There's something wonderful about the smell of a good meal cooking. Garlic sizzling in a pan, onions softening, a pot of curry bubbling away. It's part of what makes a home feel welcoming.
But the next morning? You might not be quite as excited to smell last night's dinner all over again.
If your kitchen holds onto cooking odours, you're not alone. Fish, garlic, onions and certain spices can linger well after the plates have been cleared. Here are a few things that can help without turning kitchen cleanup into another big job.
Start while you're still cooking
One of the easiest things you can do is switch on your range hood before the kitchen gets smoky or steamy. If it vents outdoors, let it run during cooking and for a little while afterward. When weather and air quality permit, cracking a window can help too.
It's also worth checking the hood's filters. Grease builds up gradually, and a filter that's overdue for cleaning won't work as intended. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning or replacing it.
Sometimes it's the little things you missed
You can wash every pot and pan and still wake up to a kitchen that smells like dinner. Often the source is something small: food in the sink strainer, scraps in the bin or grease left on the stovetop and backsplash.
Once surfaces have cooled, wipe down the cooking area with a suitable cleaner. Empty food scraps and give the sink a quick check. These aren't glamorous jobs, but they make a difference.
Kitchen towels and dishcloths are easy to overlook too. A damp cloth that has been sitting beside the sink can start to smell on its own. Wash them regularly and let them dry completely between uses.
Remember the fabrics nearby
If your kitchen opens into a dining or living space, smells can settle into curtains, cushions and upholstered chairs. You don't need to wash everything after every meal, but an occasional refresh of washable fabrics can help when an odour has been hanging around for days.
For most homes, the best habit is straightforward: deal with leftovers, clean the cooking surfaces, let the air move and don't leave damp cloths sitting around.
Making the room feel welcoming again
After the cleanup, you may enjoy lighting a candle for a bit of atmosphere. Luxe and Little makes a Food Odour Eliminator Soy Candle, available in several scents as well as an unscented option. It's part of our odour-control candle range. Of course, it doesn't replace cleaning or ventilation.
If you use a candle, always place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from curtains and other flammable materials. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and never leave it burning unattended.
The goal isn't to erase every trace of a meal the moment you're finished. It's to enjoy cooking, enjoy eating and then be able to walk into a fresh kitchen the next morning. With a few small habits, that becomes a lot easier.
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