Eradicate Lingering Food Smells From Your Pans

Getting rid of food smells from pans can be tricky, especially if they've been left to fester. The best way to avoid this is to clean your pans thoroughly and promptly after cooking. However, if the smell has already set in, there are several methods you can try to neutralise it. These include using vinegar, baking soda, lemon, or even coffee grounds. You can also try simmering your own natural potpourri by boiling water with lemon rinds, cinnamon sticks, or citrusy lemon peels.

Use vinegar steam

Using vinegar steam is an effective way to get rid of food smells from pans. The acetic acid in vinegar neutralises alkaline odours, helping to eliminate cooking smells cheaply and easily.

To use vinegar steam, add half a cup of vinegar to one cup of water and simmer on the stove. The steam will help spread the vinegar around the room, absorbing any smells in the air. You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda to the water for even more odour elimination.

Alternatively, you can boil the vinegar to get rid of particularly strong or pervasive odours. This method is quicker and helps to rid the air of unpleasant smells faster.

Leaving a bowl of vinegar out overnight is another passive yet effective way to eliminate odours. Simply pour vinegar into a bowl and place it near the stove before and during cooking. This method will help to eliminate odours before they become a problem.

In addition to using vinegar steam, try opening your windows and turning on your range hood to help blow the odours outside. Cleaning your pans right away and wiping down the stove and countertops will also help to prevent food smells from lingering.

Try baking soda

Baking soda is a great option for removing food smells from pans. It is a natural, non-toxic, and inexpensive household cleaner that can eliminate odours and tough stains. It is also a mild abrasive, which means it can help scrub away stubborn food residue and stains.

To use baking soda to remove food smells from your pans, start by covering the bottom of the pan with a layer of water. Then, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the water to create a thin paste. Let the pan sit for several hours, or even overnight if the smell is particularly strong. After letting the paste work its magic, rinse and wash the pan as usual.

If your pan has stubborn stains or burnt-on food, you can try a stronger method. Boil a solution of 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup of water in the pan. Let the pan cool, then rinse with straight baking soda and scrub with a nonstick-safe nylon scrubbing brush or a sponge.

For even tougher stains, you can try boiling the pan in a baking soda solution. Fill a large pot with water and add the pan, making sure it is fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil, then add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda and reduce the heat to a gentle boil for 15 to 30 minutes. The brown residue should start to flake off. Remove the pan from the boiling solution while it is still hot and scrub away any remaining residue with a sponge or brush.

Baking soda can also be used to remove food smells from other kitchen items, such as microwaves, containers, and even your fridge! Simply mix baking soda with water to create a paste or solution, and apply it to the surface. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then rinse or wipe away.

Simmer a stovetop potpourri

Simmering stovetop potpourri is a great way to make your house smell inviting and get rid of food odours. It's an all-natural alternative to candles or air fresheners and can be made with ingredients you already have.

To make stovetop potpourri, you'll need a small saucepan or cast-iron pot, water, and your chosen aromatics. You can use sliced fruit, herbs, and spices, such as:

• Oranges
• Lemons
• Limes
• Grapefruit
• Cranberries
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Star anise
• Bay leaves
• Rosemary sprigs
• Pine cuttings
• Apple cider
• Red wine

Simply fill your saucepan or pot with water and add your chosen aromatics. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Keep the pan uncovered and make sure to keep the heat low so that the water simmers gently rather than boils. You can let it simmer for a couple of hours, adding more water as needed to make sure it doesn't boil dry.

You can also make stovetop potpourri in a slow cooker. Fill the slow cooker most of the way with water, add your ingredients, and turn it on low. Let it simmer all day, checking and adding more water as needed.

• Orange, cranberry, and clove
• Apple slices, cinnamon sticks, ground or whole cardamom, star anise, and vanilla
• Rosemary and lemon
• Gingerbread cookie: molasses, sliced fresh ginger, grated nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and whole allspice
• First Day of Fall Blend: orange, cinnamon, cloves, and rosemary
• Apple Cider Blend: apple, orange, cinnamon, cranberry, allspice, and nutmeg
• Pumpkin Spice Blend: cinnamon, orange, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla bean
• Orchard Blend: rosemary, apple, orange, and cinnamon
• Vanilla Spice Blend: vanilla bean or vanilla extract, bay leaf, rosemary, and orange
• Grandma’s Kitchen Blend: orange, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and rosemary
• Woody Citrus Blend: lemon, orange, ginger, rosehip, and vanilla

Clean the pan immediately

Cleaning your pan immediately after cooking is a great way to prevent food smells from lingering. Here are some detailed tips to help you effectively clean your pan and eliminate any unpleasant odours:

Wash the Pan Right After Cooking:

Don't let the smell settle in! Fill your sink with warm water and a mild dish soap. Soak the pan for a few hours to loosen any stuck-on food residue. If you're in a hurry, boil some water in the pan and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the residue before scrubbing. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the pan, avoiding harsh scrubbers that can damage the pan's surface. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.

Use Natural Deodorizers:

To eliminate any lingering odours, create a natural deodorizing solution by mixing baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap with hot water in the pan. Let the solution sit in the pan for about 15 minutes. The baking soda and vinegar will help neutralise odours, while the dish soap will assist in breaking down any remaining grease or food particles. After 15 minutes, rinse the pan with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Soak in Vinegar:

If the food smell persists, fill the pan with equal parts water and vinegar and let it soak overnight. Vinegar is an effective deodorizer and will help neutralise the odour. Rinse the pan with warm water in the morning and dry it thoroughly.

Use Lemon and Spices:

Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the pan, then add the lemon halves as well. You can also add a couple of cinnamon sticks or a spoonful of cloves. Fill the pan with water and simmer the mixture on the stove for about 10 minutes. The citrus and spices will help deodorize the pan and leave a pleasant scent behind.

Prevent Future Odours:

To prevent food smells from building up in the future, be sure to clean your pan promptly after each use. Avoid leaving dirty pans in the sink or on the stovetop, as this allows odours to develop and spread. If you're unable to clean the pan right away, fill it with warm water and a mild dish soap to soak until you're ready to wash it. Regularly cleaning your stove and surrounding areas will also help prevent the buildup of food odours.

Use a charcoal filter splatter screen

A charcoal filter splatter screen is a great way to get rid of food smells from pans. This handy utensil is designed to prevent splatters from staining your kitchen and can be placed over pots and pans while cooking. The activated carbon filter absorbs unwanted cooking odours and prevents them from spreading throughout your home.

To use a charcoal filter splatter screen effectively, follow these steps:

• Choose the Right Size: Select a splatter screen that fits your pan or pot snugly. This ensures that it contains the cooking odours and prevents them from escaping into your kitchen.
• Place it Over Your Pan: Simply place the splatter screen over your pot or pan while cooking. It will catch any oil splatters and grease while allowing steam to escape through its mesh design.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: When using the splatter screen, be mindful of the distance between the handle and other burners. Keep the handle away from direct heat to avoid melting or damage.
• Clean Regularly: Wash your charcoal filter splatter screen regularly. Most screens are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning convenient. Alternatively, you can wash it by hand with hot, soapy water.
• Replace When Necessary: Charcoal filters have a limited lifespan. Once the charcoal absorbs its limit of odours, it will become less effective. Keep an eye on its performance, and replace the splatter screen when needed.

By following these steps and using a charcoal filter splatter screen, you can effectively reduce food smells from your pans and keep your kitchen smelling fresh. Remember to maintain and replace the splatter screen as needed for optimal performance.

Frequently asked questions