How to Quickly Eliminate Garlic Odor in Your Home

Garlic is a staple ingredient in many dishes, but its strong odor can linger in the house long after the meal is over.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply want to freshen up your home, getting rid of the smell of garlic can be a challenge.

There are a variety of simple and effective ways to eliminate garlic odors in your house.

Key Takeaways

• Garlic contains compounds that are responsible for its strong odor.
• Opening windows and doors, boiling citrus water, and using white vinegar can help eliminate garlic smells in the kitchen.
• Long-term solutions like proper storage and cooking techniques can prevent garlic odors from lingering in the house.

Understanding the Culprit

When it comes to garlic, there are two compounds that are responsible for its pungent smell: allicin and allyl methyl sulfide (AMS).

Allicin is a sulfur-containing compound that is released when garlic is crushed, chopped, or minced.

It is known for its strong antimicrobial properties and is believed to have various health benefits.

While allicin is responsible for the initial garlic smell, it is the AMS that causes the lingering odor.

AMS is produced when the body metabolizes allicin.

It is a volatile compound that is easily absorbed by porous materials such as fabrics, carpets, and upholstery.

This is why the smell of garlic can linger in a house long after the cooking is done.

AMS is also responsible for the garlic breath that many people experience after eating garlic.

Interestingly, AMS is also produced by the body when it metabolizes alcohol.

This is why people who have been drinking tend to have a similar odor to those who have been eating garlic.

While the smell of garlic can be unpleasant, it is important to note that garlic has many health benefits.

It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Garlic has also been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease.

To minimize the odor of garlic in the house, take steps to reduce the production of AMS.

This includes using smaller amounts of garlic in cooking, using a garlic press instead of chopping garlic by hand, and cooking garlic at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.

Properly ventilate the kitchen while cooking and clean surfaces and fabrics that come into contact with garlic.

Immediate Actions

As soon as you notice the strong odor of garlic in your kitchen, take immediate action to prevent it from spreading throughout the house.

Here are some quick and easy steps you can take:

• Open windows and turn on fans to increase ventilation and air circulation.
• Boil a pot of water with a few slices of lemon or a tablespoon of vinegar to help neutralize the odor.
• Sprinkle baking soda on your cutting board and utensils and scrub them with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any garlic smell.
• Clean surfaces, including countertops, stovetops, and sinks, with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Run your dishwasher with a cup of vinegar in the top rack to help eliminate any lingering odors.
• Take out the trash, including any garlic peels or scraps, and empty your garbage disposal if you have one.

Long Term Solutions

Proper Ventilation

You can do this by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home.

You can also use fans to help with air circulation. Make sure to use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove the garlic odor.

Activated Charcoal

You can place activated charcoal in a bowl and leave it in the room where the garlic smell is the strongest.

The charcoal will absorb the odor, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.

Deep Cleaning

Pay special attention to areas where garlic may have been spilled or splattered, such as the kitchen counter, stove, and floors.

Use a strong cleaning solution to get rid of any garlic residue.

Preventative Measures

Preventing garlic smell from occurring in the first place is the best way to eliminate it from your home.

Here are some preventative measures you can take:

• Use a well-ventilated area when cooking with garlic.
• Use a garlic press to minimize the amount of garlic you touch.
• Use an air purifier to help remove any lingering odors.
• Use odor eliminators or air fresheners to help mask the garlic smell.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling garlic.

Unique Remedies: Using Natural Ingredients to Remove Garlic Smell

When it comes to removing garlic smell, there are a variety of natural ingredients that can help.

Here are some unique remedies that I have found effective:

Lemon

Rubbing or spraying lemon juice on your hands can help get rid of the smell.

You can also make your own citrus spray by adding the grated rind of any citrus fruit (e.g. lemon, orange, grapefruit) to hot water.

Allow to cool, then strain the water into a spray bottle.

Mint Leaves

Chewing on a few mint leaves can help freshen your breath and get rid of the smell.

You can also add mint leaves to hot water and use it as a mouthwash.

Parsley

Chewing on a few parsley leaves can help freshen your breath. You can also add parsley to hot water and use it as a mouthwash.

Green Tea

Green tea is a natural antioxidant.

Drinking green tea after a meal can help wash away garlic remnants from your mouth and freshen your breath.

