Have you ever washed the dishes and, when using them, encountered a
egg smell? In Mexico, this unpleasant aroma is known as choquía. It is a smell that appears when kitchen utensils, cloths, or rags are not washed or dried correctly, allowing organic residues and moisture to accumulate and generate bacteria. At kiwilimón, we explain what choquía is, why this egg smell appears on dishes, and most importantly, how to eliminate it completely. Additionally, we share tips to prevent the
bad smell from returning, and how to keep your kitchen always fresh, clean, and free of choquía. You can also read:
How to remove the fish smell from the refrigerator?What is choquía and why does it smell like eggs?The choquía, also called choquilla or choquiaque, is a word of Nahuatl origin —from the word xoquializtli— which means “stench of sulfur stone.” According to the
Dictionary of Mexicanisms of the Mexican Academy of Language, it refers to “an unpleasant odor that things retain as a result of poor washing or drying.” This egg smell is common in glasses, utensils, cloths, floors, or poorly washed surfaces, especially after being in contact with meat, eggs, or fish. Why do dishes smell like choquía?If the dishes or sponge are not washed properly or dried well, water and food residues can generate a persistent smell similar to rotten eggs or decomposed fish. The moist fibers of cloths and rags also retain bacteria and unpleasant odors due to poor cleaning or lack of drying. On the other hand, prolonged use of a
sponge without disinfecting it promotes the proliferation of microorganisms that impregnate the aroma in other utensils. See more:
Tricks to remove the garlic smell from handsHow to remove the choquía smell from your dishes1. White vinegar and waterSoak the dishes in a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and water for 20 to 60 minutes. Then wash with water and soap to eliminate the choquía smell. 2. Baking sodaDissolve one or two tablespoons of baking soda in water. Let the dishes soak for several minutes, then scrub with a clean sponge and soap. Best of all? Baking soda neutralizes
difficult to remove odors. 3. Lemon juiceSqueeze the juice of one lemon into your water and soap mixture to wash the dishes. Its acidity helps to quickly eliminate egg and grease odors. 4. BleachPour ½ tablespoon of bleach into a liter of cold water, mix and immerse the dishes for 2 to 5 minutes before washing them with soap. This mixture is useful for disinfecting and neutralizing strong odors. 5. Ground coffeeRub the dishes with ground coffee, let it sit for 15 minutes, and wash as usual. This trick is ideal for removing intense odors! Tips to avoid the choquía smellFrequently change the sponge for washing dishes and disinfect with hot water or bleach to prevent it from transmitting the bad smell to the utensils. Do not reuse dirty cloths or rags without washing; wash with water and soap and let them air dry before storing. Do not store wet utensils, as moisture promotes the formation of egg smells; always dry the dishes well before storing themThe choquía smell, also known as
egg smell, in dishes and utensils, is a common problem in many kitchens. Fortunately, it is easy to eliminate using home remedies with vinegar, baking soda, lemon, bleach, and more. Remember that with proper cleaning, frequent sponge changes, and good air drying, you can prevent this bad smell from reappearing in your glasses, plates, and other kitchen utensils. Keep reading:
How to remove the wet cloth smell?