Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where you create meals and memories. But that’s also where the smells occur: the bacon grease from Sunday breakfast, yesterday’s fish dinner, the mysteries of waste disposal, and that coffee pot that needs a good cleaning.
Here’s the good news: Keeping your kitchen smelling fresh doesn’t require expensive air fresheners or hours of scrubbing. If you are wondering how to keep your kitchen smelling freshscience and experience show that a combination of simple daily habits and targeted cleaning strategies can eliminate odors and prevent them from returning.
Most kitchen odors come from five preventable sources: poor ventilation, inconsistent cleaning habits, food storage mistakes, appliance buildup, and trapped moisture. Fix them with consistent routines and you’ll eliminate 90% of kitchen odor problems before they start.
According to research from Harvard Medical Schoolthe environmental factors in your home have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. A good-smelling kitchen isn’t just about comfort: it’s also about creating a healthy environment in which you prepare meals for your family. THE CDC Notes that controlling humidity and keeping surfaces clean prevents mold growth and reduces exposure to bacteria that causes unpleasant odors.
The key to kitchen freshness Prevention beats emergency cleaning every time. The tips below are organized to help you adopt daily habits that stop odors before they start, maintain weekly cleaning routines that keep appliances fresh, and undertake monthly deep cleaning that prevents long-term buildup. When odors arise, you’ll also find quick emergency solutions at the end.
30 Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Fresh 1
Take out the trash regularly Garbage is the most obvious source of kitchen odors. Empty your kitchen trash cans daily, especially if they contain food waste, especially in hot weather when bacteria multiply more quickly.
Use leak-proof, tear-proof bags to prevent liquids from seeping into the trash can itself. Double up on particularly pungent scraps like seafood or leftover meat. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the trash can before inserting a new bag to absorb odors. Keep trash cans with tight-fitting lids to contain odors.
2
Quickly clean up spills and crumbs Spills left to sit become a breeding ground for bacteria and odors. Dried spills are harder to clean and more likely to create permanent odor problems, especially on porous surfaces.
Wipe up spills as soon as they occur using a clean cloth and warm, soapy water or a 50/50 water and vinegar solution. Check hidden areas like the space between the stove and counter where liquids can seep. Use kitchen mats or spill-proof containers to catch drips before they reach surfaces.
3
Use exhaust fans effectively Range hood exhaust fans exhaust cooking odors, smoke and grease-laden air from your kitchen before they spread throughout your home. Most people don’t use them correctly.
Turn the exhaust fan on HIGH before you start cooking, not after odors appear. Let it run for 15 to 20 minutes after cooking is finished to eliminate any lingering odors and airborne grease particles. This habit alone prevents more kitchen smells than any other tip on this list.
Important: Clean or replace hood filters monthly. Filters clogged with grease reduce efficiency by up to 70%, making your fan almost useless at eliminating odors.
4
Let the fresh air in Opening windows creates a natural flow of air that carries cooking odors outside. This simple step works especially well for strong odors like fried foods, fish and bacon.
Open windows on opposite sides of your kitchen during and after cooking to create cross ventilation. Place a fan near a window to actively push odor-laden air outside. Even 10 to 15 minutes of fresh air a day will refresh your kitchen and prevent the buildup of stale, trapped odors.
5
Wash dishcloths and replace sponges weekly Wet sponges and dishcloths harbor millions of bacteria in just a few hours, creating musty and sour odors that transfer to whatever you’re cleaning.
Replace sponges weekly or when they feel slimy or smell bad. Between replacements, microwave the damp sponges for 1 minute to kill bacteria. Wash dishcloths at least twice a week in hot water with borax or vinegar in the wash cycle. Allow both to dry completely between uses by hanging them in well-ventilated areas.
6
Store food in airtight containers Strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, fish, and leftover curry spread their odors throughout your refrigerator and cupboards when stored improperly.
Transfer leftovers and spicy ingredients to airtight BPA-free glass or plastic containers immediately after cooking. Wrap particularly durable items in several layers before sealing them. Label containers with dates to track freshness and avoid forgotten spoilage. Learn more about good food storage practices to extend the shelf life.
