ensures optimal efficiency. 

Open Windows and Use Fans 

If you don’t have an extractor fan, facilitate air circulation by opening windows or using a portable fan. You can use this same technique during colder months, but room temperature might change drastically which is not always ideal. 

Charcoal Filters and Air Purifiers 

Activated charcoal is super effective at absorbing odours and works ideally when placed near trash bins or cooking areas. Alternatively, a small air purifier fitted with a carbon filter continuously purifies the kitchen’s atmosphere. 

Tackling Specific Odours 

Some kitchen smells can be persistent. Below, we outline targeted strategies to address these more challenging olfactory issues. 

Fish and Seafood 

Fishy aromas are notoriously tenacious. Working with fresh produce avoids lots of bad smells, but it is always good to simmer a pot of water with vinegar and citrus peels after cooking to neutralise possible odours. Wipe surfaces with a vinegar-based solution and wash textiles, such as towels, that may have absorbed the scent. 

Burnt Food 

The acrid scent of burnt food can persist for days. Placing bowls of white vinegar around the kitchen helps to absorb burning smells. Toasting a slice of bread at a low oven temperature should also help but we luckily never had to test this. 

Garlic and Onions 

The pungent aromas of garlic and onions cling easily to chopping boards, hands, and the air. To neutralise these, some say that rubbing your hands or cutting boards with a stainless-steel spoon under running water helps. Then simmer water with cinnamon sticks or cloves to mask the scent in the air. We simply use lemon to wash our hands, and it works wonders. 

DIY Odour-Absorbing Hacks 

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, these do-it-yourself methods, with eco-friendly products for cleaning, help maintain a pristine, fresh, odour-free kitchen. 

Homemade Odour Absorbers 

Craft your own odour-absorbing sachets by filling small fabric pouches with baking soda, activated charcoal, or dried coffee grounds. Place these in kitchen cabinetry, or near trash cans to absorb bad smells in the best effective way. 

Scented Sprays 

To create your own natural air freshener, blend water, a shot of vodka, and a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or eucalyptus, in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the air to revitalise the kitchen without relying on synthetic fragrances. 

Coffee Grounds for Fridge Odours 

It’s not as powerful as baking soda, but dried coffee grounds can absorb subtle refrigerator malodors. Place a small bowl in the fridge and replace it weekly for sustained efficacy. 

Long-Term Odour Prevention 

To keep your kitchen smelling fresh over time, start routines that address the underlying sources of odour build-up. 

Store Food Properly 

Improper storage can lead to bad smells in fridges, cupboards, or pantries. Use airtight containers for leftovers and pungent items like cheese or fish. Check your pantry regularly and discard expired spices or grains. Use the FIFO method – FIRST IN FIRST OUT – to avoid products to expire. 

Deep Clean Periodically 

Dedicate time every few months for a deep cleaning of the kitchen. Sanitise appliances, clean cabinet interiors, and address areas that are more difficult to reach beneath furniture where dust and food particles tend to gather. A properly maintained, clean kitchen is more fun to work in and it will less likely get bad odours.