Practical tips to banish lingering fish odors from your kitchen
Even with a good exhaust system, various smells can spread throughout the apartment while cooking in the kitchen. The aroma of baked dishes is welcome, but the smell of fried fish is not always as appealing. Fortunately, there are several tried-and-true methods to tackle this issue.
In small apartments, where the kitchen is connected to the living room and the hood doesn’t always perform effectively, the smell of fish can be quite bothersome. Often, there’s limited ability for proper ventilation, especially when windows are only on one side of the building. In such cases, opening the door to the hallway is not always convenient. While lighting a candle might help to some extent, it sometimes doesn't do the trick completely.
An awful fish smell when frying: How to remedy this?
If you're fortunate enough to have an effective exhaust fan, turn it on full power while frying fish. Opening windows might be the only solution for those without such equipment. Additionally, placing a few slices of potato or apple in the pan with the fish can help absorb the unpleasant smell. Herbal seasonings like parsley or dill can also be beneficial.
Sometimes, it's better to rely on traditional methods 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 the unwanted odors. Freshly brewed coffee can also help neutralize the smells. Another effective method is using baking soda. Simply sprinkle it on a plate and place it near the stove. Baking soda acts as a natural odor absorber, neutralizing unpleasant aromas. Additionally, you can prepare a solution of baking soda and water to wipe down countertops and other kitchen surfaces to remove lingering smells.
Let’s not forget about citrus! Lemon or orange peels can be added to boiling water, which not only helps neutralize odors but also brings a fresh, citrusy aroma into the kitchen. This is a simple and natural way to freshen the air after intense frying.
The smell of fish doesn’t disappear suddenly
After spending a long time at home, you might become accustomed to the smell of fried fish, but that doesn’t mean it's completely gone. To ensure everything is back to normal, step outside the house for a while. After lunch, leave the vinegar and clove mixture on the counter and suggest a walk to the family. When you return home, the fish smell should no longer be noticeable, allowing you to enjoy the evening in a pleasant atmosphere.
Interestingly, some cultures also use bay leaves as a natural odor absorber. Simply toss a few into boiling water to neutralize unpleasant aromas. Moreover, bay leaves have antibacterial properties, which help maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. This is a simple way to eliminate the fried fish smell while also adding a subtle, herbal aroma to the air.