7
Clean the sink drain weekly Kitchen sink pipes harbor food particles, grease and bacteria that create a foul-smelling biofilm on the pipe walls. The odor gets worse in hot weather when bacteria multiply more quickly.
Pour 1 cup of baking soda directly down the drain, followed immediately by 1 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a cap to keep the reaction bubbly in the pipes. Leave for 30 minutes, then rinse with a kettle full of boiling water. Run cold water for 30 seconds. Do this every week to avoid any buildup. Use a sink strainer to catch food particles before they enter the drain.
8
Refresh the trash Keep your trash can fresh by crushing ice cubes mixed with rock salt every week, followed by citrus peels. Ice and salt clean the blades while citrus oils kill bacteria and leave a fresh scent.
Clean the rubber splash guard by lifting the flaps and scrubbing the underside with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda paste. Most disposal odors come from food particles trapped in that piece of rubber, not from the disposal itself. Never throw fibrous vegetables, pasta, rice or grease in the trash, as they create worse clogs and odors.
Weekly maintenance: Freeze the vinegar in ice cube trays. Once a week, crush 4 to 5 vinegar ice cubes followed by citrus peels to prevent buildup and keep it cool.
9
Scrub trash and recycling bins Trash cans and recycling bins retain odors even after removing the bags. Liquids seep and residue builds up on the walls of the tanks, creating lingering odors that attract pests.
Clean the interior bins once a week and the exterior bins once a month with warm water, dish soap and baking soda. For stubborn odors, use 2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water for disinfection. Dry the bins completely in the sun if possible, as UV rays kill odor-causing bacteria. Line the bins with newspaper to absorb liquids. For more natural cleaning solutions, check out our DIY natural cleaning recipes.
10
Empty the compost frequently Kitchen compost gives off foul odors as food scraps decompose, especially in hot weather. Empty your compost bin daily or every two days maximum.
Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the bucket before adding any leftovers to absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Mix dry materials like shredded paper or leaves with moist food scraps to balance humidity and reduce odors. Rinse the tank with vinegar water every week. Avoid adding dairy, meat or cooked oils, which break down slowly and smell worse than plant materials.
11
Clean the inside of the refrigerator A neglected spill or forgotten leftovers quickly turn your refrigerator into a source of unpleasant odors. Remove expired items weekly and wipe up spills immediately.
Deep clean monthly by removing all items and wiping down shelves with a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda per quart of warm water. Place an open box of baking soda on a shelf to continuously absorb odors. Replace the box monthly. According to FoodSafety.govmost leftovers should be consumed within 3 to 4 days to avoid spoilage and odors.
12
Run the dishwasher frequently Dishwashers become sources of unpleasant odors if they are not managed correctly. Run the dishwasher daily or every other day to keep plates and cutlery fresh.
Scrape off stuck-on food before loading for a more efficient wash. Check the dishwasher filter weekly for trapped food particles. Open the door slightly after each cycle for better ventilation and drying, which prevents mold growth and musty odors. Run an empty cycle monthly with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack to clean the interior and remove buildup.
13
Refresh the coffee maker monthly Your coffee maker gives off musty odors when coffee oils build up inside, go rancid and mix with mineral deposits from hard water. This affects both the smell and taste of your coffee.
Fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water (about 4 cups total). Run a complete brew cycle without coffee grounds or filters. Let the vinegar solution sit in the carafe for 15 minutes, then discard it and run 2 to 3 cycles with fresh water only to rinse out the vinegar taste. Do this every month to avoid odor and taste problems. For p For more vinegar cleaning methods, see how to use apple cider vinegar in your cooking.
14
Clean the oven regularly Cleaning your oven regularly prevents the accumulation of burnt grease and food scraps which create unpleasant odors each time you preheat.
Deep clean every 3 to 4 months with a paste of baking soda, salt and water. Spread the paste on the burned areas, let it sit overnight, then scrub and wipe off. For immediate odor relief, place a bowl of white vinegar on the bottom rack and heat the oven to 200°F for 30 minutes. Vinegar neutralizes burning odors. Place a baking sheet under food when cooking to catch spills before they burn on the oven floor.
15
Clean behind and under appliances Crumbs and spills find their way into hidden spaces behind and under major appliances, contributing to mysterious odors that seem to come out of nowhere.
