Midtown Appliance World and Saskatoon Appliance carry top North American brands like Bosch, Frigidaire, GE, JennAir, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Whirlpool. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon appliance tip, they go over the most common causes of kitchen odours, and how to clean them. Midtown Appliance and Saskatoon Appliance Are Your Trusted Saskatoon Appliance Stores
Ever stepped into your spotless kitchen only to be hit by an unpleasant smell? You’ve just cleaned, so what could be causing it?
Odours often linger in unexpected places, hiding in appliances, crevices, and hard-to-reach spots. They can come from food residue, bacteria, or trapped grease, making them tricky to track down.
Read on to uncover the most common culprits of kitchen odours—and how to banish them for good!
The Oven
Your oven may be producing more unpleasant smells than you realize. Over time, grease, food drippings, and burnt residue accumulate, creating odours that can linger even when not in use. Since some buildup isn’t always visible, follow these steps to freshen up your oven:
- Take out the racks and wash them with warm, soapy water.
- Wipe down the interior with a damp sponge or cloth, paying close attention to corners and hidden spots.
- Create a paste using one part baking soda and two parts water, spread it inside the oven, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Replace the racks, then heat the oven to 400°F for about 20 minutes to eliminate any remaining odours.
Regular cleaning will keep your oven odour-free and functioning efficiently!
The Refrigerator
Your fridge is one of the biggest contributors to kitchen odours, thanks to forgotten leftovers, spills, and bacteria buildup. To keep it smelling fresh:
- Promptly clean up spills and toss expired food.
- Place activated charcoal in small bowls or use charcoal bags to absorb odours.
- For a hint of sweetness, roll up a couple of sheets of newspaper, add a drop of vanilla extract, and place them in both the fridge and freezer.
Don’t forget to clean out your freezer as well—odours can settle there, too!
The Garbage Disposal
If a bad smell is coming from the sink area, your garbage disposal could be to blame. Food scraps often get stuck under the blades, leading to foul odours. Here’s how to freshen it up:
- Switch off the power to the disposal.
- Drop a cup of ice and half a cup of salt down the drain.
- Turn on the cold water and run the disposal to clear out debris.
For extra freshness, use a garbage disposal cleaner, occasionally pour in a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, or grind up half a lemon to leave a citrusy scent.
The Dishwasher
Since your dishwasher is meant to clean, it’s easy to forget that it needs cleaning itself! Moisture creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, and leftover food particles can rot, causing bad smells.
To keep your dishwasher smelling fresh:
- Run a cleaning cycle regularly.
- Place two cups of vinegar in a measuring cup on the top rack and run a hot cycle once a month.
This simple step helps break down grease and eliminates lingering food particles!
Hidden Gaps Between Appliances and Countertops
Even if your kitchen looks spotless, food crumbs and grease can get trapped in the gaps between appliances and countertops. These tiny spaces become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to persistent odours.
To clean them out:
- Wrap a butter knife, yardstick, or broom handle in a paper towel sprayed with kitchen cleaner.
- Swipe it through the gaps to remove debris.
- Use a microfiber cloth for a more thorough wipe-down.
Pro Tip: Prevent buildup by using gap covers between your appliances and counters!
Bonus Tips for a Fresher Kitchen
Beyond these five culprits, other areas in your kitchen may be contributing to unwanted odours.
- Trash Can: If your trash bag is fresh but the can still smells, spray the interior with a disinfectant and let it dry before replacing the bag.
- Silverware Drawer: Crumbs and unwashed utensils can make your silverware tray a hidden source of odours. Empty the tray monthly, shake out debris, and wipe it down with a mixture of two parts water and one part distilled vinegar.
Pro Tip: If your silverware tray is dishwasher safe, run it through a cycle for a deep clean!
By addressing these common problem areas, you’ll keep your kitchen smelling clean and inviting. But if odours persist and it’s time for an appliance upgrade, check out our selection in-store or give us a call—we’re happy to help!
WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS and Financing Options
Midtown Appliance World offers a comprehensive range of home appliances, including:
Additionally, they provide financing options for customers who need home appliances but prefer monthly payment plans. Contact them to learn more.
Discover the unmatched quality and service at Midtown Appliance World and Saskatoon Appliance, your Trusted Saskatoon home appliance stores!
