There’s something comforting about the rainy season, the earthy smell of petrichor, cooler temperatures, and the excuse to enjoy hot chai and pakoras. But it also comes with its downsides, especially inside the kitchen. Damp weather can trap smells more easily, turning yesterday’s curry, fried snacks, or even wet kitchen cloths into an unpleasant aroma that lingers far too long. You may have cleaned the countertops and opened the windows, but the smell still clings to the air. Fortunately, there’s a surprisingly simple solution that doesn’t require fancy gadgets or harsh chemicals: white vinegar.
Why unpleasant kitchen smells linger more during the monsoon season
During the rainy season, homes tend to be more closed off, trapping moisture and smells. Ventilation is reduced, and humidity levels rise, making it harder for natural air circulation to carry kitchen odours away. Plus, fabrics like kitchen towels, aprons, and sponges absorb moisture quickly, often becoming breeding grounds for bacteria and mildew—further worsening the smell. Cooking with heavy spices or frying during this season only adds to the challenge.
How to use vinegar to eliminate kitchen smells naturally and effectively
While air fresheners might momentarily mask smells, they don’t eliminate the source. Vinegar, on the other hand, neutralises odour molecules rather than just covering them up. All you need to do is leave a bowl of white vinegar on your kitchen counter overnight. By morning, you’ll notice that the stale smell has either faded significantly or vanished altogether. It’s effortless, affordable, and remarkably effective.For best results, use plain white vinegar in a ceramic or glass bowl. Its acetic acid content binds to and neutralises alkaline particles responsible for most kitchen odours, especially those from spoiled food, fried oil, or smoke.
Other easy ways to use vinegar for kitchen freshness
- Spray it on smelly surfaces: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Lightly mist areas where odours tend to build up—near the trash can, sink, stove, or cutting boards. Let it air dry naturally.
- Steam it into the air: Simmer one part vinegar with two parts water in a pot for 10–15 minutes. As the steam spreads, it absorbs and lifts odours from the air. This method is particularly effective after cooking strong-smelling dishes like fish, garlic, or onion-heavy curries.
- Scented vinegar simmer pot: If you find vinegar too sharp, add a handful of cinnamon sticks or a few cloves to the pot while simmering. The vinegar does the deodorising, and the spices leave behind a warm, inviting scent perfect for monsoon vibes.
- Neutralise bin smells: Soak an old sponge or cotton cloth in vinegar and place it in the bottom of your trash can overnight. It helps eliminate the sour or rotting smells that become stronger in humid weather.
- Keep a bowl in damp corners: In addition to your countertop, place small bowls of vinegar near the sink, under the stove, or inside closed shelves where moisture tends to collect.
How vinegar works against odours
Vinegar contains acetic acid, a naturally occurring compound that actively breaks down and neutralises bad smells. This is especially helpful in kitchens, where many odours come from alkaline sources like spoiled food, smoke, or cleaning product residue. White vinegar typically contains 4–7% acetic acid, which is strong enough to tackle odours but safe for use around the house.Unlike chemical sprays that just add another scent to the mix, vinegar reacts with odour-causing particles to remove them from the air. And because it’s non-toxic, colourless, and cheap, it’s ideal for daily use, especially during the monsoon, when freshness is harder to maintain.Rainy season kitchen smells don’t have to be a permanent nuisance. With just a bowl of vinegar, you can tackle odours at their source and restore a sense of freshness to your home. It’s a low-effort, high-impact trick that works even better when paired with good ventilation and dry kitchen habits. So next time the rain traps that heavy, musty smell in your kitchen, don’t reach for an expensive spray; just reach for the vinegar.Also Read: 6 affordable ways to keep your house cool without air conditioning
