Smoke smell that may result from cooking adventures in the kitchen can be hard to remove quickly. While most cooking-related odors will dissipate on their own given enough time, you may not wish to live with these conspicuous scents until they do. If your indoor atmosphere is tainted with smoke smell that seems likely to hang around like an unwanted guest, here are some techniques to clear the air.
- Open up the windows. It’s a no-brainer, but many homes today are so tightly air-sealed that physically opening windows and doors is necessary to induct sufficient fresh air into the house and flush out odor issues.
- Run your HVAC fan. The heating/cooling system circulates air through a filter that can help remove smoke particles associated with odor (the air filter should be changed at least every other month). In addition, the circulation process mixes air from all parts of the house, which helps dilute odors originating within a specific room. Switching the HVAC fan thermostat setting from “Auto” to “On” makes the fan run continuously to maintain constant air circulation and expedite odor removal, while the heating or cooling function still cycles on and off automatically.
- Mask the smell with more-pleasant scents. Most canned air fresheners leave a pungent artificial smell. Try creating more natural homelike scents in the kitchen to pleasantly counteract the bad odor. Boil lemon and orange peels in a saucepan on low heat for an hour. Bake a mixture of cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar for several hours. Roast some coffee beans or brew fresh-ground coffee.
- Get a room air purifier. You’ll probably use it for many other occasions, so it’s a useful investment. The most effective air purifiers incorporate high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration to remove smoke and odors down to the molecular level. Efficiency of these units is rated by CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate). For the most effective odor control, choose a unit with a CADR of at least 350.
Since 1922, we’ve been your local source for practical air-quality advice, including smoke-smell removal. Contact the experts at Paitson Bros. for more information.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922