Let’s be real—garlic is a kitchen superhero. It adds depth, flavor, and a punch to our favorite dishes. But, when its unmistakable aroma decides to linger in the house for days like an uninvited guest, that’s when it becomes a bit of a villain. So, you’re wondering, how to get rid of garlic smell in house? You’ve come to the right place! Let’s dive into a few tried-and-true (and humorous) methods to help you say goodbye to that stubborn garlic smell once and for all.
Ventilate the Area
You may love the smell of garlic as you’re whipping up that perfect pasta sauce, but when it’s still hanging around the next morning like an overenthusiastic dinner guest who won’t leave, it’s time to take action.
- Open windows and doors: Yes, I know. It’s simple, but sometimes the old-school tricks work best. Let the fresh air sweep out that garlic funk like it’s chasing a bad date out the door.
- Use fans: If the garlic smell is really digging in its heels, place a few fans around to encourage it to get out faster.
- Exhaust fan: Exhaust? Oh, you’ll be exhausted if you don’t remember to turn it on before you start sautéing all that garlic!
Boil Lemon Water
Lemons: nature’s way of saying, “I’m fresh, and I smell amazing.” Garlic: not so much. The good news is that lemons can help how to get rid of garlic smell in house without much effort. Boiling lemon water is like sending in a fresh-scented cavalry.
Instructions:
- Slice a lemon (try not to make the face we all make when we taste one).
- Toss those slices into a pot of water and bring it to a boil.
- Let it simmer and unleash its citrus powers to drive out the garlic odor. Who knew a humble lemon could be such a hero?
Baking Soda to the Rescue
Baking soda is like the Marie Kondo of odors—it helps tidy up the scent chaos. Got a kitchen that still smells like last night’s garlic bread? Enter baking soda, stage right.
Instructions:
- Sprinkle it around on countertops, sinks, or anywhere garlic might have left its mark.
- Let it sit for a while, then wipe it away like you’re cleaning up after a party.
And for those of us dealing with garlic-scented air, leave bowls of baking soda around to quietly soak up the stink. Trust me, it’s doing its job even if it looks like it’s just… sitting there.
Simmer Vinegar
Vinegar is the overachiever of the household cleaning world. It’s tough on stains, gentle on surfaces, and even takes on garlic smells like a pro. Sure; it smells a little “vinegary” at first, but once it clears the air, it’ll take the garlic smell with it.
Instructions:
- Mix water and white vinegar in a pot.
- Let it simmer like a culinary spa day for your kitchen.
Sure, your house might briefly smell like a salad dressing, but it’s a small price to pay for freedom from the garlic invasion.
Coffee Grounds, the Secret Weapon
Coffee is not just for mornings anymore—it’s also great for battling garlic smells. And if you’re like most people, the smell of coffee wafting through the house is infinitely preferable to that of day-old garlic.
Instructions:
- Place used coffee grounds (don’t waste the good stuff!) in small bowls around the kitchen.
- Let them work their magic overnight.
Bonus: When you wake up, your kitchen will smell like a café instead of an Italian restaurant gone rogue.
Onions to the Rescue (Wait, What?)
I know what you’re thinking: Onions to get rid of garlic smell? Is this some kind of vegetable conspiracy? But onions can actually absorb strong odors like garlic. It’s a bizarre twist in the world of kitchen odor management, but hey, it works!
Instructions:
- Slice an onion, place it in a bowl with water, and leave it out overnight.
Yes, you may end up with a faint onion smell, but that’s a different problem for a different day.
Wash Fabrics with Baking Soda
If you’ve been waving your dishtowel like a garlic-flavored flag all night, chances are it—and your other fabrics—are holding onto the smell. Time for some good ol’ fashioned laundry therapy.
Instructions:
- Wash towels, curtains, and other kitchen fabrics with baking soda.
- If it’s really bad, add a splash of vinegar in there too. Your washing machine will thank you.
Now your house (and kitchen linens) can smell like fresh laundry instead of a garlic bread factory.
Conclusion: Freshness Over Funk
So, if you’re still wondering how to get rid of garlic smell in house, just remember, the trick is to attack the odor from every angle—fresh air, natural deodorizers, and a little help from our favorite household heroes like baking soda, vinegar, and lemons. Soon, you’ll be back to having a fresh, clean home, free of garlic’s lasting legacy.
For more handy home tips, DIY tricks, and family-friendly advice, be sure to visit Family First. We’ve got everything you need to keep your house running smoothly (and smelling great).