Essential Oils

Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can help get rid of the smell of garlic.

You can add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or humidifier to freshen the air in your home.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and add a few tablespoons of baking soda.

Spray the mixture on surfaces and wipe clean.

Coffee Grounds

Place a bowl of coffee grounds in your kitchen and leave it overnight to absorb the smell.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural deodorizer. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture in your kitchen.

Milk

Milk can help neutralize the enzymes in garlic and get rid of the smell.

Drinking a glass of milk after a meal can help freshen your breath and get rid of the smell.

Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon tea is a natural breath freshener.

Drinking a cup of cinnamon tea after a meal can definitely help with getting rid of the garlic smell.

Garlic Smell in Other Household Areas

Bathroom

• Open the windows and turn on the exhaust fan to improve ventilation.
• Use an air freshener or scented candle to mask the smell.
• Place a bowl of vinegar in the bathroom to absorb the odor.

Fridge

• Store garlic in a sealed container or bag to prevent the smell from spreading.
• Place a bowl of baking soda in the fridge to absorb the odor.
• Clean the fridge regularly with a mixture of water and vinegar to eliminate any lingering smells.

Bedroom

• Open the windows and let fresh air in.
• Place a bowl of coffee grounds or baking soda in the room to absorb the odor.
• Wash your bedding regularly to eliminate any lingering smells.

Laundry Room

• Wash the clothes with a mixture of water and vinegar to eliminate the smell.
• Hang the clothes outside to dry in the fresh air.
• Place a bowl of baking soda in the laundry room to absorb the odor.

Dead Animal or Skunk Smell

• Ventilate the area by opening the windows and turning on the exhaust fan.
• Use an air purifier to filter the air and eliminate any odors.
• Place bowls of vinegar or baking soda around the area to absorb the smell.

Trash

• Take out the trash regularly to prevent the smell from building up.
• Place a bowl of coffee grounds or baking soda in the trash can to absorb the odor.
• Clean the trash can regularly with a mixture of water and vinegar to eliminate any lingering smells.

Dealing with Personal Garlic Odor

When cooking with garlic, it is common for the smell to linger on your hands and clothing.

This can be frustrating and embarrassing, especially if you are in public. Here are some tips for dealing with personal garlic odor:

Wash your hands thoroughly

One of the easiest ways to get rid of garlic smell on your hands is to wash them thoroughly with soap and water.

Be sure to scrub between your fingers and under your nails, where garlic residue can hide.

Use lemon juice

Rubbing your hands with lemon juice can help neutralize the garlic smell.

You can also add lemon juice to your soap or hand sanitizer for an extra boost.

Try stainless steel

Rubbing your hands on a stainless steel surface, such as a spoon or sink, can help remove the garlic odor.

This works by binding with the sulfur compounds in garlic and removing them from your skin.

Chew on herbs

Chewing on fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, can help mask the smell of garlic on your breath.

These herbs contain chlorophyll, which can neutralize odors.

Brush your teeth

Garlic can cause bad breath, so brushing your teeth and tongue can help freshen your breath and remove any lingering garlic particles.

Manage stress

Stress can cause an increase in body odor, so managing stress levels can help reduce the impact of garlic on your body odor.

Check for tooth decay

Garlic can exacerbate tooth decay, so it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and check for any signs of decay.

Proper Storage and Cooking Techniques

Proper Storage

Storing garlic properly is the first step to reducing the strong odor. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Store garlic in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Avoid storing it in airtight containers as it can cause it to rot.
• Use mesh bags or paper wrappers to store garlic. Plastic bags can trap moisture, which can cause garlic to rot faster.
• Avoid storing garlic near other strong-smelling foods like onions, as they can absorb the garlic odor.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking garlic properly can also help reduce the strong odor. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced garlic. Pre-minced garlic can have a stronger odor and flavor.
• Roasting garlic can help reduce the strong odor. Simply cut off the top of a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes.
• Adding other ingredients like lemon juice, herbs, or spices can help mask the strong garlic odor.

Leftovers

If you have leftover garlic, store it properly to prevent the strong odor from lingering. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Store leftover garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• If you have leftover garlic in a plastic container, make a paste with baking soda and water to remove the odor.
• Use leftover garlic within a few days to prevent it from going bad.

Frequently Asked Questions