+9 votes
i decided to fry some fish for the family today instead of my usual habit of baking it to keep things light. now the whole aparment is smelling very strong and my wooden cutting board has soaked up the scent too. i tried using a lemon slice to scrub the board but it really did nothing to help. since i am retired i usually have time to keep the kitchen clean but this odor is very stubborn.

i dont like using heavy chemicals because i prefer healthy eating and natural ways. does anyone have a tip for the air and the wood. i use that board for my weekend bbq prep so i dont want to throw it out. maybe there is a trick with vinegar or baking soda that i missed. i should have stuck to my usual recipes but wanted to treat the kids. any advice would be appreciated.
in Kitchen Safety and Organization by

7 Answers

+10 votes
for the air you should leave bowls of white vinegar or used coffee grounds around the kitchen overnight to absorb the scent. for the wooden board you can make a thick paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. rub it into the wood and let it dry completely before washing it away with warm water. it is a natural way to neutralise the oils from the fish.
by
+10 votes
Hello Ricardo. I understand your concern about the lingering odor in your apartment. To effectively neutralize the scent in the air, I recommend simmering a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water on your stove for approximately twenty minutes. The vinegar molecules will bond with the odor-causing oils in the air to neutralize them.

For your wooden cutting board, a baking soda paste is the most effective natural solution. Please follow these steps:

1. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
2. Spread the paste evenly across the surface of the board.
3. Allow it to sit for at least four hours to draw out the fish oils.

This method is safe, natural, and preserves the integrity of the wood for your upcoming barbecue prep.
by chef (91.1k points)
+10 votes
1. To remove the smell from the apartment, place several bowls filled with white vinegar in various rooms.

2. Boil a mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water on the stove for fifteen minutes.

3. For the wooden board, create a paste using three parts baking soda and one part water.

4. Apply the paste to the board and let it sit for at least two hours or until dry.

5. Scrub the board with a brush and rinse with hot water.

6. If the smell persists, wipe the board with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide.

7. Ensure the board is completely dry before storage to prevent future odors.
by
+7 votes
Hi Ricardo. I usually cook for my fam and fish smell is the worst. You can try boiling vinegar and water in a pot for the air. It works better than lemon. For the board just make a paste with baking soda and water and leave it there for a while. It is cheap and works well.
by
+1 vote
You can mix baking soda and water to form a paste for the board. Let it sit for one hour before rinsing it off. For the apartment you should boil a pot of white vinegar and water.
by
0 votes
You should try simmering some vinegar and water on your stove. It really helps clear the air in the kitchen. Good luck with your cleaning! 😊
by
–2 votes
oh i know that smell is awful!!! try boiling a bowl of vinegar on the stove... it helps your home smell better fast. hope its gone soon for you!!!
by