Does an unpleasant smell linger in your kitchen? Maybe it hits you when you open the fridge or lift the lid on the trash can. No one wants that! These easy tips will help keep your kitchen fresh and free from bad odors—even in those smell-prone spots.
Fridge and freezer
Old leftovers hiding in the back of the fridge can cause quite a smell. Make it a habit to clean your fridge at least once a month, and don’t forget to regularly defrost and clean your freezer as well. This prevents odors and helps your appliances run smoothly.
Extra tip: Place a small container of baking soda in the back of the fridge to absorb unwanted smells.
Trash can
A kitchen trash can can quickly become a source of unpleasant odors. Here are some quick fixes to keep it fresh:
- Coffee grounds: Let used coffee grounds dry out and sprinkle them in the trash can to help neutralize odors.
- Laundry powder or baking soda: Sprinkle a little on the bottom of the can and repeat when it’s about half full.
- Cat litter: Add two handfuls of cat litter to the bottom to absorb moisture and smells.
- Straw or newspaper: Line the bottom of the trash can with straw or newspaper to catch moisture and keep bad odors at bay.
Sink drain
If a foul smell is coming from your sink drain, it’s not something you want around food prep areas. Luckily, there’s a simple fix:
- Baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water: Pour half a cup of baking soda, a cup of vinegar, and half a liter of boiling water down the drain. Cover the sink for an hour to let the mixture do its job.
To prevent blockages and bad smells, avoid washing food scraps down the sink; use the trash can instead.
Oven
Does a bad smell hit you when you turn on the oven? Citrus fruits can work wonders:
- Citrus peels: Place some orange or lemon peels in the oven and bake them at 170°C (about 340°F). The fresh citrus scent will help eliminate unpleasant odors.
- Lemon for cleaning: After cooking meat or fish, place a bowl of water with lemon slices in the warm oven. The steam will loosen grime and take away any lingering smells.
Range hood
If an unpleasant odor fills the kitchen when you turn on the range hood, it’s probably time to clean or replace the filters. For best results, replace the filters every two months to keep smells under control and the hood working efficiently.
Quick tip
Freshen up your kitchen by opening a window to let in fresh air, especially after cooking. It’s a simple way to keep bad odors from hanging around.
