Vinegar is a fantastic natural cleaner and deodorizer, but its strong, pungent smell can sometimes linger longer than you’d like. If you’ve just cleaned with vinegar or accidentally spilled some, you might be wondering: How do I get rid of the smell of vinegar? Don’t worry! Here’s a friendly guide packed with simple, practical ways to banish that vinegar odor from your home.
Why Does Vinegar Smell So Strong?
Vinegar’s smell comes from acetic acid, which is powerful and sharp. When vinegar evaporates, the smell can cling to surfaces and hang in the air. Thankfully, vinegar’s smell usually fades with time and fresh air, but sometimes you want to speed up the process or mask it altogether.
Quick Ways to Get Rid of Vinegar Smell
1. Open Windows and Use Fans
The easiest and most natural way to clear out vinegar smell is to let fresh air in. Open your windows and doors wide and turn on fans to circulate air. This helps push the vinegar scent outside and brings in fresh air, making your space feel fresher fast.
2. Baking Soda to the Rescue
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. Sprinkle it on carpets, rugs, or upholstery where the vinegar smell lingers. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum it up. You’ll be amazed how much the smell reduces.
3. Coffee Grounds for a Cozy Aroma
Coffee grounds also absorb odors effectively. Place bowls of used coffee grounds around the room for a day or two. The coffee smell will neutralize the vinegar scent and leave a warm, inviting aroma.
4. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a powerful deodorizer. Put charcoal briquettes or activated charcoal bags in the affected area and leave them for a few days. They’ll soak up the vinegar smell naturally.
Masking the Vinegar Smell with Pleasant Scents
If you want to cover the vinegar odor while it fades, try these:
5. Essential Oils
Add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oils-like lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, or peppermint-to a spray bottle filled half with water and half with vinegar. Shake well and spritz around the room. This won’t completely hide the vinegar smell but will make it much more pleasant.
6. Infuse Vinegar with Herbs and Citrus Peels
For a homemade scented cleaner, steep vinegar with citrus peels (like lemon, orange, or lime) and herbs such as rosemary, lavender, or cinnamon sticks. Let the mixture sit for 4-5 days, then strain it. This vinegar cleaner smells much nicer and still cleans effectively.
Other Helpful Tips to Eliminate Vinegar Odor
– Simmer Vinegar with Spices: Boil a pot of vinegar with cinnamon sticks or rosemary on the stove. The steam will freshen the air and reduce the vinegar smell.
– Use a Dehumidifier: Vinegar smell can linger longer in humid environments. Running a dehumidifier helps dry the air and speeds up odor removal.
– Clean Surfaces with Soap and Water: After vinegar use, wipe surfaces with warm, soapy water to neutralize acidity and reduce lingering smell.
– Place Bowls of Vinegar Around the House: Oddly enough, small bowls of vinegar can absorb other odors, but replace them every few days to avoid increasing the vinegar smell.
Vinegar Smell on Clothes or Fabrics?
If vinegar smell sticks to your laundry or fabrics, wash them with baking soda or add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odors. After washing, air dry outside if possible for fresh air to remove any remaining scent.
Vinegar is a wonderful, eco-friendly cleaner, and with these tips, you can enjoy its benefits without the overpowering smell. Try a combination of ventilation, natural odor absorbers like baking soda or charcoal, and pleasant essential oils to keep your home smelling fresh and inviting.
Ready to say goodbye to that vinegar smell? Give these methods a try and enjoy a fresher, cleaner home! Want more tips on natural cleaning? Just ask!