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Cooking in the Philippines is a delightful experience filled with the aromas of flavorful spices, fresh herbs, and mouthwatering dishes. However, the lingering smell of adobo, sinigang, or even dried fish can sometimes overpower your living space, especially in a condo setting where ventilation may be limited. Whether you're living in the heart of Metro Manila or nestled in a suburban condominium, dealing with the challenges of how to get rid of smell in a house is common for many Filipinos.
Fortunately, there are several effective strategies tailored to the Philippine setting that you can employ to banish those odors and keep your condo smelling fresh and clean. Explore these thirteen ways to get rid of musty smells indoors, achieving a house that smells fresh from day to night!
1. Clean up spills promptly.
Spilled food and grease can contribute to unpleasant cooking odors if left unattended. Be proactive about cleaning up spills promptly to prevent them from lingering and permeating your condo. Use a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and mild dish soap to clean surfaces, and don't forget to wipe down your stove, countertops, and cabinets regularly to remove any trapped odors. Finish it by installing or checking existing air fresheners around the house to keep the surrounding area fresh.
2. Invest in quality cookware.
Low-quality cookware can absorb and retain cooking odors, contributing to a persistent food smell in your condo. Invest in high-quality, non-porous cookware made from materials like stainless steel or glass that are easy to clean and won't trap odors. Additionally, consider using silicone oven mats or splatter guards to contain odors and prevent them from spreading.
3. Harness the Power of Kamias and Calamansi
Kamias (bilimbi) and calamansi (Philippine lime) are not only staples in Filipino cuisine but also effective natural deodorizers. Squeeze the juice of kamias or calamansi into a bowl of water and place it near your cooking area. The citrusy scent will help neutralize odors and leave your condo smelling fresh.
Also keep the citrus peels, as they can contribute to and remove odors indoors. Leave a good amount in the entire space for a while and let it mask odors, too!
Another good idea is to utilize coffee grounds as a neutralizer. A good amount of brewed coffee every morning might not be hard in this case.
4. Utilize charcoal briquettes
Charcoal briquettes are commonly used in Filipino households for grilling and cooking, but they also work wonders for keeping the indoor air quality good. Place a few pieces of charcoal in a bowl or tray and position them strategically around your condo. The porous nature of charcoal helps to trap and eliminate cooking smells and food smells effectively.
5. Cook with pandan leaves
Pandan leaves, known for their fragrant aroma and subtle sweetness, can also help combat cooking odors. Add a few pandan leaves to your cooking pot while simmering savory dishes like rice or stews. Not only will it infuse your food with a delightful flavor, but it will also mask any lingering smells in your condo.
6. Optimize cross-ventilation
Maximize airflow in your Philippine condo by taking advantage of the tropical breeze. Open windows and doors on opposite sides of your living space to create a cross-ventilation system. This will allow fresh air to circulate and push out cooking odors, leaving your condo smelling clean and airy.
If your condo has a range hood, use it while cooking to capture airborne particles and odors. Additionally, if your condo lacks adequate ventilation, consider investing in a portable air purifier equipped with a carbon filter to help neutralize odors, or if the cross-ventilation technique is not working, an exhaust fan is the only solution.
7. Embrace Filipino potpourri
Create your own Filipino-inspired potpourri using dried flowers, herbs, and spices commonly found in local markets. Combine fragrant ingredients like sampaguita, ylang-ylang, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a half-cup decorative bowl or sachet. Place it in your condo to impart a uniquely Filipino scent while neutralizing cooking odors. It can also go along the stovetop—a Pinoy stye stovetop potpourri, indeed!
8. Clean with vinegar and baking soda
Vinegar and baking soda are versatile cleaning agents that can also help eliminate cooking and burnt food smells in your condo. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water (and a little baking soda, if you want) in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down surfaces, countertops, and kitchen appliances. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery before vacuuming to absorb odors effectively.
9. Use scented candles or incense
Add a touch of ambiance to your condo while eliminating cooking smells with scented candles or incense. Opt for fragrances inspired by local flora and fauna, such as sampaguita, mango, or coconut. Light a candle or burn incense sticks during and after cooking to create a soothing atmosphere and mask any lingering odors.
10. Deodorize with Essential Oils
Essential oils are potent natural deodorizers that can help freshen up your condo and eliminate cooking smells. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint, to a diffuser and run it during and after cooking to disperse a pleasant aroma throughout your living space. You can also mix essential oils with water in a spray bottle and use it to mist fabrics and upholstery.
11. Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Tidy
Maintaining a clean and tidy kitchen is essential for preventing cooking smells from lingering in your condo. Wash dishes promptly, wipe down surfaces after cooking, remove food scraps on kitchen tops, and do proper garbage disposal regularly to avoid unpleasant odors. Consider using airtight containers to store leftovers and ingredients to prevent them from permeating your living space.
Cooking smells are an inevitable part of preparing delicious Filipino dishes, but with these ten effective strategies, you can ensure that your condo remains fresh and inviting. Whether you're simmering sinigang on the stove or frying fish in the kitchen, these tips tailored to the Philippine setting will help you banish odors and enjoy a clean living space. So go ahead and embrace the flavors of Filipino cuisine, knowing that you have the tools to keep your condo smelling fresh and delightful every day.
