Snowed under smells: Defeating fishy odours in the kitchen
Even with a good exhaust system and efficient ventilation in the kitchen, various smells can spread throughout the apartment during holiday preparations. The aroma of baked gingerbread is delightful, but the smell of fried fish is quite the opposite. Fortunately, our grandmothers had a simple solution for this issue.
Small apartments, kitchenettes, and the lack of a range hood are everyday challenges for many of us. Properly airing out an apartment can be difficult, especially when windows are only on one side, as is common in apartment buildings. To create a draft, you might need to open the door to the hallway, which isn't always convenient. A simple method to tackle odours is to light a candle. But what if even that doesn't help?
How to neutralize the smell of fish while frying?
If you're fortunate enough to have a quality exhaust hood, you're already ahead. During the frying of Christmas fish, simply turn the exhaust to maximum power to help manage the odour. If you don't have such equipment, ensure good ventilation by opening the windows. As you fry the fish, you can place a few slices of potato or apple in the pan to help absorb some of the smell. Herbal spices, like parsley or dill, can also be helpful allies.
What to do when the smell lingers after frying fish?
To neutralize lingering odours, start by thoroughly cleaning the pan, stove, and countertops. Grease on these surfaces can be a significant source of odour. Chefs in restaurants as a practice, wipe the pan dry with paper towels after frying, which quickly and effectively removes dirty grease.
An old method for eliminating unpleasant aromas
If nothing else works, try an old, reliable method. Boil some water and mix it with a few tablespoons of vinegar. Add a handful of cloves and leave it on the kitchen counter. The steam from this mixture will swiftly absorb unwanted odours. Freshly brewed coffee can also be effective for neutralizing aromas.
How to check if the smell of fish is gone in the kitchen?
While you might not notice the smell of fried fish if you've been in the apartment for a while, that doesn't mean it's gone. To check if everything is back to normal, step outside for a bit. After eating fish, leave the vinegar and clove mixture on the kitchen counter and suggest a Christmas walk to your family. When you return home, the smell of fish should be gone, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the magical evening in a pleasant and refreshed atmosphere.
