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Odor in the kitchen? 5 ideas to keep the kitchen clean always

Controlling odor in the kitchen is a process that combines attention to detail and small daily routines – check out the tips!

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Nov 24, 2025, 5:00 PM

05 min de leitura
Amanda Miranda - Cozinha do Chef - Raízes. Projeto da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2023.

Amanda Miranda - Cozinha do Chef - Raízes. Projeto da CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2023. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

The odor in the kitchen often arises silently, often associated with small everyday lapses: a full trash can, grease accumulated on surfaces, or food forgotten at the back of the refrigerator. Although they may seem like details, these points add up and compromise the sensory experience of one of the most vibrant projects in the house.

Kitchen 21, project by Rubiana Teixeira for CASACOR Goiás 2021

Cozinha 21 - Rubiana Teixeira. Projeto para a CASACOR Goiás 2021 (Edgard César/CASACOR)

By understanding the origin of these smells and organizing a care routine, it is possible to keep the kitchen always fresh, ventilated, and welcoming. The proposal here is to present simple and effective ways to identify, treat, and prevent odor in the kitchen, ensuring more well-being and practicality in daily life.

1. Daily cleaning of surfaces


Greasy surfaces are one of the main reasons for odor in the kitchen. Accumulated grease retains food particles, which oxidize over time. Therefore, daily cleaning, even if quick, helps to control the problem. Neutral soap and warm water are usually sufficient to keep countertops and stove in order.

Moreover, taking care to clean the sides of the stove and the areas near the cooktop makes a difference, as splashes often go unnoticed. Frequent small maintenance replaces heavier cleaning and keeps the kitchen functional without major effort.

2. Care with the trash can and composting


Kitchen waste

(Freepik/CASACOR)

The trash can is a classic source of odor in the kitchen. Changing the bags daily, washing the container frequently, and drying it well before reusing are simple gestures that make a difference. For those who separate organic waste, keeping a proper little pot for composting or a ventilated container helps control the smell.

Another good practice is to use a hot water and vinegar solution to sanitize the trash can weekly. This care prevents waste from accumulating on the edges or bottom and ensures that the project remains fresh for longer.

3. Organized and sanitized refrigerator


Unwanted smells also arise when foods spoil or are stored improperly. Keeping the refrigerator organized and checking what is inside it frequently helps to avoid odor in the kitchen. Placing food in hermetic containers reduces the dispersal of strong aromas and facilitates the control of what is being consumed.

A monthly sanitization with a mixture of water, baking soda, and a few drops of lemon refreshes the inside of the refrigerator without interfering with the food. Additionally, removing expired items and reorganizing the shelves ensures a natural flow between cleaning and conscious use.

4. Rags and sponges always sanitized


Woman washing dishes

(Freepik/CASACOR)

Cleaning items, when used for too long, are also responsible for odor in the kitchen. Rags accumulate moisture and microorganisms, so they should be changed frequently and washed with hot water and soap. Sponges, on the other hand, can be disinfected in the microwave for a few seconds — as long as they are well-moistened!

A regular change of these utensils prevents the smell from spreading through the surfaces and the air. In addition, keeping everything well-dried after each use reduces the proliferation of bacteria associated with bad smells.

5. Attention to drains and outlets


Drains accumulate waste and are one of the silent villains of odor in the kitchen. Opening the lid and rinsing the inside with hot water once a week is a simple way to prevent the problem. Complementing this care with baking soda and vinegar creates a bubbly reaction that helps clean the inside of the plumbing.

Whenever possible, using protective screens prevents food scraps from draining into the sink and decomposing there. Besides being practical, this gesture extends the useful life of the plumbing and helps keep the project always fresh.

CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base from casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.