We all have a container in our kitchen that has been stained red by the chili from a barbecue we stored in it. And although it doesn't look nice, the appearance of a dish is the least of our worries. The problem arises when kitchen utensils retain food odors. If you have several plates or containers that smell bad, here’s how to remove bad odors from glasses, plates, containers, and any kitchen utensil.

Soaking

When you cook with onion, garlic, or any other strong-smelling ingredient, the best thing you can do is soak the affected dish. Fill a bucket with water and dish detergent and submerge the smelly utensil. If it’s not too heavily infused, a couple of minutes will be enough to remove the odor.

Lemon and Salt

When the odors are a bit tougher, you can use the combination of lemon and salt. Rub the dish with half a lemon and salt. The lemon juice neutralizes odors, while the salt helps draw out any food residues that may be causing the bad smell. Just be careful with the materials you apply this technique to, as utensils may get scratched.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Another option that also works very well for removing bad odors is to mix vinegar with baking soda. In a large container, put enough water (preferably warm or hot) and add the vinegar with the baking soda. Submerge the utensils and let them sit for at least half an hour. Then wash them as you usually do.

Chlorine

This alternative is effective but requires a lot of caution. We suggest using chlorine with your soap when the utensils have been in contact with raw foods, such as chicken, seafood, or pork. Be careful to use only a few drops because it can be dangerous. Rinse the utensils very well.

Put these tips into practice and let us know which ones work best for you.

You might be interested in these recipes:

Beef Stir-fry with Broccoli

Veracruz-style Tilapia