Move appliances like the refrigerator and stove away from the walls every month. Sweep, mop, or vacuum carefully behind and underneath. For stubborn dirt under the refrigerator, use a coil cleaning brush designed for tight spaces. Use furniture glides under heavy appliances to make monthly cleaning easier and prevent damage to your floors.
16
Empty the refrigerator drip tray The hidden drip pan under your refrigerator (usually under the lower crisper or behind the front rack) collects condensation and can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that makes your entire kitchen smell unpleasant.
Remove the tray every 1 to 2 months. Discard accumulated water and debris, wash with warm, soapy water, then disinfect with equal parts vinegar and water. Dry completely before replacing to prevent mold from returning. Place a small absorbent mat under the crisper to catch excess moisture before it reaches the drip tray.
17
Scrub cutting boards after use Wood and plastic cutting boards absorb strong food odors deep into their porous surfaces, including those from garlic and onions. Regular dish soap does not break down the sulfur compounds that cause these lingering odors.
Make a paste with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water. Scrub it onto the board with a stiff brush, working with the grain on the wood planks. Let sit for 5 minutes. Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side all over the surface. Let the lemon juice sit for 10 minutes. Citric acid neutralizes sulfur compounds. Rinse with warm water and air dry completely. Use separate cutting boards for meats and produce to avoid cross-contamination and odor transfer.
18
Clean refrigerator door seals Your refrigerator’s rubber door seals easily trap food drips and crumbs in their folds, causing musty odors to spread every time you open the door.
Make a paste with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the paste deep into each crease of the rubber seal. For stubborn black mold stains, dip a cotton swab in white vinegar and apply directly. Let sit for 5 minutes to kill mold spores, then wipe with a damp cloth. Dry completely. According to the CDC, controlling humidity and regular cleaning are the only ways to prevent mold growth. Clean monthly and store liquids in sealed containers to prevent spills seeping into the joint.
19
Check light covers and vents Dust and grease build up on hood filters, lamp covers and vents, making them likely to trap cooking odors that waft into your kitchen over time.
Remove and wash the hood filters monthly with warm, soapy water. Soak the filters first to loosen stubborn grease. Use the hose connector on your vacuum cleaner to regularly clean air vents and light fixtures. Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the light covers for a streak-free finish. Clean filters trap grease more effectively, preventing it from spreading throughout your kitchen.
20
Change air filters regularly Clogged air filters recirculate grease, dust and odorous particles instead of removing them, spreading cooking odors throughout the home and reducing air quality.
Replace or clean the hood filters every 1 to 2 months depending on how often you cook. Replace HVAC filters every 3 months or monthly if you frequently cook with strong-smelling ingredients. Installing a carbon filter in your ventilation system traps and eliminates odors more effectively than standard filters. Mark filter replacement dates on your calendar to maintain optimal air quality.
21
Prepare the baking soda Baking soda naturally absorbs odors rather than masking them by neutralizing odor-causing acids and bases at the molecular level. It is one of the most effective and affordable natural air fresheners.
Place shallow dishes or open boxes of baking soda in your refrigerator, freezer, cabinets, and pantry near sources of odors. Replace every 30 days for optimal absorption. Create DIY air freshener pouches by filling small fabric bags with baking soda and a few drops of essential oil. Place them in drawers, under sinks or in cabinets for continuous refreshing.
22
Vinegar Spritz for natural cleaning Distilled white vinegar fights bacteria that causes unwanted odors while safely cleaning various kitchen surfaces without harsh chemicals.
Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle to create a natural cleaner for cutting boards, counters, sinks, appliances and walls. Use vinegar as a natural fabric softener during laundry to remove lingering odors from dishcloths. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the vinegar mixture for a more pleasant scent when cleaning.
23
Let the aromatics simmer on the stove Infuse your kitchen with delicious scents that eliminate lingering odors by simmering ingredients like cinnamon sticks, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme), citrus slices or vanilla beans. This creates a welcoming aroma without artificial air fresheners.
Fill a small saucepan with water and add the aromatics of your choice. Allow to simmer over low heat, adding water as needed. The steam carries the scent throughout your kitchen and adjacent rooms. Try our DIY Simmering Pot Recipes for seasonal scent combinations that naturally make your home smell wonderful.
