Have you ever noticed how scents linger in your kitchen, both good and, erm, not so good? Last night’s roast turbot can quickly become tomorrow’s loitering odour, whilst lunchtime’s confit garlic on toast isn’t far from being tonight’s guest who’s outstayed their welcome.
And don’t get us started on the fruit bowl. Seemingly a still-life at first glance, flip that satsuma over and there’s mayhem lurking underneath.
Sometimes, homeowners can be inured to these lingering scents, noseblind to the stench that their kitchens are giving off. That’s why keeping your kitchen smelling fresh and clean preemptively and proactively is so important, particularly in these hazy, smelly days of summer. Here’s how to do just that.
Proper Ventilation
Though it’s perhaps best filed under the ‘cure’ rather than ‘prevention’ column, ensuring proper ventilation in your kitchen is the key to eliminating odours. Install a range hood or exhaust fan above your stove to capture and remove cooking fumes and smells. Make it a habit to turn on the fan or open windows while cooking to allow fresh air to circulate. Simples.
Deep Cleaning
Regular deep cleaning is crucial for maintaining a fresh-smelling kitchen. Pay attention to the following areas, especially:
Appliances – Clean your oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher regularly to prevent food residue and spills from causing unpleasant odours. These kitchen appliance cleaning tips will offer more insight on that most thrilling of topics.
Countertops – Wipe down countertops with a mild detergent to remove any lingering food smells.
Sink & Drain – Keep your sink clean and free from food debris. Regularly flush your drain with boiling water and baking soda to prevent any build-up that can cause foul odours. We’ll dive a little deeper down this particular plughole a little later on, by the way.
Rubbish Bin – Empty your bin regularly and clean it thoroughly, inside and out, to avoid unpleasant smells, perhaps soaking the offending article in a mix of bleach and warm water every few days. Consider using bin bags with odour-absorbing properties, too.
Odour Absorbers
Utilise natural odour absorbers to neutralise unpleasant smells in your kitchen, which isn’t only more affordable than regular cleaning products, but is also better for both your health and the environment.
Baking Soda – Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb any lingering food odours. You can also sprinkle baking soda in your bin and sink to eliminate unwanted smells.
White Vinegar – Wipe down surfaces, such as countertops and cutting boards, with a solution of white vinegar and water to neutralise odours.
Coffee Grounds – Keep a small bowl of coffee grounds on your countertop to absorb strong smells, like fish or garlic.
Indoor Plants – Place indoor plants, such as popular culinary herbs or aromatic flowers, in your kitchen to add a natural fragrance and improve air quality. Plus, when you need a little rosemary, all you have to do is reach over and pluck!
Simmer Potpourri – Create a simmer potpourri by boiling a mixture of citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in water. This will infuse your kitchen with a refreshing aroma.
Read: 5 IDEAL tips for using essential oils for cleaning
Take Care Of Your Drains
One of the most common culprits behind a smelly kitchen is an unclean, clogged drain. Food particles, grease, and other waste can accumulate in your sink drain over time, causing foul odours to rise from your sink. Regular drain maintenance is crucial in keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
As the guys behind Morris Jenkins drain cleaning services tell us, it’s essential to avoid clogging your drain inadvertently if you’re to keep your kitchen smelling fresh. They recommend that to avoid clogging your kitchen sink and drains, you should always scrape food scraps into the trash or compost bin instead of letting them go down the sink. Regularly pour hot water or a mixture of hot water and vinegar down the drain to break down and flush away any buildup. To catch larger pieces of debris, consider installing a drain screen or strainer.
Finally, dispose of oils and other fats in a responsible manner, rather than pouring them down the sink hole (or in your toilet!). If not, you may well cause a fatberg to form, which can lead to some seriously smelly situations emanating from your drains.
The Bottom Line
A fresh-smelling kitchen will not only enhance your cooking experience but also make your entire home more inviting. Enjoy a pleasant, clean and green kitchen every day with these tips. We can’t wait to be invited round to your next dinner party!
