Remove Kitchen Smoke Odor Without Opening The Windows (Just Grab One Kitchen Staple)

Every cook's worst nightmare is hours of hard work lost to a ruined meal — even worse when the dish catches on fire. Open windows can assist with the initial reduction of smoke, but this doesn't entirely alleviate the residual risks of set-in ash. Fresh air alone is unable to rid your home of odors that may remain on cabinets, walls, and various fabrics (like tablecloths or seat cushions). If you find yourself dealing with the smoky aftermath of a meal gone wrong, try a vinegar-based solution. 

Distilled white vinegar is naturally odor absorbing due to the fact that it is made of acetic acid, which neutralizes the alkaline molecules in smoke and other odors. Simply mix a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This way, you can ensure there's enough vinegar for its odor-neutralizing qualities to take effect. Meanwhile, the water helps keep your solution from being too strong, so you don't risk damaging your surfaces, kitchen gadgets, or wood flooring.

Undiluted vinegar is strong enough to partially strip the finish off some paints or damage the textile fibers of various fabrics common in kitchens. So be sure you've taken the time to properly measure each ingredient before you get to work. A patch test is recommended when using this mixture on new areas, as there are some surfaces you should never clean with vinegar. Not only is vinegar a reliable way to remove unwanted odors in the home, it is also an effective natural cleaning alternative to harsh chemicals.

There are many ways to keep your kitchen fresh and clean with vinegar, and this below-sink savior is commonly used to spritz down walls that smell of smoke. A fresh cloth or sponge is recommended to distribute the mixture across the surface. You can either wipe away the solution immediately, or let it dry and remove the residue later for stubborn odors.

When cooking, it's a good idea to always keep a cup of vinegar on your kitchen counter, as this will help neutralize odors that arise throughout the cooking process. This technique works best if a few bowls are left spread around the kitchen. While it is still advised to turn on the fan when using the stovetop to mitigate any additional spread, vinegar does wonders to zap up remaining smells.

This isn't the only way to speed up the bad smell removal process — you can also combine this ingredient with additional odor-purifying components. Try putting your vinegar in a pot on the stove with lemon peels. The acidic nature of citrus fruits also neutralizes smoke odors, and it smells a lot better than vinegar by itself. Make sure to dilute this mixture with water and simmer over heat, as this will help balance the overall result. Not only do citrus peels help make potpourri, but they can also go right into your DIY vinegar-and-water solution, thus creating a lovely aroma in addition to cleaning power.