We've all been there—you step away for a moment, and suddenly, your kitchen is filled with the dreaded smell of burnt food. Whether it’s overcooked toast, scorched popcorn, or a forgotten dish in the oven, that smoky, burnt odor can linger for hours or even days. At Texas Cleaning Services, we know how frustrating this can be, so we’ve put together the best tried-and-true methods to get rid of that burnt smell fast!
Step 1: Get Rid of the Smoke
Before tackling the smell, remove any smoke or lingering burnt particles from the air:
✔ Turn on the exhaust fan – Your kitchen vent or range hood will help pull out smoke.
✔ Open windows and doors – Create cross-ventilation to let fresh air in.
✔ Use a fan – Point it towards an open window to push smoky air outside.
💡 Pro Tip: If your home still feels stuffy, set a bowl of ice water near a fan to help cool and freshen the air faster.
Step 2: Absorb the Odor Naturally
Once the smoke is gone, it’s time to neutralize the lingering burnt smell.
Best Natural Odor Absorbers:
✔ Baking Soda: Place an open box or bowl of baking soda on the counter overnight. It absorbs stubborn odors.
✔ White Vinegar: Let's first fill some bowls with vinegar and place them around your kitchen.
✔ Activated Charcoal: If you have charcoal-or even grilling briquettes, place some in a bowl to absorb the smell.
✔ Coffee Grounds: Place some fresh coffee grounds outside-they like to get a good whiff of some terrible smells.
💡 Pro Tip: If the smell is strong, simmer a pot of water with vinegar and lemon slices for 15–20 minutes. This helps clear the air quickly!
Step 3: Deep Clean Affected Areas
The burnt smell can cling to surfaces, so it’s essential to wipe down everything:
✔ Countertops & Cabinets – Use warm soapy water or a mix of vinegar and water.
✔ Walls & Backsplash – Smoke can settle here, so wipe these areas with a mild cleaner.
✔ Microwave & Oven – If food was burned inside, clean the appliance with vinegar and water or baking soda paste.
✔ Trash Can – If burnt food was thrown away, take out the trash and clean the bin with disinfectant.
💡 Pro Tip: If the oven still smells burnt, place a baking sheet with baking soda inside and heat it at 200°F for 15 minutes. It will absorb odors!
Step 4: Freshen Up the Air
Now that the burnt smell is under control, it’s time to add a fresh scent back into your kitchen.
✔ Boil cinnamon sticks, cloves, or citrus peels – This creates a warm, pleasant aroma.
✔ Use essential oils - Add a few drops of lemon or lavender oil to a bowl of water or a diffuser.
✔ Light a candle - Scented candles or beeswax candles can help replace smoky odors with a fresh fragrance.
💡 Pro Tip: Spraying a DIY mix of water, lemon juice, and a drop of vanilla extract in the air can leave your kitchen smelling amazing!
No more burnt food smell in the kitchen
Keep an eye out to avoid all the above in future by the simplest kitchen habits by following:
✅ Use a timer.
✅ Monitor your popping popcorn and crisping up toasts.
✅ Sweep your stove-top, oven and microwave periodically because odors seem to hangout there forever and smoke your fats while frying or deep frying.
✅ Use a splatter guard or have a lid.
Let Texas Cleaning Services Tame the Staunchest Smell!
If the stench of something burnt just can't be driven away, or if your kitchen needs a proper deep clean, Texas Cleaning Services is here for you! Specializing in removing odors and deep cleaning a kitchen to freshen up space and make the area look flawless.
📞 Contact us today for that professional cleaning service that makes your kitchen feel like new again
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@texascleaningservices is a local Dallas small business specializing in a variety of services including general, deep, move in and move out, office, & custom cleaning
Review by one of our clients: “Great team. They took their time to clean and used the tools and supplies I prefer abs provide. Super nice ladies.”
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