👃 Deodorize and Neutralize, Naturally: Kitchen and Cooking Odors

Whether you’re a home cook of the future or nuking meals in a pinch, prepping food is something we all do one way or another. And with it, almost always comes lingering cooking odors. From the smell of baked or fried fish or chopped raw garlic to onion skins or banana peels in the trash bin, these scents tend to hang around long after the meal is over. And while you might be using the simplest solution — opening windows or using fans for ventilation (a very viable solution at that) — here are some other natural, non-toxic and effective ways to neutralize those cooking odors:

Vinegar

Vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to neutralizing strong odors. Simply place a small bowl of white vinegar on the counter near where you’ve cooked. It works by absorbing the odors rather than masking them. For more intense smells, simmer 1 cup of vinegar in a pot with 2 cups water on the stove for 15 minutes and let the steam work its magic.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another versatile odor absorber. You can sprinkle it in your trash can, on carpets, or directly on countertops after cooking. Leave it for a few hours or overnight before vacuuming or wiping it away. PS, we always love having a container of baking soda on the back shelf of the fridge to neutralize odor in there.

Lemon

Lemons are the poster child of refreshing scents. And to boot, they also have natural antibacterial properties. Boil a pot of water with a 2 quartered lemons and let the citrusy steam spread through your kitchen. You can also rub lemon juice on cutting boards and countertops to eliminate lingering smells from chopped onions or garlic.

Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds can be repurposed as an effective odor absorber. Place a bowl of dried coffee grounds on the counter or in the refrigerator to soak up unwanted smells. Coffee grounds also add a pleasant, earthy aroma to the kitchen.

Cinnamon Sticks and Whole Spices

Simmering spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise in a pot of water can quickly fill your home with a warm, inviting scent. It’s like nature’s autumnal ‘febreeze’ without all the toxic junk.

Herbs

And while we’re on the theme of cozy nights by the fire, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves are a fantastic ‘febreeze’ replacement: Like the above whole spices, simmer a pot of water with a handful of fresh herbs or dry them and hang them in your kitchen to naturally deodorize the space.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is an odor magnet. You can place small bags (like these) of activated charcoal in your kitchen to trap and neutralize odors. This method is particularly effective in confined spaces like pantry closets, cabinets or under the sink.

Essential Oils

If you like a spritz, make a natural room spray by mixing a few drops of an essential oil of your choice with water in a spray bottle. Not only do essential oils mask odors, but they also have antibacterial properties that can help keep your kitchen clean.

Open Windows and Ventilation

How about trying any and all of the above in addition to opening windows and using fans. Not only does this help clean any stale air in the home, but helps disperse cooking odors before they settle. If possible, cook with a window open or turn on the kitchen exhaust fan to keep smells from building up.

While cooking odors are inevitable, they don’t have to overstay their welcome. By using these natural methods, you can keep your kitchen smelling fresh, without ever using artificial air fresheners (let’s all agree those are not good). Not only are these solutions effective, but they’re also environmentally friendly and safe for your home and family.