How to Get Rid of the Smell of Curry in Your House: Simple Tips and Tricks

Whether you love cooking Indian food or have just moved into a new home that has a strong curry odor, getting rid of the smell can be a challenge.

But don’t worry, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can eliminate the smell of curry from your home and enjoy a fresh, clean space.

Understanding Curry Odor is the first step in getting rid of it.

Curry is made up of a variety of aromatic spices, and the smell can be overpowering if not properly managed.

The oils in curry can stick to surfaces and fabrics, making the smell even more difficult to remove.

But with some knowledge and effort, you can effectively tackle the issue and enjoy a fresh-smelling home.

In this article, I’ll share some tips and tricks for preventing and removing curry smell, so you can enjoy your home without any unwanted odors.

Key Takeaways

• Proper ventilation and prevention techniques can help prevent curry smell from lingering in your home.
• Natural odor absorbers like baking soda and vinegar can help eliminate curry odor from the air.
• Cleaning surfaces and fabrics with a vinegar-water mixture can effectively remove curry smell from your home.

Understanding Curry Odor

Curry odor is caused by the combination of various spices used in curry powder, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fenugreek.

These spices contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released into the air when heated.

When these VOCs mix with other ingredients in the curry dish, they create a strong, pungent odor that can linger in the air and on surfaces.

The intensity of the curry smell can vary depending on the type of curry and the amount of spices used.

For example, a spicy dish with a lot of curry powder will have a stronger smell than a milder dish with less curry powder.

The type of spices used can also affect the odor. Some spices, like cumin and coriander, have a stronger aroma than others.

To combat curry odor, it’s important to first identify the source of the smell.

If the odor is coming from your hands or clothes after cooking, try rubbing lemon juice, vinegar, or coffee grounds on them to neutralize the smell.

If the odor is in your house, there are several methods you can use to get rid of it, such as:

• Air out your house by opening windows and doors
• Use an air purifier or odor eliminator
• Clean surfaces with a vinegar-water solution
• Place bowls of baking soda around the house to absorb the odor
• Use cinnamon sticks or other natural deodorizers to neutralize the smell

Preventing Curry Smell

It’s important to ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated before you start cooking.

This means opening all your kitchen windows and turning on any fans or range hoods you have.

This will help to circulate the air and prevent the curry smell from lingering in one spot.

Another way to prevent the curry smell is to be mindful of the heat you’re using when cooking.

High heat can cause the curry to release more odors, so try to cook on a lower heat setting if possible.

You can also try using a lid on your pot or pan to contain the smell.

If you have a range hood or fan above your stove, make sure to turn it on before you start cooking.

This will help to suck up any odors and prevent them from spreading throughout the house.

Air out your house after cooking. This means opening all your windows and doors and letting the fresh air circulate through every room.

You can also try using an air purifier to help remove any lingering smells.

Removing Curry Smell from the Air

Air Purifiers and Filters

Air purifiers and filters work by trapping and removing airborne particles, including the odors that come with cooking.

Look for air purifiers that are designed to remove cooking odors or have activated carbon filters, which are known to be effective at removing odors.

Air Freshening Products

Air freshening products like air diffusers and scented candles can help mask the smell of curry in the air.

However, it is important to note that they do not actually remove the odor, but rather cover it up with a more pleasant scent.

If you choose to use air freshening products, make sure to select scents that complement or neutralize the curry smell.

Fresh Air

Opening windows and doors to let fresh air in is another effective way to remove curry smell from the air.

This is especially useful during and after cooking. Fresh air helps to circulate and remove the odors from the air.

If possible, try to create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the room.

Deodorizing Sprays

Deodorizing sprays are formulated to neutralize odors, including curry smell.

Look for sprays that are specifically designed for cooking odors or have natural ingredients like essential oils.

It is important to note that deodorizing sprays should not be used as a substitute for proper ventilation or air purifiers.

Using Natural Odor Absorbers

Here are some natural odor absorbers that I have found to be effective:

Vinegar

White vinegar is a powerful natural odor absorber.

Simply fill a bowl with white vinegar and leave it in the room where the curry smell is lingering.

The vinegar will absorb the odor and leave the room smelling fresh.

Lemon

Lemon is another natural odor absorber.

Cut a lemon into slices and place them in a bowl of water. The lemon will absorb the odor and leave the room smelling fresh.

Baking soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer.

Simply sprinkle baking soda on carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces where the odor is lingering.

Leave the baking soda on for a few hours and then vacuum it up.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon sticks and cloves are both natural odor absorbers.

