How to Kill a Stink Smell in the Kitchen

Locate the source of the smell, if possible. Take out the garbage and throw away any food in the refrigerator that is past its prime. Check behind furniture and appliances, including the refrigerator. If you smell mildew, empty out the space under your kitchen sink and throw away or wash any wet items.

Open the oven and spray it with oven cleaner. Allow the oven cleaner to work according to the package directions as you clean the rest of your kitchen. Wipe out the oven after the rest of your cleaning is done.

Wash out the kitchen garbage can. Take it outdoors, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and spray it out with the hose. If you live in an apartment, scrub out the trash can in the bathtub. Allow it to dry completely. Sprinkle the inside of the can with baking soda before replacing the trash bag.

Grind two dozen ice cubes in your garbage disposal to help chip away any hardened food slurry clinging to the inside. Toss in the cubes one or two at a time. In between handfuls of ice cubes, throw in a few slices of lemon or lime, peel and all.

Run your dishwasher on an empty cycle with white vinegar instead of detergent. The vinegar helps eliminate any stagnant smells left behind from dirty dishes.

Scrub the counters and floor tiles with baking soda and water. Pay special attention to the grout between ceramic tiles. A toothbrush can help you work baking soda into the grout in areas where food may have splattered.

Scrub out the microwave with an antibacterial dish liquid and a clean sponge.

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the cooking water when preparing strong-smelling foods.

Leave a bowl of white vinegar on the counter overnight to help absorb any cooking odors and other lingering smells.