Safety Warning: Never leave a pot unattended. Water evaporates quickly and can burn your pan or create a fire hazard. Use a timer and check the water levels every 30 minutes.
24
Clean kitchen cabinets twice a year Dust and food particles accumulate in cabinets over time, contributing to musty and unwanted odors that affect stored dishes and food containers.
Remove all items from cabinets every 6 months. Wipe empty surfaces with an antibacterial cleaner or a solution of warm water and white vinegar. Allow to dry completely before replacing items. Install small sachets of activated carbon inside cabinets to absorb excess moisture and odors between deep cleanings. Use a handheld vacuum equipped with a brush attachment to clean hard-to-reach corners and crevices.
25
Clean behind the stove once a month Dirt accumulated behind the stove often becomes the source of burnt or rotten food smells that permeate your entire kitchen and can be difficult to identify.
Move the stove away from the wall every month and clean the area behind it thoroughly using an all-purpose cleaner on floors and walls. Vacuum any dust bunnies that have accumulated. Consider using a steam cleaner to effectively remove stubborn grease and grime. Place scented sachets or cotton balls soaked in essential oils behind the stove to pleasantly scent the area.
26
Wash recycling bins Rinsing glass, plastic and metal food containers before placing them in the recycling bins prevents residue from causing unpleasant odors in your sorting area.
Empty recycling bins weekly and clean them thoroughly monthly with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Line the bottom of the recycling bin with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and prevent odors from seeping in. Encourage family members to rinse containers before placing them in the recycling bin to maintain their freshness.
27
Check the Garbage Disposer Splash Guard The rubber splash guard around your trash can easily traps bits of rotting food in its folds, leading to lingering unpleasant odors that contaminate your entire sink area.
Remove and wash the splash guard periodically with soap and warm water for a thorough clean. Or scrub it with a toothbrush dipped in a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for a deep clean without removing it. Sprinkle baking soda and a few drops of essential oil on the splash guard to eliminate odors and leave a refreshing scent. Run cold water for 15 seconds after using the grinder to completely remove debris.
28
Keep a lid on the trash can Stop kitchen odors from spreading by using trash cans with tight-fitting lids that contain odors in the trash can instead of letting them permeate your entire kitchen.
Remove lids from outdoor trash cans only when necessary, making sure they remain closed the rest of the time to contain potential odors. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda or activated charcoal on the bottom of clean trash cans to absorb excess liquids and odors. Place a fabric softener sheet in the bottom of the trash can before inserting a new bag to add a pleasant scent.
29
Keep Your Pantry Smelling Fresh Pantries can develop musty odors from old foods, absorbed odors from pungent ingredients like onions and l garlic, or poor air circulation in enclosed spaces.
Check expiration dates monthly and dispose of old items promptly. Store strong-smelling ingredients like onions and garlic in airtight containers to prevent their odors from spreading. Place a small open container of baking soda on a shelf to absorb any lingering odors. Wipe down shelves quarterly with a water and vinegar solution to remove dust and food particles that contribute to musty odors.
See also
30
Keep Kitchen Drawers Fresh Kitchen drawers trap food particles, spills and odors absorbed by utensils and tools, creating musty odors that affect the items you store there.
Empty drawers quarterly and vacuum up crumbs and debris. Wipe surfaces with a water and vinegar solution to remove sticky residue and kill odor-causing bacteria. Place small packets of baking soda or activated charcoal in the corners of drawers to absorb lingering odors between cleanings. Line drawers with washable liners that can be removed and cleaned regularly to prevent odor buildup and make future cleaning easier.
When Something Smells: Emergency Odor Fixes Even with the best prevention habits, odors can sometimes appear. Here are quick solutions for the most common kitchen odor emergencies.
How to Clean Coffee Pot Smell with Vinegar (20 Minutes) Your coffee maker smells musty because coffee oils build up inside, turning rancid and mixing with mineral deposits. Fill the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water (4 cups total). Run a complete brew cycle without grounds. Let the vinegar sit in the carafe for 15 minutes, then empty it and run 2 to 3 cycles with fresh water only.
