Try my cheap kitchen hack removes bad odours in 10 minutes

18/11/2025

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Jeff Dickson

We’ve all experienced that moment in the kitchen when a whiff of last night’s dinner hits us, making us question our life choices. Just last week, I was battling the stubborn scent of burnt toast—which, ironically, wasn’t even burnt! However, I discovered that simple solutions are often right at our fingertips. By harnessing the power of natural deodorisers like baking soda and vinegar, I’ve transformed my cooking space into a fresher environment. Plus, using coffee grounds as an odour absorber has become my secret weapon! Remember, it’s all about establishing consistent habits to keep those pesky smells at bay.

Freshen Up Your Kitchen: Quick Tips for a Fragrant Space

  • 🚫 Identify the Source: Bad smells can sneak in from unexpected places—like that fish dinner you thought was long forgotten! Just last week, I battled the lingering scent of burnt toast.
  • 🧂 Natural Absorbers: Baking soda is your best friend! A simple bowl of this white powder can make unwanted odours disappear in no time. It’s like magic for your kitchen!
  • 💧 DIY Odour Neutraliser: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. A spritz around the kitchen will have it smelling fresh faster than you can say what’s for dinner? Just avoid spraying on delicate surfaces!
  • 🌸 Scented Solutions: An essential oil diffuser with lemon or lavender transforms your kitchen into a fragrant haven, making even burnt toast seem fancy. Who knew cooking disasters could smell so good?
  • Coffee Ground Magic: Save those coffee grounds! Placing them in an open container near your sink can absorb smells and add a delightful touch of coffee aroma to your kitchen.

Did you know? Coffee grounds not only mask odours but also provide great nutrients for your garden compost—talk about a multi-tasker! 🌱

Identifying the Culprit

We’ve all been there—standing in the kitchen, taking a deep breath and immediately regretting it. Whether it’s last night’s fish dinner or a rogue onion that’s overstayed its welcome, bad odours can sneak up on you. Just last week, I found myself battling the lingering scent of burnt toast. My toast wasn’t even blackened; it just had that stubborn tendency to cling to everything! I realised that sometimes, we overlook the simple solutions right under our noses.

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The Power of Natural Absorbers

I decided to try something I’d heard about—using natural deodorisers to tackle kitchen smells. Enter my trusty friend: baking soda. This little white powder is a powerhouse when it comes to absorbing unwanted scents. After a particularly aromatic cooking session, I sprinkled a few tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl and left it on the counter for about 10 minutes. The result? A noticeable difference! It’s fascinating how something so simple can soak up those strong smells like a sponge.

Creating Your Own Odour Neutraliser

Want to kick things up a notch? Let me share another trick that saved me tons of time. I mixed equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle—just a regular old bottle from my cleaning supplies stash—and gave it a good shake. When I sprayed this concoction around the kitchen, the vinegar smell dissipated quickly, taking any lingering odours with it. Trust me; your kitchen will smell fresh faster than you can say “what’s for dinner?” Just remember not to spray directly on surfaces that could be damaged by vinegar.

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Scented Solutions for Long-Lasting Freshness

If you’re after something more fragrant, I’ve got just the thing! A lovely friend once gifted me an essential oil diffuser, and I have come to rely on it during cooking marathons. A few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil mixed with water in the diffuser creates a refreshing atmosphere while also combating unwanted smells. It’s like inviting a slice of your garden into your kitchen! Plus, having pleasant scents wafting around makes even burnt toast feel like an elegant breakfast disaster.

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A Little Help from Your Friends

Sometimes, we need backup in our quest for freshness. I recently gathered some coffee grounds—yes, those leftover grounds you might toss out after brewing your morning cup—and placed them in an open container near my sink. They worked wonders at absorbing unpleasant odours while adding a subtle coffee aroma to my kitchen. Who knew old coffee could be such a game-changer? You can also place them in the fridge or freezer for an extra dose of freshness there.

Consistency is Key

Lastly, maintaining that fresh scent is all about consistency. Every time I clean up after cooking, I make it a habit to sprinkle baking soda or use my vinegar spray as part of the routine. Not only does this help prevent any sneaky smells from building up, but it also keeps my space feeling inviting and comfortable. Trust me; making these little habits part of your routine will save you from future olfactory battles!

FAQ: Identifying the Culprit

Q: How can I quickly identify the source of bad odours in my kitchen?

A: Ah, the age-old mystery of the rogue smell! Start by checking your rubbish bin and recycling for any forgotten leftovers. A quick sniff around your sink and fridge can also help pinpoint the problem. If the scent is persistent, consider giving your kitchen a good once-over; sometimes, it’s just a stray piece of fruit that’s gone a bit mushy!

Q: Is there a way to prevent bad smells from happening in the first place?

A: Absolutely! A little prevention goes a long way. After cooking, try to clean your surfaces right away and keep your rubbish bin tightly sealed. I also like to leave an open box of baking soda in my kitchen; it’s like having a little odour-fighting buddy on duty at all times!

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Q: What should I do if my home still smells bad after using natural deodorisers?

A: If the smells linger, don’t despair! Sometimes, it takes a few rounds of freshening up. You might want to deep clean those areas where food particles hide—think under counters or behind appliances. And don’t forget, regular ventilation is key; opening windows and letting in fresh air can work wonders!

Freshen Up Your Space!

Remember, creating a pleasant-smelling home doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With a few simple habits and natural solutions, you can keep your kitchen smelling as inviting as that first cup of coffee in the morning! So why not give these tips a try? And don’t forget to pop back soon for more simple yet effective home life hacks that will make your living spaces shine!

Jeff Dickson

With 20 years of hands-on experience in home care and gardening, I help people create living spaces and gardens that are practical, inspiring, and enjoyable. From clever DIY projects and cleaning routines for kitchens and bathrooms to decorating tips and seasonal garden guidance, I love sharing actionable advice that makes everyday home and garden tasks easier and more satisfying. Passionate about functional design and smart solutions, I aim to help readers turn any space into a home they truly love.

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