Freshen up your kitchen.
The kitchen generates the most odors out of all the spots in your home. From the fridge, to the foods you cook, to the food left in the garbage, unpleasant odors are bound to arise. Since the kitchen is a place that's used to prepare and eat food, most people prefer a natural cleaning agent over strong smelling chemicals.
Baking soda in simplest terms is a salt that is slightly alkaline, therefore it works to neutralize acids. The neutralizing quality is what makes it so effective in eliminating harsh odors. Most often used as an agent in baking or in refrigerators to keep the odors out, baking soda can also be used in many other ways to deodorize.
So, skip the harsh chemicals and opt for a natural solution to removing odors. Here are 6 effective ways to eliminate odors in your kitchen using baking soda.
1. Refrigerator
The most commonly used trick in the book is to put an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb the odors and keep it smelling fresh. While it may seem like a one-step process, remember that the box should be changed at least once every three months to effectively eliminate the odors. If you notice the fridge starting to smell, the box may need replacing sooner.
Quick Tip:
Store one box in the freezer to help keep the odors at bay.
2. Garbage bin
Whether your garbage bin is hidden under the kitchen counter or free-standing, baking soda can help freshen it up. If you've taken the trash out and still notice a strong odor coming from your garbage bin try sprinkling some baking soda on a sponge and wiping down the container. Add a little baking soda to the bottom of the bin before adding a new garbage liner on top.
Quick Tip:
Go the extra mile and sprinkle a little baking soda inside the liner to really eliminate the strong food odors going into your bin.
3. Sink
If you notice an unpleasant odor coming from your kitchen sink it may be the cause of some build up in the drain and surface of your sink. To fix this, sprinkle some baking soda round the sink and use a sponge to wipe down all sides. When done, rinse it with hot water.
Quick Tip:
Instead of throwing the expired box of baking soda out from the fridge, use it in the sink. Pour it down the sink and run warm water on it to rinse away the smells.
4. Dishwasher
Before you add another dirty dish to the dishwasher, take a deep breath. If you notice lingering food odors coming from the washer as a result of the dirty dishes, sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom of the washer.
Quick Tip:
You can deep clean the dishwasher by brushing the crevices of the washer with a toothbrush and a paste of baking soda and hot water. Make sure you get the areas around the washer seals and door.
5. Cutting board
Wooden or plastic cutting boards can absorb strong food odors after time. To freshen up your cutting board use some baking soda. Start by making a paste of baking soda and water, then scrubbing the mixture on the board. Rinse it with hot water to get an effective clean.
6. Pots and pans
Use baking soda on your pots and pans to clean stuck-on grease or food. Sprinkle some baking soda on the pot or pan and add some hot water to make a paste. Let the paste sit on the affected area for an hour then use a sponge to clean it off. The grease will wash off easily.
Check out this post for more tips on how to remove odors from your household items.
