Kitchen parts that hold smell
- Range hood filter
- A metal mesh that collects airborne grease. When saturated, it releases a stale cooking smell whenever the fan runs.
- Dishwasher filter and sump
- A basin at the bottom of the tub where food particles settle and sour if the machine sits unused.
- Disposal splash guard
- The rubber flap over the sink drain. Its underside collects slime that rinsing does not remove.
- Drip pan or burner bowl
- Trays beneath the stove burners that gather spills and bake into a persistent burnt smell.
- Refrigerator drain pan
- A shallow tray under the unit that catches condensation and can grow a sour film.
- Cabinet shelf liner
- Adhesive paper that absorbs spills and holds smell long after the spill is gone.
Why the kitchen needs its own pass
Cooking leaves a thin film of grease that settles on every surface within reach of the stove, including the tops of cabinets and the ceiling. Over a long tenancy that film darkens and gets sticky, and it traps other smells such as smoke, fried food and spices. Wiping the counters does not touch it.
A vacated kitchen also has a moisture problem that is easy to overlook. The sink trap, the dishwasher and the refrigerator drain all hold water, and a vacancy of several weeks gives that water time to sour. The result is a smell that seems to come from nowhere in particular and is often blamed on the carpet in the next room.
Work from top to bottom so that falling grease and cleaner do not undo finished areas. Start with the hood and cabinet tops, move to cabinet interiors and appliances, and finish with floors.
A top-to-bottom kitchen pass
- Soak or replace the range hood filter and wipe the underside of the hood.
- Degrease the top of the cabinets and the wall behind the range.
- Remove drip pans or burner bowls and soak them, or replace worn ones.
- Pull the dishwasher filter, clean it, and run an empty hot cycle with a cleaner.
- Lift the disposal splash guard and scrub its underside.
- Empty the refrigerator, wash the shelves, and clean the drain pan if it can be reached.
- Remove old shelf liner from cabinets and drawers.
- Pour water into the sink drain and any floor drain to refill the traps.
Questions to ask yourself before moving on
- Does the smell change when the range hood fan runs?
- Is the strongest point at the sink, the refrigerator or the cabinets?
- Has the dishwasher been run since the tenant left?
- Is any appliance old enough that replacement is simpler than cleaning?
- Did the tenant leave stored food in a pantry or lower cabinet?
Common questions
Should an old refrigerator with a lingering smell be replaced?
Sometimes. If the interior plastic absorbed spoilage smell and cleaning does not help, replacing the appliance is often cheaper in time than repeated attempts.
General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.