That chicken dinner you made was delicious, yet unfortunately now you can't get that cooking smell out of your home. Sometimes certain, shall we say, kitchen smells can linger for hours (and even days) — especially if you've made fish, Brussels sprouts, beef, or broccoli. (Ever have someone come into your home after you made broccoli? It can be embarrassing.)
The good news: There are a few easy DIY solutions for how to get rid of bad odors (aka, leftover cooking smells), in your home. No potpourri or scented candles needed. Here's how to deodorize unpleasant cooking odors.
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Video of the Day
Use Your Range Hood Vent to Prevent Cooking Odors
When you know that you'll be cooking something extra odorus, prevent smokey buildup by turning the exhaust fan found in your stove hood vent on high while cooking. It may be a bit loud, but the vent will pull a lot of the fumes and steam from your stovetop upward and keep them from dispersing throughout your home. If you don't have a range hood, open a window if possible.
Make an Odor Neutralizing Spray
If you can't prevent odors while cooking, you'll need some effective air fresheners. One solution is to make a DIY odor neutralizing spray. Most of the smell that lingers in your home after cooking is left behind because it has absorbed into fabric. So, any furniture pieces with fabric coverings, rugs, curtains, pillows, or blankets (basically, your entire home) can absorb the food smells. You only need a few household ingredients to make an air purifier and odor neutralizer that you can spritz directly on fabric surfaces — it won't just cover up the smell, but will also work as a deodorizer and neutralizer.
Things You'll Need
1 3/4 cup of distilled water
1 teaspoon of baking soda
15 drops of lemon essential oil
Mix the water, baking soda and lemon essential oil together in a spray bottle and shake well before each use to combine the ingredients. Spray liberally on fabric items to neutralize odors. Let dry.
Make a Carpet Deodorizing Sprinkle
Rugs and carpets are notorious for absorbing and harboring cooking smells, and if you don't address it right away, it could leave a musty smell. Spraying them with the odor neutralizing spray may not be possible if your rug or carpet covers a large area. For larger carpets and rugs, you can make a carpet deodorizing solution that will help eliminate food smells.
Things You'll Need
1 1/2 cups of baking soda
15 drops of essential oil (lavender or lemon are good choices)
Mix the baking soda and essential oils together in a mason jar or airtight container. To make the lid into a shaker, nail holes into the mason jar lid and replace on the jar. (Or get these lids that we just love.) Sprinkle liberally on rugs and carpeting and allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Vacuum up. The baking soda will help to absorb any odors while the essential oils will leave a faint, pleasant scent behind. Say goodbye to bad smells!