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Get Rid of Fish Smell: Easy Tips and Tricks

By Joy Ann David  •   5 minute read

Get Rid of Fish Smell: Easy Tips and Tricks

If you love cooking fish, you know that the smell can be overwhelming and difficult to remove. Even if you take all the necessary precautions to prevent the smell from spreading, it can still linger in your kitchen and throughout your home. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for removing fish smell, both during and after cooking.

To start, it's important to take some preventative measures before you even start cooking. This includes choosing the freshest fish possible, as fresher fish tends to have less of a fishy smell. You can also try to cook your fish outside on the grill or in a smoker to prevent the smell from spreading throughout your home. If you must cook your fish indoors, consider using a fan or opening windows to help ventilate the area.

If you've already cooked your fish and are now dealing with the lingering smell, don't worry. There are several methods you can try to remove the odour. Some of these methods include using vinegar, baking soda, or coffee grounds to absorb the smell. You can also try simmering a pot of water with lemon or other citrus fruits to freshen the air. With a little effort, you can remove fish smell from your home and enjoy your delicious meal without any lingering odours.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose the freshest fish possible to prevent a strong fishy smell.
  • Cook fish outdoors or use proper ventilation when cooking indoors to prevent the smell from spreading.
  • Use vinegar, baking soda, coffee grounds, or citrus fruits to remove fish smell from your home.

Preparation and Cooking Techniques

A chef sprinkles lemon juice on a cutting board before filleting a fish, then uses vinegar to rinse and pat dry with paper towels

Selecting Fresh Fish

When it comes to removing fish smell, selecting fresh fish is crucial. Opt for fish with clear eyes, shiny skin, and a fresh ocean smell. Avoid fish with cloudy eyes, dull skin, or a strong fishy smell.

Proper Storage and Handling

Proper storage and handling of fish can help reduce odour. Always keep fish on ice until ready to use, and store it in the coldest part of the fridge. Avoid storing fish next to other foods, as the smell can transfer.

When prepping fish, be sure to remove any bones and scales, and rinse it thoroughly. Pat it dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove excess moisture.

Cooking Methods to Reduce Odour

There are several cooking methods that can help reduce fish odour. Frying can be a stinky method, but cooking fish in foil or parchment paper can help contain the scent. Another technique is cooking fish in a papillote, which is a method of cooking in which the food is placed in a folded pouch and then baked.

Boiling or baking fish with herbs and spices can also help mask the odour. Additionally, soaking fish in a mixture of vinegar or lemon juice and water for about five minutes before cooking can help neutralize the smell.

After-Cooking Clean-Up and Odour Removal

Kitchen counter with dirty dishes, fish scraps, and a cutting board. Open window with fresh air coming in. Baking soda and vinegar on the counter for odor removal

Cooking fish can leave a lingering smell in your kitchen that can be hard to remove. However, with some simple clean-up and odour removal techniques, you can get rid of the fishy smell and have your kitchen smelling fresh again.

Natural Odour Absorbers

One of the easiest ways to remove fish smell is to use natural odour absorbers. Some of the most effective natural odour absorbers include vinegar, lemon, baking soda, and coffee grounds. Simply place bowls of these items around your kitchen to absorb the fishy smell.

Ventilation and Air Purification

Another effective way to remove fish smell is to improve ventilation and air purification in your kitchen. Open a window or turn on a fan to allow fresh air to circulate in your kitchen. You can also use air purifiers to remove any lingering odours.

Deep Cleaning Strategies

If the fish smell persists, you may need to use some deep cleaning strategies. Clean your kitchen thoroughly, paying special attention to areas where the fish was cooked and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the fish. Use soap and water to clean your kitchen, and consider using stainless steel to remove any lingering smells.

You should also clean your garbage disposal, trash can, and refrigerator to remove any lingering odours. Additionally, you can use scented candles or essential oils to add a pleasant scent to your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

A kitchen counter with a cutting board, knife, and a fish. A bowl of lemon slices and a bottle of vinegar are nearby

What's the best way to get rid of fish odour before cooking?

If you're looking to eliminate fish odour before cooking, you can try using vinegar or lemon juice. Simply rinse the fish in either solution and then rinse with water. Another effective method is to soak the fish in milk for a few hours before cooking. This can help to neutralise the odour and make the fish taste better.

Any tips for eliminating fishy smells from the home?

To eliminate fishy smells from your home, you can try burning scented candles or using an air freshener. You can also place bowls of vinegar around the house to absorb the odour. Additionally, make sure to clean your kitchen thoroughly after cooking fish to prevent the smell from lingering.

How can I stop my hands from smelling of fish?

To stop your hands from smelling of fish, you can try rubbing them with lemon juice or vinegar. You can also try washing your hands with soap and water and then rubbing them with salt. This can help to remove the smell.

The house still whiffs of fish days after cooking, what should I do?

If the smell of fish lingers in your home for days after cooking, you can try placing bowls of vinegar around the house to absorb the odour. Additionally, make sure to clean your kitchen thoroughly after cooking fish to prevent the smell from lingering.

What's the trick to removing fish odours from clothing?

To remove fish odours from clothing, you can try soaking the clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water for a few hours before washing them. You can also try adding a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine when washing the clothes.

How do you deal with a fishy smell in the car?

To deal with a fishy smell in your car, you can try placing bowls of vinegar around the car to absorb the odour. You can also try placing a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and placing it under the car seats. Additionally, make sure to clean your car thoroughly after transporting fish to prevent the smell from lingering.

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