Open-plan living is all the rage. It’s airy, modern, and perfect for entertaining. That is, until you wake up three days after cooking jollof rice and your living room still smells like smoked paprika and crayfish. While our beloved African dishes are full of flavour, they tend to linger in the air a little longer than we’d like, especially in homes where the kitchen blends into the living or dining area.
Luckily, there are natural, non-toxic ways to keep your home smelling fresh without masking scents with harsh chemicals or overpowering synthetic sprays. Here are seven simple tips that work for every kind of home:
Simmer Pot Magic
A tried-and-true method that’s both easy and effective. Add citrus slices (like lemon or orange), herbs (think rosemary or mint), and whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves) to a pot of water and let it simmer on low heat. The steam gently infuses your space with a natural, spa-like scent, perfect for clearing out strong food odours after a cook-up.
Bonus tip: Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth or eucalyptus oil for freshness.
Keep Charcoal Nearby (Yes, Really)
Activated charcoal is excellent at absorbing odours. Place small bowls of charcoal in discreet corners of your kitchen or open-plan space to trap smells instead of just covering them up. It’s a low-effort, long-lasting solution, especially helpful after frying fish or cooking with ogiri or iru.
Essential Oil Diffusers
Essential oil diffusers are a stylish and soothing way to scent your space naturally. Opt for uplifting blends like lemon and peppermint during the day, or lavender and chamomile at night. For a warm, grounding scent, try a mix of frankincense and sweet orange. It balances the richness of African spices without clashing.
Houseplants That Do More Than Look Pretty
Plants like peace lilies, spider plants and aloe vera don’t just purify the air. They help neutralise odours too. Strategically place a few near the kitchen or dining area to add greenery and freshness.
Bonus: They’re low maintenance and stylish.
Baking Soda Bowls
It’s the simplest hack in the book. Place small open containers of baking soda in corners of your kitchen, fridge, or even inside open shelves. It absorbs unpleasant smells quickly and effectively, perfect for homes where suya spice or fried stew is a regular guest.
DIY Linen Spray
Mix distilled water with a few drops of essential oil (like lavender, bergamot, or lemongrass) in a spray bottle. Spritz onto curtains, sofas, and cushions to instantly refresh your space. It’s a chemical-free alternative to store-bought air fresheners, and it’s gentle enough to use daily.
Keep Your Trash & Drains in Check
No matter how many scented candles you light, if your bin or drain smells, your whole space will too. Empty bins daily, clean them with vinegar and baking soda weekly, and pour boiling water with lemon peel or white vinegar down your kitchen drain to combat any lurking odours.
Our cooking is bold, rich, and undeniably delicious. But with open-plan living, its aromas don’t always stay in the kitchen. Instead of masking the smell, these natural methods neutralise it while adding their own clean, fresh scents. And let’s be honest, a house that smells good is always more inviting. Whether you live in a flat, duplex or self-con, these tips are for everyone who loves to cook but still wants their space to smell like a sanctuary.
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