You can get rid of kitchen smells for good by cleaning the hidden spots where stale grease and food hide. A fresh kitchen is simple to keep when you know the right steps.
How to get rid of kitchen smells for good
Odors usually come from a few common places that people forget to clean during a normal week. When you want to tackle cleaning tasks like this, you need to find the source before you try to mask it with sprays.
- Sniff the room at counter height to find the main trouble zone
- Check the garbage can, the sink drain, and the microwave
- Empty the fridge and toss any old leftovers right away
Deep clean the sink drain
The kitchen sink drain holds trapped bits of food that rot and create bad smells every time the water runs. Pouring a kettle of boiling water down the drain helps melt away light grease buildup.
- Dump one half cup of baking soda straight down the drain
- Pour one cup of white vinegar on top of the baking soda
- Let the mix fizz for fifteen minutes before running hot water
Tackle the garbage disposal
Garbage disposals catch tiny scraps of food under the rubber flaps where sponges cannot reach. You can scrub this area safely with a brush and some dish soap to stop the odor.
- Unplug the disposal before you put your hands near the blades
- Lift the rubber splash guard and scrub both sides with a soapy brush
- Run cold water and grind a few ice cubes to sharpen the blades
Clear out the microwave and oven
Splattered grease on the walls of your microwave and oven will smoke and smell every time you heat up food. A simple steam method loosens the dried food so you can wipe it away with ease.
- Place a glass bowl filled with water and lemon slices inside the microwave
- Heat the bowl on high for five minutes until the window steams up
- Leave the door closed for three minutes, then wipe all the surfaces clean
Keep the air fresh every day
Daily habits stop bad smells from coming back after you finish your deep clean. Good housekeeping habits take just a few minutes each evening to protect your hard work.
- Take the kitchen trash outside every single night before bed
- Leave the dishwasher door open a crack to let the inside dry
- Wipe down the counters with warm soapy water after cooking fish or garlic
Freshen up the refrigerator seals
Sticky food spills often drip into the rubber folds of the refrigerator doors and turn sour over time. You should check these folds often because they trap crumbs that regular wiping misses completely.
- Dip a clean cloth into warm water mixed with a little dish soap
- Pull the rubber seal open gently to see inside the deep folds
- Wipe away all hidden residue and dry the area with a towel
Clean the grease filter
The metal mesh filter above your stove catches heavy cooking oils every time you fry food. When this filter gets full, it fills the whole room with stale grease smells during dinner prep.
- Take the mesh filter out from the bottom of the kitchen hood
- Let the metal piece soak in a sink filled with hot soapy water
- Scrub gently with a soft brush and let it dry before putting it back
Deodorize the small appliances
Toasters and coffee makers hold old crumbs and moisture that spoil the air near your breakfast bar. Taking a few extra minutes to empty these small helpers keeps the entire room smelling clean.
- Empty the crumb tray from the bottom of the toaster into the trash
- Run a pot of plain water through the coffee maker to wash the lines
- Leave the pot lid open so the inner parts can dry out fully