How to get rid of the bacon smell in the house (15 minutes) The bacon smell lingers because microscopic grease particles cover surfaces and fabrics. Turn your exhaust fan to HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes. Open windows on opposite sides of the kitchen for cross ventilation. Wipe surfaces near the stove with a 50/50 vinegar-water solution. Place bowls of white vinegar in the kitchen to absorb airborne odors.
How to Get Rid of the Smell of Fried Food (20 Minutes) Run your exhaust fan and open windows during and after frying. Wipe all surfaces with a solution of water and vinegar. Simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks and orange slices for 20 minutes to replace the smell of fried foods with pleasant aromas. Wash kitchen towels and oven mitts immediately in hot water.
How to Fix Garbage Smell (5 Minutes) Crush 2 cups of ice cubes with 1 cup of rock salt while running cold water. This rubs the blades. Follow immediately with citrus peels (lemon, lime or orange). Citrus oil kills bacteria. Remove the rubber splash guard and scrub the underside with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda paste.
How to Get Rid of Sink Drain Smell (30 Minutes) Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drainer and allow to fizz for 30 minutes. Rinse with boiling water, then run cold water for 30 seconds. Use a sink strainer to prevent future buildup.
How to Remove Mold from Refrigerator Door Seal (10 Minutes) Make a paste with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub each crease. For black mold, apply white vinegar with a cotton swab and let sit for 5 minutes. Wipe and dry completely.
How to Get Garlic Smell Out of a Cutting Board (15 Minutes) Scrub with a paste made from 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon water. Let sit for 5 minutes. Rub half a lemon all over the surface and let sit for 10 minutes. Citric acid neutralizes sulfur compounds. Rinse and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions How can I keep my kitchen fresh every day? Take out trash daily, wipe up spills immediately, wash dish towels twice a week, replace sponges weekly, and run the exhaust fan while cooking. Place open boxes of baking soda in the refrigerator and cabinets to permanently absorb odors. Open the windows for 10 to 15 minutes a day to freshen the indoor air. These consistent habits prevent most kitchen odors from developing.
How can I get rid of the bacon smell in my house? Open windows on opposite sides of your kitchen to create cross ventilation. Run your exhaust fan for 15 to 20 minutes after cooking. Wipe surfaces near the stovetop with a 50/50 vinegar-water solution to remove any deposited grease particles that carry the bacon smell. Place bowls of white vinegar in the kitchen to absorb any remaining odors in the air.
How to clean a coffee maker with vinegar? Fill the water reservoir of your coffee maker with equal parts white vinegar and water (about 4 cups total). Run a complete brew cycle without coffee grounds or filters. Let the vinegar solution sit in the carafe for 15 minutes, then discard it and run 2 to 3 cycles with fresh water only to rinse. Vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and rancid coffee oils that cause musty odors. Do this every month to keep your coffee maker fresh.
Why does my trash can smell? Food particles trapped in the blades and rubber splash guard break down and create odor-causing bacteria. Crush 2 cups of ice cubes with 1 cup of rock salt to clean the blades, then apply citrus zest to kill bacteria and refresh. Remove and scrub the rubber splash guard with baking soda paste, as this is where most odor-causing debris accumulates. Do this every week as a preventative measure.
How to remove mold from refrigerator door seals? Make a paste with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the paste into each crease of the rubber seal. For stubborn black mold, apply white vinegar with a cotton swab and let sit for 5 minutes to kill the spores. Wipe with a damp cloth and dry completely. Clean monthly and store liquids in sealed containers to prevent moisture buildup that causes mold growth.
How can I get rid of the smell of fried food? Turn on your exhaust fan before you start frying and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes after you’re done. Open windows on opposite sides of the kitchen to create cross ventilation. Wipe surfaces with a solution of water and vinegar. Bring a pot of water to a simmer with cinnamon and citrus to replace the smell of fried foods. Wash kitchen towels and oven mitts immediately in hot water, as fabrics retain cooking odors.
