How to get rid of bad kitchen smells

Where do bad kitchen smells come from?

The kitchen is the heart of the home, where we prepare meals, fry food, throw away peel and packaging... and all of this can become a source of bad smells:

• Fridge: it is common for unpleasant smells to build up when an open product is left inside the fridge for a long time.
• Blocked drain: the build-up of organic waste can cause a blockage that prevents water from flowing through the pipes and produces a bad smell.
• Bin: the bin is one of the main sources of bad smells, as food can rot and produce a stench.
• Dishwasher: when kept closed, it can produce an unpleasant smell from food remains that are left inside.

How to get rid of bin smells

It is advisable to take the bin liner out regularly, particularly in summer, as fresh produce such as meat or fish tends to decompose more quickly.

If the smell persists inside the bin, it should be cleaned with soap and water, left to dry in the open air, and baking powder added to the bottom before fitting a new liner.

Another option is to use a double bin liner, or to place a sheet of newspaper at the bottom to absorb any liquid that may leak through and cause bad smells.

Neutralising smells when cooking

When cooking, it is common for strong, lingering smells to remain behind even with the extractor fan on and when the room is well ventilated. Here is a simple and affordable home remedy to neutralise those smells:

1. Fill a pan with water and place it on the hob, without a lid.
2. Add slices of lemon, two cinnamon sticks, and rosemary.
3. Bring the water to the boil and then leave it to simmer to release steam from the mixture, which will neutralise the bad smells.

The trick for the sink and drain

To prevent food scraps from going down the sink, you can use a stainless steel strainer plug in the plug hole to let water through while retaining solid waste. If your drain smells bad, you can also use specialist products such as drain cleaners, or follow these simple steps:

• Pour half a cup of baking powder down the drain.
• Add a tablespoon of washing-up liquid to any visible grease.
• Wait ten minutes for the mixture to take effect and absorb all the dirt.
• Heat a cup of white vinegar (without boiling it), pour it down the sink, and wait a further 10 minutes.
• Finally, run hot water to give a last rinse to wash away any remaining waste and leave the drain clean and odour-free.  

Fridge smells

It is very common for liquids to spill on shelves, or for food packaging not to be properly sealed, thereby releasing odours. To get rid of them, first give the fridge a thorough clean with hot water and baking powder. There are also some household remedies that can help tackle bad smells thanks to their absorbent properties: place half a lemon on a shelf, a glass of ground coffee, a cup of oat grains, a piece of charcoal, or a glass of vinegar.

How to prevent them returning

• Fridge: use a mild detergent or warm water to clean the inside, store food properly, use airtight containers, and avoid overfilling it.
• Bin: take the bin liner out regularly and clean the inside with baking powder.
• Sink: carry out a weekly clean with half a cup of baking powder and white vinegar.
• Dishwasher: clean the filter regularly, remove food scraps before washing, and leave the door slightly ajar to allow ventilation.