How to Get a Cooking Smoke Smell Out of Your House

Place citrus peels in shallow bowls in your home to absorb odors.

Anyone who cooks at home has undoubtedly been faced with an unpleasant odor emanating from the kitchen. The smoke odors from burnt and overcooked food can linger, settling in and reminding you of your latest cooking disaster. Fortunately, there are ways to remove cooking smoke odors from your home.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Citrus peels (optional)
• Coffee grounds (optional)
• Fabric refresher spray

Instructions

Eliminate the Source of the Odor

1. Empty the crumb tray in toasters and toaster ovens.

2. Clean the interior of the microwave by combining one part vinegar with four parts water in a microwave-safe bowl, then heating the water on high for seven minutes. Leave the microwave door closed for five minutes, then wipe the inside of the microwave with a wet cloth.

3. Remove crumbs and burnt food from the oven and the burners on the stove.

4. Dispose of burnt food. Remove trash bags from the house and wash the pans or dishes that contained the burnt food.

Ventilate

1. Open windows and doors immediately after you notice the odor.

2. Turn on the exhaust fan in the kitchen, or use an electric fan to blow smoke out through a window or door.

3. Keep windows open for a while each day to keep to let in fresh air and keep your home smelling fresh.

Clean

1. Wash all kitchen surfaces, including countertops, floors, sinks and the stove (including burners), to remove smoke particles that have settled in the kitchen.

2. Clean the oven, either by running the self-clean cycle or by using an oven cleaner.

3. Wash and dry all curtains, tablecloths and rugs in the affected area.

4. Remove trash bags and loose papers that can hold and trap odors.

Absorb and Remove Odors

1. Simmer two cups of distilled vinegar on the stove for approximately 10 minutes, allowing it circulate through your home, removing odors from the air.

2. Place coffee grounds, citrus peels or baking soda in shallow bowls around your home to absorb odor.

3. Spray a fabric refresher on furniture, pillows, cushions and upholstery fabrics to evaporate and remove odors.

References

• At Home with Debra: Removing Smoke From Our Home
• Apartment Therapy: How to Get Rid of Cooking Odors
• How to Clean Things: How to Clean a Microwave