What gets garlic smell out of cutting boards? Scrub the board with a paste made from 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon water. Let sit for 5 minutes. Rub half a lemon all over the surface and let sit for 10 minutes. The citric acid in lemon neutralizes the sulfur compounds in garlic that cause a lingering odor. Rinse with warm water and air dry. Use separate boards for garlic and onions to avoid transferring odors to other foods.
How do I keep my pantry smelling fresh? Check expiration dates monthly and dispose of old items promptly. Store strong-smelling ingredients like onions and garlic in airtight containers to prevent their odors from spreading to other foods. Place a small open container of baking soda on a shelf to absorb any lingering odors. Wipe the shelves quarterly with a water and vinegar solution to remove dust and food particles.
How can I keep kitchen cabinets smelling fresh? Remove all items from cabinets every 6 months and wipe down surfaces with an antibacterial cleaner or vinegar-water solution. Allow to dry completely before replacing items. Place small sachets of activated charcoal inside cabinets to absorb excess moisture and odors. Avoid storing food directly in cabinets without adequate sealing or containment.
How can I keep my kitchen drawers smelling fresh? Empty the drawers quarterly and vacuum up the crumbs. Wipe surfaces with a water and vinegar solution to remove residue and kill bacteria. Place small packets of baking soda or activated charcoal in the corners of drawers to absorb lingering odors. Line drawers with washable liners that can be removed and cleaned regularly to prevent odor buildup.
How often should I deep clean my refrigerator? Wipe up spills immediately and check for expired items weekly. Deep clean monthly by removing all items and wiping down shelves with a baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per quart of water). Replace the box of odor-absorbing baking soda monthly. Clean door seals monthly to prevent mold growth. Keep your refrigerator below 40°F to prevent odor-causing bacterial growth.
What is causing the smell in my refrigerator broiler pan? The drip pan collects condensation and can grow mold and bacteria if it is never cleaned, creating mysterious kitchen odors. The pan is usually located under the lower crisper or behind the front grill. Remove it every 1 to 2 months, discard the water and debris, wash in warm soapy water and disinfect with a vinegar water solution. Dry completely before replacing to prevent mold from returning.
How do I get rid of sink drain smell? Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed immediately by 1 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and allow to fizz for 30 minutes to break down grease and biofilm. Rinse with boiling water, then run cold water for 30 seconds. Do this every week to avoid any buildup. Use a sink strainer to catch food particles before they enter the drain. This prevents most pipe odors from occurring.
The Bottom Line: Keep Your Kitchen Naturally Fresh Your kitchen is where you feed your family and create memories. It should smell fresh, clean and inviting every day, unlike the rest es from last week or mysterious smells coming from hidden sources.
Keeping your kitchen smelling fresh doesn’t require expensive products or hours of work. Most kitchen odors come from preventable sources: inconsistent cleaning, poor ventilation, food storage mistakes, and appliance accumulation. The 30 tips above address each of these sources with simple, practical solutions.
The path to a new kitchen begins with adopting consistent daily habits. Take out the trash daily. Wipe up spills immediately. Run your exhaust fan while cooking. Store food properly. These four actions alone prevent 80% of kitchen odor problems before they start.
Add weekly cleaning routines: refresh the garbage disposal, clean the sink drain, scrub the trash, wipe out the refrigerator. These tasks take minimal time but have maximum impact on maintaining freshness in the long term.
Add monthly deep cleaning: clean behind appliances, empty refrigerator drip tray, deep clean oven, wash cabinets. This prevents long-term buildup that creates lingering odors.
Natural solutions like baking soda, white vinegar, citrus fruits and proper ventilation as well as commercial products without chemical exposure or cost. Place opened boxes of baking soda in your refrigerator and cabinets. Simmer aromatic pots when you want your kitchen to smell good. Clean with water and vinegar solutions instead of harsh chemicals.
When odors arise, the emergency solutions section provides quick solutions using items you already have. Most emergency odor solutions take less than 20 minutes and use natural ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now.
Start with the daily habits from this list. Add weekly cleaning tasks to your routine. Deep clean monthly to maintain long-term freshness. And when something smells, use emergency solutions to eliminate it quickly.
Consistency matters more than perfection. Implementing even half of these tips will dramatically improve the smell and feel of your kitchen. Your kitchen is the heart of your home: give it its smell.
Better Living uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you..