The simple citrus trick banishing lingering food smells instantly

Nov 04, 2024
The next time your home is filled with the lingering aroma of last night's dinner, turn to this cleaning hack for a quick and effective solution. Source: Getty Images.

Cooking up a storm in the kitchen is a joy, but dealing with lingering food smells can be a real nightmare, especially for those in smaller houses or apartments.

However, Canadian cleaning expert Mary Futher has come to the rescue with a simple yet effective solution that has left the internet buzzing.

Futher’s secret weapon? Nothing more than a simple cup of boiling water with a citrus twist. In a recent TikTok video, the domestic expert shared the foolproof method for banishing stubborn cooking odours that seem to linger endlessly.

“You want to start by boiling a cup of water on the stove,” she explained.

“Then take a lemon or an orange, cut it in quarters, keep the skin on and pop it in the boiling water.”

It’s that simple! The citrus-infused steam works wonders in neutralising and replacing unwanted food smells, leaving your home smelling fresh and delightful.

But what if you find yourself without any fruit on hand? Futher suggests an equally effective substitute – white vinegar.

“Just add half a cup of white vinegar to the cup of boiling water and it will take away the odour,” she advised.

“I usually do it until I notice the food smell has dissipated,” she added.

@madamesweat Here’s my tip on how to avoid lingering cooking smells in your home #home #homehacks #homehygiene #hygiene #smell #smells #fragrance #homesmellsamazing #homescent #homefragrance #natural #naturaltips #madamesweat #odor #food #cook #cooking #cookingsmells #cookingsmell #cookingtime #cookingtip #cookingtips ♬ Nocturne Op.9 – No.2 – Chopin

The TikTok video quickly went viral, with fellow users expressing their gratitude for Mary’s game-changing tip.

One user commented, “Going to have to try this when my husband likes to make bacon. I can’t stand the lingering smell that lasts all day.” Another praised the natural aspect of the remedy, saying, “Love this because it’s natural. Thank you.”

Others were eager to test the hack themselves, with comments like, “Is this true?!?! I’m gonna try this” and “This bothers me all the time. Will have to try it out thanks.” Even someone living in a smaller apartment chimed in, expressing gratitude with, “As someone who lives in a studio, thank you!”

Futher’s kitchen hack has proven to be a hit among those craving a simple and natural solution to tackle persistent cooking smells.

So, the next time your home is infused with the aroma of last night’s dinner, just reach for a citrus fruit or some white vinegar, and let Mary’s cleaning magic do the trick!