How to get rid of damp smell in your kitchen and keep it smelling fresh this monsoon

The rain is lovely, but the damp smell in your kitchen? Not so much. During monsoon, closed windows, wet cloths, and musty corners can quickly take over the space where you cook and unwind. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Here are some easy, natural ways to keep your kitchen fresh, clean-smelling, and monsoon-ready without artificial sprays or fancy gadgets.

Boil spices for an instant lift
Simmer a pot of water with a few cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and a strip of orange peel. Let it bubble gently while you cook or clean. In minutes, your kitchen will carry a warm, spiced aroma that cuts through the damp.

Rotate and dry your kitchen towels
Wet towels are often the main source of that musty kitchen smell. Use two sets so one can dry while the other is in use. Hang them in an airy spot near a window or under a fan. Never drape them over closed surfaces or furniture.

Let your masala dabba breathe
Spices can lose their aroma in humid weather. Once a week, open up your spice box and leave it in the sun for an hour or two. It keeps the spices dry and helps preserve their punch.

Use baking soda to trap smells
A bowl of open baking soda placed inside a cabinet or near the sink absorbs moisture and neutralises odours. It works quietly in the background. Replace it every two weeks for best results.

Scrub the sink with lemon and salt
Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle some salt on it, and use it to scrub your sink. This helps remove greasy stains and kills lingering smells. It leaves behind a clean citrus scent that beats any store-bought cleaner.

Deep clean the fridge
Monsoon often hides smells in the fridge. Wipe it down with a mix of vinegar and water. Toss expired items. Keep a slice of lemon or a small bowl of coffee grounds inside to maintain freshness.

Keep a few kitchen herbs by the window
Basil, mint, and lemongrass work like natural air fresheners. A small pot near the window will release subtle, clean scents into the kitchen. You can also add a few leaves to tea or curries.

Roast something that smells amazing
Dry-roast curry leaves, garlic, or grated coconut in coconut oil. This brings a comforting Kerala kitchen smell and lets everyone know something good is cooking. It also works as a sneaky way to make kids eat more veggies.