Lingering food smells can ruin a perfectly hosted dinner. While some kitchen aromas are welcome—fresh bread, for example—strong odors from cooking can easily overstay their welcome. To help you tackle this problem, we spoke with a professional cleaner about how to get rid of food smells before guests arrive.
Planning is Key
Before you begin cooking, consider the menu. Certain foods, such as fish, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, are notorious for leaving strong, lingering odors. Knowing what to expect allows you to prepare and neutralize smells before they become a problem.
“Certain foods… can leave less-than-pleasant odors lingering in your home for days.” – Tanu Grewal, professional cleaner.
Tackle Odor Sources Immediately
The most effective way to eliminate smells is to address them at the source. Don’t wait for odors to spread; clean as you go. This means washing dishes and cookware while you’re still cooking, rather than letting them pile up.
Leaving dirty dishes in the sink allows odor-causing bacteria to accumulate, making the problem worse.
Skip the Air Fresheners
While tempting, air fresheners and scented candles often mask odors instead of eliminating them. Layering scents on top of existing smells usually makes things more unpleasant. Instead, use a high-quality multipurpose cleaner designed to neutralize odors, not just cover them up.
Replace or Sanitize Sponges and Towels
Kitchen sponges and towels are breeding grounds for bacteria, which contribute to unpleasant smells. Before hosting, replace these items or disinfect them thoroughly.
Dilute bleach in water and soak sponges and towels to eliminate bacteria before washing. This refreshes your cleaning tools while removing odor-causing microbes.
Prioritize Range Hood Ventilation
A dirty range hood can amplify lingering food smells. Clean the hood before your party, as proper ventilation is crucial for removing airborne particles like grease, smoke, and food odors.
Turn on the range hood when you start cooking to clear smells before they settle. Leave it running for five to ten minutes afterward to ensure thorough filtration. Don’t forget to clean the grease filters every three to six months (or more frequently if you fry often) to maintain peak efficiency.
Removing humidity is also important; moisture promotes bacterial growth. Eliminating excess humidity proactively helps prevent lingering odors.
Conclusion: Eliminating kitchen odors requires proactive cleaning, proper ventilation, and avoiding temporary fixes like air fresheners. By addressing the source of smells immediately and maintaining clean tools, you can ensure a fresh-smelling home for both cooking and hosting.
