cleaning tips and tools: 7 things people with smelly kitchens always do that might surprise you

Before making any aesthetic design decisions or quality furniture, smell is undoubtedly the first thing people notice in your home, and nowhere is this more true than in the kitchen.

We're all "blind" to the different smells that mix in our spaces, but according to professional cleaners, there are a few things we can do to make sure our kitchen always smells nice (even if you don't notice it anymore). ).

Forget freshly baked bread or chemical air fresheners that only mask odors. We're talking general kitchen maintenance here, making sure your space always smells fresh. Here are seven tips you need to know.

1. Always keep surfaces clean

Light blue kitchen with Subway tile ceiling

It goes without saying, but the easiest way to ensure your kitchen always smells great is to establish a proper cleaning routine. "The foundation of a fragrant kitchen is thorough cleaning," says Karina Toner of Spekless Cleaning. "Regular disinfection of surfaces not only ensures hygiene, but also prevents odors from forming."

Don't allow kitchen worktops to become infected after cooking. Be sure to use an antibacterial spray after each use. "Opt for natural cleaning products with invigorating scents like lemon, which not only clean but also leave a refreshing scent that lingers in the air," says Karina. You also need to do a deep cleaning at least once a week to keep the areas you use less often fresh.

2. Clean the garbage disposal and siphons

One of the worst culprits when it comes to lingering kitchen odors are garbage disposals and siphons. The former needs no explanation, and while the latter requires regular flushing with water, dirt and grease can quickly build up, creating a smelly room.

"To keep siphons and sinks smelling fresh, make lemon ice cubes," suggests Will Cotter , CEO of Happy Cleans. "Fill an ice cube tray with lemon wedges, rock salt, and water, then freeze. Once it's frozen, put a few cubes in the grinder or sink and let it run as usual. Rock salt helps cleanse, while lemon juice fights bacteria and leaves a pleasant scent.

3. Refresh dashboards with lemon juice

A kitchen sink with a red tile backsplash

Kitchen splashbacks are naturally a magnet for grease splatters. They might not be the first place you think of when it comes to dirty kitchen smells, but when left dirty they quickly harbor bacteria, which leads to those bad smells.

According to Will, lemon juice is also a great natural way to revitalize your backsplash, including the grout between the tiles. "This versatile solution works wonders for removing grease from your tile backing," he says. "What makes it even more attractive is its smooth nature - you don't have to worry about damaging the paintwork or affecting the peel-and-stick finish. In addition, the fresh and persistent aroma it leaves is an added benefit. He recommends leaving a squeeze of lemon juice on for about five minutes before wiping it off with a damp microfiber cloth and drying with a kitchen towel.

4. Allow damp cloths to dry

Kitchens are full of quickly soggy tea towels and hand towels, and as we all know, there's no smell more pungent than a damp towel. "Make sure damp items like sponges, tea towels, and rugs are dried properly to avoid moldy smells," says Will. "Always give them some time to dry after use or in the event of spills. Hang them up, spread them out and let them breathe – it's a small step that makes a big difference."

Also make sure that there is no accumulation of dirty kitchen towels. Control musky odors by washing them regularly. "Make sure they're scented by washing them regularly with scented detergents," Karina recommends. "This simple step not only prevents lingering odors in the fabric, but also ensures a pleasant scent."

"Between washes, a natural laundry spray can also do wonders to freshen up your space," adds Ria Templer, co-founder of natural fragrance brand Utama Spice . "You can also spray on the laundry spray after cleaning the kitchen cabinets ."

5. Contains natural odor eliminators

A modern white kitchen with brass fittings

Masking odors with fragrant perfumes is one thing, eliminating odors completely is another. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to trap and remove odors from your kitchen, and you'll be pleased to know that most of these are easy and inexpensive solutions.

"It's a good idea to put containers of baking soda or activated charcoal in inconspicuous corners," says Karina. "These natural wonders quietly trap and neutralize unwanted odors, creating a harmonious environment." We love these Amazon charcoal odor absorber bags , which are perfect for the task. Just hang them on your towel rail or on the side of your fridge and let them do the rest.

6. Clean floors with perfumed products

Regardless of how thorough your cleaning schedule is, your kitchen floor is one of the dirtiest parts of your home. To keep your room smelling nice, clean your floors regularly with scented cleaning products. You will definitely notice a difference.

"You can do that with eco-friendly cleaning products that give off delicious scents," says Ben Gold , real estate agent and founder of Recommend Home Buyers. "Not only are these products effective at fighting germs, but they also spread a sweet and inviting scent." Mix the perfume every time you buy a new bottle to avoid going blind!

Ria from Utama Spice recommends her natural surface cleaner for this task. "It contains no chemicals and penetrates grease and oil," he says.

7. Ventilate the kitchen

Finally, make sure your kitchen is well ventilated to avoid odors, especially when cooking. "Proper ventilation plays a crucial role in removing cooking odors," says Ben. "Keep the windows open when cooking or exploring."
the possibility of introducing an air purifier for kitchens to ensure this
Circulation of clean and fresh air. Don't forget to turn on the integrated exhaust fans too.

Another great, low-maintenance way to clean the air in your kitchen is with a simple houseplant. Not only do they naturally capture CO2 and generate oxygen, but they also filter harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene and other carcinogens from your space. Refresh the best air-purifying houseplants and add a beautiful green plant to your kitchen counter or shelf that will also keep your air fresh (we have a soft spot for the peace lily!).