Ah, the sweet, smoky smell of a well-cooked meal…or the acrid, nose-hair-singing stench of burnt food. We’ve all been there – maybe you got distracted by a phone call or forgot to set a timer.
Regardless of the cause, that burnt smell can linger in your home long after the smoke clears. But there’s no need to panic because we will show you in detail how to get rid of burnt smell once and for all.
Things you need to get rid of burnt smell…
Citrus peels
Now that you have all your tools and materials ready, let’s get rid of that awful smell…
Video: How to Get Rid of Burnt Smell
Do you prefer video? Watch our video on how to get rid of burnt smell…
Identify the source of the burnt smell
To do this, you need to determine which appliance or area is causing the odor. This is necessary because different sources of burnt smell require different methods of removal.
First, you need to sniff around the room to locate the source of the smell. Take a few deep breaths and try to determine which area the odor is coming from.
You can start by checking the appliances in the kitchen. This includes the oven, microwave, stovetop, toaster, and other appliances that produce heat. Check for any signs of burnt food, spills, or debris in or around the appliances.
If the burnt smell is coming from other areas of the house, you may need to inspect the wiring, electronics, or other appliances. If you suspect any electrical issues, it’s best to call a professional electrician to help you identify the problem.
Increase ventilation
When you increase ventilation, you allow fresh air to circulate through the space, which helps to reduce the concentration of odor molecules in the air.
Therefore, open all windows and doors in the room to let fresh air in and allow the stagnant air to escape. If possible, create a cross-breeze by opening windows or doors on opposite sides of the room. This will help the airflow through the space more quickly.
Leave the windows and doors open for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or until the smell has dissipated.
During this time, you can also use fans to help circulate the air more quickly.
If the weather outside is too cold or too hot, you can also use an air purifier to help clean the air
inside your home. An air purifier can remove odor-causing particles from the air, leaving your home smelling fresher.
Remove the burnt item
If it’s burnt food, remove it from the oven, stovetop, or microwave immediately. If it’s a burnt surface, such as a countertop or stovetop, turn off the heat and allow it to cool before attempting to clean it.
If the burnt food is still edible, you can try scraping off the burnt parts with a knife or spatula. However, if the food is too burnt, it’s best to discard it. Be sure to throw it away in a sealed trash bag to prevent the smell from spreading.
Clean the affected area
Even if you have already removed the burnt item, there may still be residual odors or stains left behind.
For most surfaces, a simple solution of soap and water will suffice. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water in a bucket or spray bottle. If you prefer, you can also use a cleaning solution specifically designed for the type of surface you are cleaning, such as a granite or stainless steel cleaner.
Wipe down the affected area with a clean cloth. Use a soft cloth that won’t scratch the surface. You can also use a sponge or paper towel, depending on the surface you are cleaning. If the surface is hot, wait for it to cool down before cleaning it.
Apply the cleaning solution to the cloth or directly to the surface. If using a spray bottle, spray the solution onto the surface and then wipe it down with the cloth. For tougher stains or odors, you may need to let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.
Use a circular motion to scrub away any stains or residue. Be careful not to use too much pressure, especially if you are cleaning a delicate surface like a countertop or appliance.
Rinse the surface with clean water. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining cleaning solution. If the surface is near a sink, you can also rinse it with water from the faucet.
Dry the surface with a clean cloth. Make sure to dry the surface thoroughly to prevent water spots or streaks. You can also use a microfiber cloth to ensure a streak-free finish.
After cleaning the area, use any or a combination of these methods to get rid of the smell if it lingers…
Use baking soda
Baking soda is a great natural ingredient that can help absorb and neutralize odors.
Sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. You can use a fine mesh sieve to distribute the baking soda evenly. Be generous with the amount of baking soda you use, especially if the odor is particularly strong.
Let the baking soda sit for 30 minutes. This will give it time to absorb the odor and any moisture that may be contributing to the smell.
Wipe away the baking soda with a clean, damp cloth or sponge.
If the odor is still present after the first application, you may need to repeat the process. You can also try leaving the baking soda on for longer, up to a few hours, to allow it to absorb more of the odor.
Baking soda can also be used as a preventative measure to help prevent burnt smells in the future. Simply sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the bottom of your oven or in your microwave before using them. This can help absorb any odors before they become strong and persistent.
Use vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile and natural cleaning agent that can also help eliminate odors.
Soak a cloth in white vinegar. White vinegar is the most effective type of vinegar for removing odors. You can use a regular cloth or an old t-shirt to soak up the vinegar.
Place the cloth in the room where the smell is most prominent. If the burnt smell is coming from the kitchen, place the cloth on the countertop or table. If the smell is coming from a different room, place the cloth on a nearby surface, like a nightstand or dresser.
Leave the cloth in place for a few hours. The longer the cloth is left in place, the more it will absorb the odor. You can leave the cloth in place for up to 24 hours if necessary.
Check the cloth regularly. If the cloth becomes saturated with vinegar, replace it with a fresh one. You can also refresh the vinegar by adding a few drops of essential oils, like lemon or lavender, to help mask the vinegar smell.
If the burnt smell is coming from an appliance, like a microwave or oven, you can also use vinegar to clean the interior. Simply mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the interior. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.
Use activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a natural odor absorber that can help eliminate burnt smells in your home.
Fill a container with activated charcoal. You can use any type of container, like a mason jar or small bowl. Fill it with enough activated charcoal to cover the bottom.
Place the container in the room where the smell is most prominent.
Leave the container in place for several hours, or until the smell subsides. The activated charcoal will absorb the odor over time, so the longer it’s left in place, the better.
Replace the activated charcoal as needed. Depending on the strength of the smell, the activated charcoal may need to be replaced every few days or every week. Simply discard the used charcoal and replace it with fresh charcoal.
Use coffee grounds
Get some coffee grounds. You can use fresh or used coffee grounds, but make sure they are dry.
Put the coffee grounds in a bowl or container. Use enough coffee grounds to cover the bottom of the container.
Place the container in the affected area. Then, leave the container in place for several hours, or until the smell subsides. The coffee grounds will absorb the odor over time, so the longer they’re left in place, the better.
Depending on the strength of the smell, the coffee grounds may need to be replaced every few hours or every day. Simply discard the used coffee grounds and replace them with fresh ones.
Use citrus peels
Get some citrus peels. You can use peels from oranges, lemons, limes, or any other citrus fruit.
Place the peels in the affected area.
Leave the peels in place for several hours, or until the smell subsides. The citrus scent will help neutralize the burnt smell and leave a fresh, clean scent behind.
Replace the peels as needed.
You can also use a diffuser to release the citrus scent into the air. Simply add a few drops of citrus essential oil to a diffuser and turn it on. This will help spread the scent throughout the room.
Use air fresheners
Air fresheners are a quick and easy way to freshen the air and mask the smell of burnt food.
There are many different types of air fresheners available, including sprays, plug-ins, and diffusers. Therefore, choose one that works best.
If you’re using a spray air freshener, simply spray it around the room, focusing on areas where the smell is most concentrated. If you’re using a diffuser, add a few drops of essential oil to the diffuser and turn it on.
If you prefer to use natural products, you can also make your own air freshener using essential oils and water. Simply mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use it as needed.