I made Yorkshire pudding to go with my Christmas roast this evening, and the process calls for heating some beef fat or drippings to the smoking point. Of course, I also had a few stray drips that hit the inside of the oven. I have very poor ventilation in my kitchen and absolutely no vent hood, or any nearby windows that I can open up while I'm cooking. I hate this kitchen for its poor design, small size and lack of proper venting!
So while the puddings were splendid, my apartment now smells like the smoke from the beef fat. I've tried opening up what windows I can, simmering a pot of citrus and spice on the stove, cleaning up the dishes, counters, floors, and whatnot. I took out the trash, lit candles, ran fans, set out vinegar bowls, also baking soda in other bowls, made coffee, and the place still smells of the beef fat. Granted, it's not as strong as it was, but I still notice it. I do plan to clean the oven in the morning, but what else can I do to rid the place of the odor from the beef fat?
I have found if you take pure vinegar and put it in a spray bottle and then add some lemon or lime juice this one really helps so much. You can use it to spray the area, gound, or around the home as you please. Just keep in mind you will smell some vinegar when you do this one.
With all that you are doing the odor will diminish over a week or so.
Especially if you have wiped down any nearby cabinets and don't forget whatever appliances you have on the countertop as they will also pick up the odor. You can use white vinegar straight or bowls of baking soda left on the counter overnight will help.
Your biggest problem may be your AC/heating system as it has probably picked up plenty of odor and is just recycling it every time you turn it on.
Take some cloves, cinnamon sticks or powder and orange or lemon or grapefruit peels and slowly simmer them on the stove in enough water to cover them. That will help tamp down the beef smell. Word of caution--do not leave this unattended and keep covering with water--don't let the water boil or evaporate off as you could have another bad burned smell on your hands.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I boiled a pot dry on the stove and smoke filled the entire house. There was no fire. Is the house smoke damaged and how should I remove odor?
By kelly
I seriously doubt you have actual smoke damage from a boiled dry pot, but it may take some effort to clear the smokey smell. My "inexpensive" suggestion is to start with a gallon of white vinegar and a box of baking soda. Both are natural deodorizers.
Place a container (one that can hold about two cups of liquid) full of the white vinegar in each room and leave for at least 24 hours. (Be careful not to place near electronics or anywhere pets or kids could knock over.)
Wash all of the curtains, throw rugs/bedspreads/blankets (anything washable) with a half cup of the baking soda added to your laundry soap per load. Wipe down solid surfaces with a damp rag rinsed and wrung out from a a bucket with one gallon of water, half cup of vinegar and half cup of baking soda. Glass and metal surfaces can be cleaned with the appropriate cleaners or a 32 oz spray bottle filled with a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar. Use this spray with crumpled up newspapers (black and white only, no colored print) to avoid streaks and absorb additional odors. Sprinkle baking soda over upholstery and carpets. Let sit for several hours then vacuum up.
If weather permits, open windows and doors to help air out the house and change any air filters in your heating/cooling system. Again, if weather permits you can take some items outside and let them soak up some fresh air and sunshine (other natural deodorizers.)
Since I don't know the extent of the odor, I can't promise this will cure all but it's a frugal "Step one" to try before considering more drastic and more costly measures. If, after all of this effort, this doesn't make a dent in the odor problem, by all means, call your insurance company and find out if you are covered by smoke damage. I wish you much luck and simple solutions.
This is a page about removing burnt food smell from house. Not only did dinner burn, now the house smells of burnt food.
