Neutralising festive odours: Simple tricks to banish fish smell
Even with an effective exhaust system and good kitchen ventilation, various odours can permeate throughout the flat during holiday preparations. The aroma of baked gingerbread is always welcome, whereas the smell of fried fish is much less appealing. Fortunately, our grandmothers had a simple solution for this.
Many of us live in small flats or studio apartments with limited kitchen facilities, and not everyone can afford to properly air out their home. In blocks of flats, windows often face only one side, making it difficult to create a through draft, which may require opening the hallway door—something that's not always comfortable. A straightforward method to eliminate odours is to light a candle. But what if even that doesn't suffice?
How to neutralize the smell of fish while frying?
If you're lucky enough to have a good exhaust hood, you're at an advantage. While frying Christmas fish, simply turn the exhaust to maximum power to solve the problem. If you don't have such equipment, ensure good ventilation by opening the windows. You can also place a few slices of potato or apple in the pan alongside the fish—they should help absorb some of the frying odour. Herbal spices like parsley or dill can also be effective allies in combating smells.
What to do when the smell lingers after frying fish?
The first step to neutralising unpleasant odours is to thoroughly clean the pan, cooker, and worktops. Grease on surfaces is the main carrier of aromas. Chefs in restaurants always dry the pan with paper towels after frying, which quickly and easily removes dirty grease.
An old method for eliminating unpleasant aromas
If nothing else works, try an old, tried-and-tested method. Boil some water and mix it with a few tablespoons of vinegar. Add a handful of cloves and let it sit on the kitchen counter. The steam from this mixture will quickly absorb any unwanted odours. Freshly brewed coffee is also effective at neutralising aromas.
How to check if the smell of fish is gone in the kitchen?
After spending a lot of time in the flat, you might not notice the smell of fried fish anymore, but that doesn't mean it's gone. To check if everything has returned to normal, leave the flat for a while. After eating fish, leave the vinegar and clove mixture on the kitchen counter, and suggest a Christmas walk with your family. Upon returning home, the smell of carp should no longer be detectable, allowing you to enjoy the entire magical evening in a pleasant and refreshed atmosphere.
