Hey Lykkers! Ever walked into your kitchen after cooking and felt like the smell of last night's dinner is still hanging in the air?

We've all been there. Whether it's fried fish, strong spices, or smoky oil, kitchen smells can be stubborn.

The good news? With a few smart habits and tools, we can quickly get rid of those lingering odors and keep the air fresh. Let's break it down together.

Open Up Windows First

Before we even start cooking, opening the windows is the easiest and fastest way to let air flow. It helps the smoke and smell escape right away instead of settling into curtains, walls, or furniture. If possible, open windows across from each other to create cross-ventilation. This helps smells move out faster.

Use the Range Hood Correctly

We might already have a range hood or exhaust fan, but are we using it the right way? Always turn it on before we start cooking, not after the pan starts smoking. This way, it can pull the smoke and smell out right from the beginning.

Also, don't forget to clean the filter regularly—greasy filters won't work well and can even make things worse.

Boil Vinegar Water

This is an old-school trick that really works. After cooking, especially if the food smell is strong, we can boil a small pot of water with a few tablespoons of white vinegar. It helps absorb and neutralize odors in the air.

Just let it simmer for 10–15 minutes. Some people like to add a slice of lemon or a few drops of essential oil to make it smell even better.

Use Natural Deodorizers

We don't always need fancy sprays. Our kitchen probably already has natural items that absorb odors:

• Baking soda: Put a small open bowl on the counter or inside the fridge.

• Coffee grounds: Used coffee grounds in a bowl can absorb strong smells.

• Charcoal bags: These work great and last for weeks—just leave them near the stove or in a corner.

These are safe, affordable, and easy to refresh.

Wipe Surfaces After Cooking

Oil particles in the air can settle on our stove, walls, and cabinets, causing smells to linger. After we cook, a quick wipe-down with warm soapy water or vinegar spray helps remove that greasy layer. Focus on the backsplash, stove area, and even the floor around the stove.

Doing this daily keeps smells from building up over time.

Take Out the Trash Promptly

Sometimes it's not the cooking—it's the trash. Food scraps, especially leftovers or peels, can start to smell after just a few hours. Make it a habit to take out the trash every day, especially after cooking meat or seafood.

To keep the trash can smelling fresh, we can sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom or place a cotton ball with lemon oil inside.

Let Pots and Pans Soak

Dirty pans left overnight can add to the smell problem. If we're too tired to wash right away, just fill them with hot water and a bit of dish soap so the food doesn't dry up and stink. Then clean them the next morning—easy and effective.

Simmer a Homemade Air Freshener

This one's for when we want the house to smell amazing after cooking. Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, or herbs like rosemary into a pot of water and let it simmer gently. The natural aroma fills the kitchen and replaces any leftover food smells.

It's cozy, relaxing, and makes the space feel extra cozy.

Clean the Sink and Drain

We often forget this one! Food particles in the sink or drain can also be the source of bad smells. Pouring a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water, helps clear out residue and freshens the pipe.

Doing this once a week is a simple habit with big impact.

Bonus Tip: Use an Air Purifier

If the smell problem keeps coming back, an air purifier near the kitchen can help trap odors, smoke, and grease particles in the air. It's especially helpful in small apartments or homes without great ventilation.

Let's Keep It Fresh!

So Lykkers, keeping our kitchen smelling clean doesn't have to be complicated. With these quick tips and a few natural helpers from our pantry, we can say goodbye to stubborn kitchen odors and enjoy cooking without the smell stress.

Do you have your own kitchen odor trick? What's your go-to way to refresh the air after a smoky cooking session? Let us know—we'd love to hear your kitchen secrets!