1. CLEAN AS YOU GO
Cleaning a kitchen is the most simple way of keeping your kitchen smelling fresh, and cleaning as you go can make the biggest difference in preventing bad odors from building up, says Steven Ip, cleaning expert and owner of Cleanzen, Boston.
2. DEHUMIDIFY YOUR KITCHEN
If you are wondering why your house smells musty, it may be excess moisture – something that is most prevalent in kitchens and bathrooms. A lot of moisture in the air contributes to the growth of mold and mildew, explains Mark Le, a professional cleaner at GetBetterClean. This fungal growth leads to persistent smells and even illness.
3. DEODORIZE YOUR KITCHEN WITH VINEGAR
When trying to make your home smell nice, you will likely have heard of the deodorizing power of vinegar. Mixing this with baking soda, or even leaving a bowl of vinegar next to the stove, can help to break down odors lingering in your kitchen's air.
‘These two miracle ingredients can do wonders for cleaning and deodorizing. You can use them to clean common sources of odors like your greasy oven, microwave, stale refrigerator, and sink,’ suggests Mark Le, a cleaning expert.
4. ENSURE PROPER VENTILATION DURING AND AFTER COOKING
‘To keep a clean and healthy kitchen atmosphere, proper ventilation is essential,’ begins Gretchen Boyd, cleaning professional and president of NYC House Cleaners. She explains that as you cook, smoke and steam, scents are discharged into the air, which can accumulate and give your kitchen a bad stench.
5. KEEP YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL CLEAN
Using a garbage disposal is a great way of breaking down food waste and preventing rotten smells in your kitchen, so long as you use it properly and clean a garbage disposal frequently, says Jeniffer Smith, a professional homemaker at Urban Home Corner. ‘Keep it clean by running cold water through it after use and deep cleaning at least once per month.’
6. USE A SIMMER POT EVERY WEEK
Although more commonly used to make a house smell like fall, a simmer pot can be used year-round to infuse a lovely aroma into your kitchen and banish bad smells for good, homemaker Jeniffer Smith reminds us. ‘Boil water with cut-up citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, or limes and add spices such as cinnamon or dried herbs to create a pleasant aroma in the kitchen that will emanate around your home.’
7. KEEP YOUR CLEANING RAGS CLEAN AND FRESH
If you try to be sustainable at home and use reusable cloths and sponges to clean your kitchen, keeping these clean and fresh can stop them from keeping bad odors in your kitchen that you thought you had wiped away. ‘These rags accumulate different smells and not washing them will lead to whatever surface you wipe them with also smelling bad.
8. GROW FRESH HERBS
The kitchen is a great spot to grow herbs indoors for easy access when you are cooking. They are not only beneficial for adding flavor, however, but adding a refreshing, earthy scent to your kitchen naturally too.
9. FREQUENTLY EMPTY YOUR TRASH CAN
‘Leaving your trash can full for too long can cause a lingering odor. So, take out the trash regularly and wash the trash can every week without fail,’ suggests Mark Le, a cleaning expert. Consider using smaller, biodegradable trash bags like these from Amazon to encourage you to empty your trash can more regularly without contributing to plastic waste.
10. ADD A BOWL OF POTPOURRI
Potpourri is another thing often associated with the holiday season but should be used year-round for the nicest-smelling kitchen. You can even make your own Potpourri at home. ’Use dried flowers, herbs, and spices to create a potpourri that will freshen the air. Use natural air fresheners like essential oils, citrus peels, or herbs to keep your kitchen smelling fresh,’ says Jeniffer Smith, homemaker.
11. USE A CHEF’S CANDLE
A Chef’s Candle has become a saving grace for those of us who love to cook but can’t stand the bad lingering odors afterward. The candles have been hailed for their ability to neutralize odors, not just mask them, making them the perfect addition to any well-used home kitchen.