How to Remove Bad Odours from Your Oven After Cooking

A lingering smell in your oven can make your kitchen feel unpleasant and even affect the taste of your food. Proper oven cleaning is essential to eliminate bad odours and maintain a fresh cooking environment. Whether you use your oven regularly or only on occasion, following these cleaning methods can help remove unwanted smells efficiently.

Why Does Your Oven Smell Bad?

A dirty oven accumulates grease, food particles, and burnt residue, all of which contribute to bad odours. Spilled food, particularly from roasts or casseroles, can harden and produce smoke when reheated. Additionally, a lack of deep oven clean procedures can lead to bacterial growth and persistent smells that linger even after cooking.

Effective Ways to Remove Bad Odours from Your Oven

1. Perform a Thorough Oven Cleaning

The best way to prevent odours is regular oven cleaning. Wiping down the interior after every use can stop grease and residue from building up. However, if the smell persists, a deep clean may be necessary.

Start by removing racks and soaking them in warm, soapy water.
Use a homemade solution of baking soda and water to scrub the interior.
Allow the solution to sit overnight before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Finish with a vinegar rinse to neutralise odours.

2. Use Natural Odour Absorbers

Natural remedies can help remove odours without using harsh chemicals. Consider the following:

Lemon and Water: Fill a baking tray with water and add sliced lemons. Heat the oven at 150°C for 30 minutes to allow the steam to remove any odours.
Baking Soda: Leave an open container of baking soda inside your oven overnight to absorb lingering smells.
Coffee Grounds: Used coffee grounds can also help neutralise stubborn odours.

3. Clean Your Extractor Fans

A neglected extractor fan can trap odours and redistribute them every time you cook. Extractor fans cleaning is essential to prevent stale and burnt food smells from lingering in your kitchen.

Remove and soak the filters in warm, soapy water.
Scrub away grease and dust.
Dry thoroughly before placing them back in the unit.

4. Conduct a Deep Oven Clean

For ovens that have accumulated months' worth of grime, a deep oven clean is necessary. A professional oven cleaner can remove stubborn grease and burnt-on food, ensuring your appliance smells fresh and functions efficiently. If you prefer to do it yourself, using a steam-cleaning method or a dedicated oven-cleaning solution can yield great results.

Preventing Future Odours

Regular Domestic Oven Cleaning

Prevention is key when it comes to oven odours. Scheduling regular domestic oven cleaning helps keep your oven in optimal condition. Simple steps like using an oven liner, covering dishes while cooking, and wiping up spills immediately can make a huge difference.

BBQ Cleaning and Odour Removal

If you love grilling, you should also consider BBQ cleaning as part of your routine. Burnt grease and food particles in your BBQ can produce strong odours that may transfer to your indoor cooking environment. Keeping both appliances clean ensures a fresh and enjoyable cooking space.

Conclusion

Bad odours in your oven are a sign that it's time for a thorough oven cleaning. From natural deodorisers like lemon and baking soda to professional deep oven clean solutions, there are many ways to tackle this issue. Regular extractor fans cleaning and domestic oven cleaning can also help maintain a fresh kitchen environment. By following these steps, you can enjoy cooking without the worry of unpleasant smells lingering in your home.