Frying at Home? Here’s How to Get Rid of the Smell

There is nothing quite like hot schnitzel or French fries fresh out of the oil. But frying at home comes with one hard to ignore downside: the smell. Long after the meal is over and the kitchen is clean, it can feel as though the entire house still smells like the frying pan is on the stove.

That is because frying releases steam and tiny droplets of grease into the air. They do not remain only around the stove. They can travel throughout the house and cling to surfaces, fabrics, and furniture, which is why simply opening one window is not always enough.

Fortunately, a few simple steps can help clear the smell and leave your home feeling fresh again.

Create Good Airflow

Ventilation is the first step, but instead of opening only the kitchen window, try opening two windows in different parts of the house. This creates airflow that can help move odor filled air out of your home.

If you have a range hood, turn it on before you begin frying and leave it running for a short while after you finish.

Do Not Leave Used Oil in the Pan

Finished frying? Do not leave the pan filled with used oil sitting on the stove for hours. Even after the oil has cooled, the lingering smell can remain.

Once the oil has cooled completely, transfer it to a suitable sealed container and throw it in the trash. Never pour frying oil down the sink, as it can accumulate inside the pipes and eventually cause clogs.

Clean Around the Stove

Sometimes it seems as though the frying smell is still hanging in the air when some of it is actually coming from grease residue left behind during cooking.

Once everything has cooled, wipe down the stovetop, counter, and backsplash. If you fried for an extended period, it is also worth checking nearby cabinet doors and handles for grease.

Simmer Water With Citrus

For a simple way to freshen the kitchen, fill a small pot with water and add lemon or orange peels. Bring the water to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer briefly while keeping an eye on the pot.

The fresh citrus aroma can help make the kitchen smell more pleasant. You can also add a cinnamon stick if you enjoy the scent.

Do Not Forget the Trash

The source of the lingering odor may be closer than you think. If you have finished frying but the smell remains, take out the trash, especially if it contains paper towels, food scraps, or anything else that came into contact with the oil.

If necessary, give the trash can itself a quick cleaning as well.

Try Baking Soda

Baking soda can help absorb certain household odors. Place a small amount in an open bowl in the kitchen for several hours, keeping it safely out of reach of children and pets.

Keep in mind that baking soda is not a substitute for proper ventilation or cleaning grease residue, especially after a long frying session. It works best as an additional step once the main sources of the smell have been removed.

Check Nearby Fabrics

If several hours have passed and you can still smell the frying, the odor may have been absorbed by nearby fabrics, including curtains, tablecloths, decorative pillows, and kitchen towels.

Wash towels and tablecloths that were close to the frying area. Curtains and upholstery should be cleaned according to the care instructions for the specific fabric.

The best way to tackle lingering frying smells is to address them from several directions at once: ventilate the house, dispose of the used oil promptly, clean away grease residue, and check any fabrics that may have absorbed the odor. With a little attention after cooking, you can enjoy your crispy schnitzel or French fries without smelling them for the rest of the day.