There’s something magical about cooking up a feast in your kitchen. That is, until your house smells like a garlic factory explosion two days later. We’ve all been there — you make the perfect stir fry, a crispy fish fillet, or a batch of bacon that should win you a medal. But instead of enjoying that victory, you’re stuck with the lingering smell that refuses to leave. So, how do you get cooking smell out of the house fast? Let’s break it down before you contemplate moving out.
1. Ventilation is Key – Set Those Odors Free!
First things first: open the windows! Sure, it’s the most obvious solution, but it’s also the most effective. If the neighbors are getting too much of your fried fish fumes, point a fan out the window to escort those odors right out of your home like an unwanted party guest. Pro tip: If you’re cooking something particularly smelly, like broccoli (the infamous villain of veggie smells), turn on your range hood or exhaust fan before you even start cooking. It’s all about giving those odors an escape route, fast!
After all, how do you get cooking smell out of the house fast if you’re keeping the windows shut tighter than your grip on the last piece of bacon?
2. Boil Some Lemons – When Life Gives You Smelly Kitchens
Ever thought of steaming your way out of a smelly situation? It’s a classic trick and for good reason! Simply cut a lemon in half, toss it in a pot of boiling water, and let the magic happen. The citrus steam works like a charm to neutralize cooking odors. It’s the lemony-fresh superhero your kitchen didn’t know it needed.
For an extra boost, you can sprinkle a little baking soda into that lemony brew. It’s like your kitchen is having a spa day, minus the cucumbers. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can use leftover lemon peels because, hey, we’re classy here.
3. Simmer Some Potpourri – Smells Like Holiday Cheer
If your house smells more like a frying pan than a home, it’s time to get creative. Enter stovetop potpourri. This trick not only helps remove cooking smells, but it also makes your home smell like you’ve been baking pies all day (even if you’ve only been nuking leftovers).
Grab some cinnamon sticks, a few cloves, maybe even some rosemary or apple peels, and toss them into a pot of water. Simmer it gently while you cook (or after), and let the fragrant steam take over. Suddenly, your house goes from smelling like “last night’s dinner” to “I could charge admission for this aroma.”
4. Use the Power of Baking Soda and Vinegar – The Dynamic Duo
For those truly stubborn odors, baking soda and vinegar are here to save the day. Not together, though — this isn’t a science fair volcano! Leave bowls of either baking soda or vinegar out on the counter overnight, and they’ll work like little odor-absorbing ninjas. The smell of last night’s fish will be a distant memory by the time you wake up in the morning.
If you’re frying something that even the neighbors will smell (we’re looking at you, bacon), try placing these odor fighters around the kitchen as you cook. They’ll keep the air fresh, and you’ll be a hero in your own home. Plus, you’ll be amazed how fast they work to banish stubborn cooking smells.
5. Brew Coffee – A Win-Win Situation
Ever notice how coffee shops always smell amazing? That’s because coffee grounds are odor absorbers. Brew yourself a fresh pot of coffee, and not only will you get a caffeine kick, but the smell of freshly brewed java will overpower just about any lingering cooking odor.
If you’re not in the mood for coffee (I know, hard to imagine), you can also spread used coffee grounds on a baking sheet to dry, then leave them out overnight. They’ll soak up those stubborn smells, and your kitchen will be odor-free by morning — just in time for you to brew another pot, of course. Plus, your house will smell like a cozy café, even if the only thing on the menu is reheated leftovers.
Whether you’re battling fishy odors or the scent of burnt toast, now you have a whole arsenal of tricks to help you get cooking smell out of house fast!
Final Thoughts
Cooking delicious meals doesn’t mean your house has to smell like last night’s dinner for days. With these simple tricks, you can get rid of odors quickly and effectively. But sometimes, the kitchen or the entire house may need a deeper clean, especially after big gatherings or cooking marathons. That’s where Family First, professional home cleaners with services in several cities around Denver, Colorado, can help. Whether it’s lingering kitchen smells or a thorough home cleaning, they’ve got you covered. If you’re in need of expert cleaning services in Gunbarrel, check out Gunbarrel cleaners for a pristine home without the stress.
