Tackling kitchen odours: Effective ways to combat fish smells
When cooking in the kitchen, various smells can permeate the entire flat, even with a good extractor. The aroma of baked dishes is welcome, but the smell of fried fish is not always as pleasant. Thankfully, there are tried-and-tested ways to tackle this issue.
In small flats where the kitchen is connected to the living room and the extractor hood does not always perform well, the smell of fish can be quite bothersome. Ventilating properly can often be challenging, especially when windows are only on one side of the building. In such cases, opening the door to the stairwell is not always ideal. Although lighting a candle can help, it might not always suffice.
The dreadful smell of frying fish: How to combat it?
If you are fortunate enough to have a good extractor hood, turn it on to full power while frying fish. Opening windows might be the only option for those lacking such equipment. Additionally, placing a few slices of potato or apple in the pan with the fish can help absorb the unpleasant odour. Herbs like parsley or dill can also be beneficial.
Sometimes, however, traditional methods are better when frying fish. Boil water and add a few tablespoons of vinegar and a handful of cloves. The steam from this mixture will quickly absorb unwanted odours. Freshly brewed coffee can also help to neutralise aromas. Another effective way to eliminate the fishy smell is to use baking soda. Scatter it on a plate and place it near the stove. Baking soda acts as a natural odour absorber, neutralising unpleasant aromas. You can also prepare a soda and water solution to wipe down countertops and other surfaces in the kitchen to remove lingering smells.
Let's not forget about citrus fruits! Throw lemon or orange peels into boiling water, which will not only help neutralise smells but also introduce a fresh, citrus aroma into the kitchen. This is a simple and natural way to freshen the air after intense frying.
The smell of fish does not disappear suddenly
After spending a long time in the flat, you may stop noticing the smell of fried fish, but that does not mean it has vanished. To ensure everything is back to normal, step outside for a while. After eating lunch, leave the vinegar and clove mixture on the countertop, and suggest a walk to your family. When you return home, the fishy smell will no longer be detectable, allowing you to enjoy an evening in a pleasant atmosphere.
In some cultures, bay leaves are also used as a natural odour absorber. Add a few leaves to boiling water to neutralise unpleasant aromas. Moreover, bay leaves have antibacterial properties, which also help maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. This is a simple way to get rid of the smell of fried fish and add a subtle, herbal aroma to the air.
