5 tips to get rid of kitchen odours
Some kitchen aromas are rather lovely – a roasting leg of lamb or a freshly baked pie. Then there are the other smells that are a bit nasty that can be hard to get rid of. Follow our tips below to get your kitchen smelling great again.
1. Keep your fridge clean
Ensure your refrigerator is regularly cleaned. Take everything out and make your own cleaning spray by mixing three tablespoons of baking soda into a spray bottle of water. Spray the inside of the fridge, including the shelves, and then wipe it clean with a sponge. Pop a cup of baking soda inside the fridge to absorb some of that “fridge smell” that seems to happen, replacing every three months.
2. Clean your drains
Drains and garbage disposals can trap bad smells inside. Keep them clear by pouring three tablespoons of baking soda down the drain every month. Leave it for 10 minutes and then pour in half cup white vinegar. It will fizz up and clear out any stuck-on grime. Then rinse with hot water. If you have a garbage disposal, send down a cup of warm water and a chopped up lemon once a week to combat any odours trapped inside.
3. Freshen up your bin
It makes sense that your bin can be harbouring germs and therefore bad odours. Keep the garbage bin and recycling bin in the kitchen clean by swishing them with either vinegar and water, or a germ-killing disinfectant. If you notice a spill in the bin, take it outside and rinse well with water before leaving it to dry in the sun.
4. Make ovens and stovetops shine
Grease and food spills on your stovetop or in your oven can become truly smelly areas. If your stovetop needs a scrub, try using half vinegar and half water to cut through grease and grime. For an alternative to the fume-filled oven cleaners, make your own with baking soda mixed with water to make a paste. Wipe onto the oven, allow to dry, and then use a clean damp cloth to wipe it off again.
5. Keep sponges fresh
Your sponge is a breeding ground for bacteria and therefore odours, so it’s important to keep them in good shape. Germs in the sponge can make your family ill so it’s not just the smell that’s the issue. Choose cellulose sponges and remember to pop them in the dishwasher every few days to keep clean. Another trick is to wet a sponge, squeeze out the excess water, and then microwave them on high for two minutes to remove bacteria.
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