Simply simmer cinnamon sticks and cloves in a pot of water for a few hours.

The cinnamon and cloves will absorb the odor and leave the room smelling fresh.

Coffee grounds

Used coffee grounds are a great natural odor absorber.

Simply place used coffee grounds in a bowl and leave it in the room where the curry smell is lingering.

The coffee grounds will absorb the odor and leave the room smelling fresh.

Essential oils

Essential oils are a great natural odor absorber.

Simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a diffuser and let it run in the room where the curry smell is lingering.

The essential oil will absorb the odor and leave the room smelling fresh.

Cleaning Surfaces and Fabrics

When it comes to getting rid of the smell of curry, it’s important to not only focus on the air but also on the surfaces and fabrics in your home.

The smell of curry can linger on surfaces and fabrics for a long time, even after the air has been cleared.

Here are some tips for cleaning surfaces and fabrics to help eliminate the curry smell:

Walls and Ceilings

Wipe down your walls and ceilings with a damp cloth. You can also use a mixture of warm water and vinegar to help remove any lingering smells.

Be sure to test a small area first to make sure the mixture doesn’t damage the paint or wallpaper.

Furniture and Upholstery

Use a fabric cleaner or upholstery cleaner to clean any upholstered furniture that may have absorbed the curry smell.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

You can also use a steam cleaner to help remove any odors from your furniture.

Carpets and Curtains

If your carpets or curtains have absorbed the curry smell, sprinkle baking soda on them and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.

You can also use a carpet cleaner or hire a professional carpet cleaning service to help remove any odors.

Kitchen Surfaces

Wipe down your kitchen counters and surfaces with a mixture of warm water and vinegar.

You can also use a disinfectant cleaner to help remove any lingering smells.

Clothing

If your clothing has absorbed the curry smell, wash them in the washing machine with a cup of white vinegar or baking soda.

You can also add a few drops of essential oils to the wash to help freshen up your clothes.

Dealing with Lingering Smells

Air Out the House

Open all the windows and doors and let the fresh air circulate throughout the house.

This will help to remove the odor molecules from the air and replace them with fresh air.

Use a Deodorizer

There are many different types of deodorizers available, including air purifying bags, charcoal bags, and odor absorbers.

These products work by neutralizing the odor molecules in the air, rather than just masking the smell.

Wash Fabrics

Use a detergent that is specifically designed to remove odor, and air dry the items if possible.

Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can set the odor molecules into the fabric.

Clean Surfaces

Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to wipe down surfaces, including countertops, tables, and shelves.

This will help to neutralize the odor molecules and remove any residue that may be causing the smell to linger.

Special Considerations for Apartments

Living in an apartment can present unique challenges when it comes to getting rid of the smell of curry.

Here are some special considerations to keep in mind:

Ventilation

Apartments may not have the best ventilation, so it’s important to open windows and turn on fans to circulate air.

If you have a range hood, make sure to use it while cooking and for a while afterwards to help remove any lingering smells.

Microwave

If you have a microwave in your apartment, you can use it to your advantage.

Place a bowl of water and a few slices of lemon in the microwave and heat it for a few minutes.

The steam from the water and the lemon will help to neutralize any odors in the air.

Non-Toxic Solutions

When cleaning your apartment to remove curry smells, it’s best to use non-toxic solutions.

Vinegar and baking soda are great natural cleaners that can help remove odors without leaving behind any harmful chemicals.

Plug-Ins

While plug-in air fresheners may seem like a quick fix, they can actually make the problem worse.

Instead of masking the smell, they can mix with it and create an even stronger odor.

It’s best to avoid plug-ins and focus on removing the source of the smell.

Getting Rid of Curry Smell on Hands

One effective method is to wash your hands with lemon or lime.

The acidity in the citrus fruits can help break down the essential oils that cause the lingering curry smell.

Simply rub a piece of lemon or lime over the skin that most likely has deposits of vapors from cooking, such as hands, face, and arms, while in the shower.

Another option is to use a live microbial agent, such as a probiotic soap or hand sanitizer.

These products contain live bacteria that can help break down the odor-causing compounds on your skin.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for best results.

If you don’t have any live microbial agents on hand, you can also try washing your hands with steam.

Boil a pot of water and hold your hands over the steam for a few minutes.

The heat can help open up your pores and release the odor-causing compounds.

Lastly, you can try rubbing your hands on stainless steel.

Some companies produce stainless steel soaps that claim to bind to the sulfur molecules, thus removing them and the associated smell from the hands.

Alternatively, you can rub your hands on a stainless-steel spoon or sink for a similar effect.

Frequently Asked Questions