There’s something so alluring yet, at the same time, a bit merciless about onions cooking in the pan: the smell. The smell is great when dinner’s in progress, but once the meal is done, the lingering scent of onions can make you want a quick solution. Read on for practical tips on how to get rid of the onion smell from your house so you can enjoy cooking and not be reminded of last night’s dinner.
Why Onion Smell is So Persistent
Onions have this overpowering, almost sulfur-like odor because they contain sulfur compounds that are released when the onions are chopped, sliced, or cooked. They can cling to surfaces, fabrics, and even the walls. Because they are so light, they can get all over your house, where they might not have come from the kitchen. Well, there is good news: there are many battle-tested ways to combat this awful odor.
1. Increase Airflow in the House
First of all, boost ventilation to remove the onion smell in your house. You can pump fresh air through your house by opening windows and doors, thereby reducing the presence of strong smells.
- First, turn on the fans: Fans, especially when installed near open windows or doors can be of much help by pushing the smell out outside. It will start pushing the bulk of it outside and refreshing the air as well.
Ventilation is probably the only thing that may not wholly do the trick, but still a good first try.
2. Simmer White Vinegar to Neutralize Odors
White vinegar is a tried-and-true method for eliminating strong odors. Its acidic properties work to neutralize odors in the air, including onion smell.
- Boil Vinegar: Add equal parts water and white vinegar to a pot, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it steam for about 30 minutes. The steam from the vinegar can help reduce the onion smell.
- Vinegar Bowls: If you prefer not to have vinegar simmering, you can also place small bowls of white vinegar in areas where the smell is strongest. Leave them for several hours, ideally overnight.
Don’t worry about the vinegar smell—it dissipates quickly, leaving your home odor-free.
3. Use Baking Soda as an Odor Absorber
You are then left with this versatile deodorizer, able to take up the bad smells from the onions, rather than covering them with artificial scent. Baking soda helps remove onion smell in houses without using chemicals.
- Bowls of Baking Soda: Place small bowls of baking soda in the kitchen and other rooms where the smell of onions lingers. It absorbs the odors over time, so you can leave it out for 24 hours or more.
- Sprinkle on Fabrics: Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces like carpets, couches, and rugs where the smell has been absorbed by the fabrics. Leave it there for 15-30 minutes before vacuuming.
It proves pretty handy if onion odor had penetrated the upholstery.
4. Freshen Up with Citrus Peels
Citrus peels, especially from lemons and oranges, can combat onion odors. Their fresh scent and natural oils help to neutralize the sulfur compounds in onion odors.
- Boil Citrus Peels: Add citrus peels to a pot of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. The aroma from the peels fills the room with a refreshing scent that helps neutralize lingering odors.
- Rub with Lemon Rind: If you have countertops or cutting boards that smell like onions, rubbing a lemon rind over these surfaces can help. The acidity in lemons cuts through strong odors, leaving a fresh scent behind.
Using citrus not only fights the smell but also gives your home a pleasant fragrance.
5. Coffee Grounds for Odor Absorption
Coffee grounds are excellent at trapping unwanted odors and are especially effective for strong kitchen smells like onions.
- Bowls of Coffee Grounds: Place bowls of used coffee grounds in areas where the smell is strongest, leaving them overnight to absorb the odor.
- Coffee Candle: If you enjoy the scent of coffee, a coffee-scented candle can also help mask the onion smell. Light it in the kitchen or nearby to release a warm, inviting aroma.
Coffee grounds are particularly useful if you want a quick fix that doesn’t require much work.
6. Simmer Spices and Herbs
Using spices and herbs is another effective way to add a welcoming scent to your home while masking the onion smell.
- Cinnamon and Cloves: Add cinnamon sticks and cloves to a pot of water, bring it to a simmer, and let it fill your kitchen with a cozy, warm fragrance.
- Herbal Options: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also be used in simmering water. This method works especially well in colder months, as it makes your home smell inviting.
Simmering spices and herbs not only adds a pleasant aroma but also helps combat the pungent onion smell.
7. Essential Oils and Scent Diffusers
Essential oils are a convenient and natural way to tackle unwanted smells. Many essential oils, like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, have odor-neutralizing properties.
- Diffuser: Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser. The oil vapor will fill your home with a fresh, natural scent that helps neutralize the onion smell.
- DIY Spray: Mix essential oil with water in a spray bottle, and lightly spritz around the kitchen and other affected areas.
This is an easy way to add a clean, pleasant aroma to your home while tackling any lingering onion scent.
8. Clean Surfaces and Utensils Thoroughly
Since onion smell can cling to kitchen surfaces, make sure to clean up well after cooking. Removing any onion residue on cutting boards, countertops, and even stovetops can go a long way.
- Cutting Boards and Utensils: Scrub cutting boards and knives with a mixture of dish soap and vinegar. This ensures that any residue causing the smell is fully removed.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean countertops, stovetops, and even walls where possible. A vinegar-water solution is particularly effective for this.
Taking the time to clean these surfaces can make a noticeable difference in reducing odors.
9. Try an Air Purifier or Odor-Absorbing Spray
Investing in an air purifier, especially one with an activated carbon filter, can significantly reduce strong kitchen smells like onion.
- Air Purifier: An air purifier with a carbon filter can trap and neutralize odor molecules, providing cleaner indoor air.
- Odor-Absorbing Sprays: For a quick solution, odor-absorbing sprays designed specifically for eliminating food smells are effective. Spray in the kitchen or any room where the smell lingers.
10. Prevention Tips for Next Time
To prevent onion smell from becoming an issue in the future, a few simple strategies can help:
- Use Kitchen Hood Fan: Make sure to use a range hood fan if you have one, as it helps capture odors directly from the source.
- Contain the Smell: Keep doors to other rooms closed while cooking, which can help contain the onion smell to the kitchen.
- Store Onions Properly: Storing onions in airtight containers or sealed bags can help prevent odors from spreading in your pantry or fridge.
When You Need a Quick Fix
If you’re dealing with an especially stubborn onion smell and short on time, a professional cleaning service can help. Many offers quick turnarounds, and with a same day cleaning service, you can ensure that every inch of your home is odor-free. Professional cleaners can reach hard-to-clean areas, leaving your home smelling fresh and free of lingering onion odor.
With these strategies, you can get rid of onion smell in your house effectively and enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling home, even after your favorite onion-filled recipes.
