Eradicate Curry Smells From Pans: Effective Methods

Getting rid of curry smells can be tricky, especially as the spices tend to release odorous vapours during cooking. Even after cooking, these vapours can continue to penetrate walls, carpets, upholstery, and drapery. If you're looking to get rid of the smell of curry from your pan, there are several methods you can try.

Use baking soda and newspapers

To get curry smells out of your pans, try using baking soda and newspapers. First, clean the pan with a sponge and water to remove any food particles. Next, mix one cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water, adjusting the ratio of water or baking soda until you have a spreadable paste. Coat the pan with the paste, then cover it with some newspaper. You can also seal the pan with a bag if you prefer. Leave the treatment to work for about two hours, then wash the pan using warm water and dish soap.

Try vinegar and water

Vinegar is a mild acid that is known to deodorize a room. It is also an excellent natural cleanser and deodorizer that neutralizes curry odour on household surfaces and fabrics.

To remove curry odour from your pan, you can try the following:

Cleaning with Vinegar and Water

First, combine one cup of water and two tablespoons of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the pan, inside and out, including the handle. You can also use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the pan's interior and exterior with the solution. If the odour persists, you can try soaking the pan in the vinegar and water solution for about an hour before rinsing and washing the pan with warm water and soap.

Boiling Vinegar and Water

Alternatively, you can try boiling a mixture of vinegar and water in the pan. Mix three parts water with one part vinegar in the pan and boil the solution for about 20 minutes on medium heat. Once done, rinse the pan and wash it with warm water and soap, using a soft-bristle brush to clean it.

Vinegar, Water, and Cinnamon

Another option is to add cinnamon sticks to the vinegar and water mixture. Cinnamon produces an aroma similar to incense, which helps neutralize curry odours. Mix three cups of white vinegar, one cup of water, and six cinnamon sticks in the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about four hours. The vinegar vapour will neutralize the curry odour, while the cinnamon will provide a pleasant fragrance.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

You can also try combining vinegar with baking soda, another effective odour absorber. First, clean the pan with a sponge and water to remove any food particles. Then, mix one cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of vinegar, adjusting the ratio as needed to form a spreadable paste. Coat the pan with the paste, then let it sit for about two hours. Finally, wash the pan with warm water and dish soap.

These methods should help eliminate any lingering curry odours from your pan.

Soak in white vinegar

If you've been cooking a curry, you'll know how the smell can linger long after the meal is over. The pungent aroma is caused by curry spices releasing fat-soluble oil, which is then absorbed by fabrics and other porous surfaces. To remove the smell from your pan, you can try soaking it in white vinegar. Here's what you need to do:

• Fill your sink with enough warm water to submerge the pan.
• Add 1-2 cups of white vinegar to the water.
• Place the pan in the sink and ensure it is fully submerged.
• Let the pan soak for at least an hour. The vinegar will help to neutralise the curry odour.
• After soaking, wash the pan with warm water and soap, using a soft-bristle brush if needed.

Alternatively, you can try boiling a mixture of white vinegar and water in the pan. Here's how:

• Mix three parts water with one part white vinegar in the pan.
• Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Wash the pan with warm water and soap, and a soft-bristle brush if needed.

White vinegar is a great natural cleanser and deodoriser, and it won't damage the non-stick coating on your pan. You can also use these methods to remove curry smells from other surfaces and fabrics in your home.

Sprinkle salt

Salt is a mild antiseptic that can cut through grease, lift stains, and remove odors from pans. To use it to get the curry smell out of a pan, follow these steps:

First, wipe the pan to get rid of any remaining food particles. This will ensure that the salt can focus on removing the odor rather than just the food particles.

Next, add a sizeable amount of salt to the pan. The amount of salt you use will depend on the size of your pan, but make sure to add enough to cover the entire surface.

Then, scrub the pan using a non-corrosive brush or sponge. This will help to dislodge any stubborn food particles and allow the salt to penetrate the pores of the pan, where odors can become trapped.

Finally, rinse the pan thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. You may need to repeat this process a few times, depending on the severity of the curry smell.

In addition to using salt, you can also try other methods such as using baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice to remove the curry smell from your pan. It is important to remember that preventing the curry smell from lingering in the first place is the best approach. This can be done by opening windows and doors while cooking, using a ceiling fan, and cleaning the pan promptly after cooking.

Use lemon to wash your hands

Lemon is a great way to wash your hands and remove any stubborn curry smells. The high acidity in lemons helps to break down the essential oils that cause the lingering curry smell on your hands.

To use lemon to wash your hands, follow these steps:

• Cut a fresh lemon in half.
• Rub the lemon half all over your hands, ensuring you cover all areas, including between your fingers and under your nails.
• Rinse your hands with water.
• Follow with your usual hand soap and wash your hands as normal.

If you don't have a fresh lemon to hand, you can also use lemon juice. Simply mix equal parts lemon juice and water and use this solution to wash your hands.

It is important to note that you should avoid any open cuts or wounds when using lemon or lemon juice, as the high acidity can cause painful stinging or burning.

In addition to using lemon, you can also try rubbing your hands with salt before washing to remove curry smells.

Frequently asked questions