Cooking at home brings warmth, comfort, and delicious meals, but it can also leave lingering odors that settle into fabrics and surfaces. While some scents are pleasant, others—like fried food, fish, or strong spices—can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your home smelling fresh while cooking. Here are practical tips and product recommendations to help maintain a clean and pleasant atmosphere.

1. Use Proper Ventilation

A well-ventilated kitchen is the first step in preventing food smells from taking over your home. If you have a range hood, make sure to turn it on at its highest setting while cooking. If possible, open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation. For an extra boost, consider using a Hathaspace Smart Air Purifier for Home to filter out airborne particles and odors.

2. Cook with a Splatter Screen

Grease and food particles contribute significantly to lingering smells. A splatter screen can minimize the spread of oils and keep your stovetop cleaner. The U.S. Kitchen Supply Splatter Screen is a great option to prevent oil splashes while allowing steam to escape, reducing excess moisture buildup.

3. Boil a Natural Air Freshener

Simmering a pot of water with citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, or cloves can naturally neutralize strong odors. If you prefer a more convenient option, using a Cocodor Reed Diffuser in your kitchen can continuously release fresh scents without the need for flames or electricity.

4. Invest in an Air Purifier

Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters can absorb and eliminate stubborn food smells. The LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier is an excellent choice for kitchens, as it effectively removes odors, smoke, and airborne grease particles.

5. Utilize Odor-Absorbing Products

Baking soda is a natural and inexpensive way to absorb odors. Placing a small dish of it near your stove can make a difference. For an even stronger solution, try the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, which uses bamboo charcoal to trap and neutralize cooking smells.

6. Keep Your Trash Can Fresh

Garbage, especially food waste, can contribute to unpleasant kitchen odors. Using Glad ForceFlexPlus with Clorox Odor Protection Trash Bags can help keep smells contained. Additionally, sprinkling baking soda at the bottom of your trash can absorbs lingering odors.

7. Use Essential Oils

A few drops of essential oils in a diffuser can help combat cooking smells and create a pleasant atmosphere. The ASAKUKI 500ml Essential Oil Diffuser disperses a fine mist of essential oils, helping to neutralize odors while adding a relaxing scent to your home.

8. Regularly Clean Surfaces

Wiping down countertops, stovetops, and cabinets after cooking can prevent grease and odors from accumulating. Using a strong degreaser like Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Cleaner ensures that lingering food smells are removed efficiently.

9. Wash Fabrics Frequently

Curtains, kitchen towels, and rugs tend to absorb food odors over time. Washing them regularly with a fresh-smelling detergent like Downy Unstopables In-Wash Scent Booster can help maintain a clean-smelling home.

10. Light a Scented Candle

A well-placed scented candle can quickly mask cooking odors and provide a refreshing ambiance. The Yankee Candle Kitchen Spice is a great option, as it blends warm spices and citrus notes to complement kitchen spaces.

By incorporating these simple strategies and products, you can enjoy cooking at home without worrying about persistent food odors. A combination of proper ventilation, odor absorption, and fresh scents will help keep your kitchen—and your entire home—smelling fresh and inviting.