Cooking for guests is part of the joy of hosting – but all too often, the smells of simmering sauces or roasting dishes can overstay their welcome. And, of course, nobody wants their home to smell like yesterday’s dinner during a party.
So, to prevent this, top hosts rely on a simple strategy known as the 'Open Kitchen Rule.' Just open a window every time you open the oven – it really is that simple.
It’s an easy trick that keeps your home smelling inviting without masking anything with artificial fragrances. Here's how it works to erase cooking odors.
The Open Kitchen Rule
The open kitchen rule is somewhat self-explanatory. Before you open the oven, you open the kitchen window.
While it is best to cook with a window open all the time, in the dead of winter, this can be pretty uncomfortable, not to mention its negative effect on your heating bills. Sticking to opening it just as you open the oven is more than enough to send odors packing, while keeping a home warm all day and making heating more efficient.
Why The Open Kitchen Rule Works
It might seem too simple, but opening a window is the quickest and most efficient way to neutralize kitchen odors. As with shock ventilation, the sudden draw of air helps to pull odors straight out of your home before they become ingrained.
Polya Petrova, kitchen cleaning and laundry expert at Fantastic Services, explains, 'Opening a kitchen window briefly when you open the oven door can help reduce lingering odors because most strong cooking smells are carried by warm, moisture-rich air. When you open the oven, a burst of hot vapor escapes, and if there’s no quick pathway out, that vapor disperses through the kitchen and settles into soft furnishings, which can hold the smell for hours.
'A short window opening creates an immediate pressure pathway for that warm air to exit instead of spreading indoors. It doesn’t eliminate all odors, but it can noticeably reduce how much the smell lingers, especially when roasting meats or cooking high-fat foods.'
And, as Sara Aparacio, cleaner and home expert at Homeaglow, adds, 'It won't make your house colder either if you only open it for around 20-30 seconds, but it will massively help with airflow and ventilation.'
Both Polya and Sara warn, however, 'You can't expect it to do all the work.'
Sara advises, 'Just make sure to wipe down surfaces after cooking, keep lids on pots when needed, and run your extractor fan if possible to keep everything flowing.'
Additionally, be sure to clean your range hood with a quality degreaser, such as the plant-based Method Heavy Duty Degreaser from Amazon, before hosting to boost efficiency.
Keeping a bowl of vinegar beside your stove, such as the affordable Great Value White Vinegar from Walmart, can also help with low-level odors from pots and pans, while an Arm & Hammer Moisture Absorber, also at Walmart, can help prevent mold and absorb cooking smells, both in your kitchen and to get rid of fridge odors.
What to Shop
Distilled white vinegar is a fantastic non-toxic cleaning tool for any home. When used correctly, it can help to kill mold and bacteria, as well as tackle odors and lighten stains, all without harsh chemicals.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has certified Attitude products as non-toxic, meaning they contain no harsh chemicals or artificial compounds.
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber, helping to neutralize odors, especially in contained spaces such as cabinets and fridges. Simply place a bowl on the shelf and allow it to sit for several hours.
Microfiber cloths are machine washable, meaning you can reuse them for years with proper care. Simply wash after use on a warm water cycle and gentle detergent (skip the softener) to sanitize.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Packs have an enzyme-rich formula that cuts through tough grease and food residue without fragrances, dyes, phosphates, or chlorine. Stay on top of cleaning dishes to prevent odors from building.
This large room air purifier cleans rooms up to 1,000 square feet in one hour. It also helps to eliminate bad odors by trapping particles, making your home smell fresher, more quickly.
Meet the Experts
It isn't just your kitchen that needs attention when hosting. We have rounded up some quick ways to make a home smell nice to ensure your whole space is odor-free for guests to enjoy.
