Are you a fan of Asian cuisine and love cooking with fish sauce?
While it may add a delicious flavor to your dishes, the lingering smell can be quite unpleasant.
The pungent odor of fish sauce can be difficult to get rid of, leaving your home smelling like the bottom of the ocean.
But fear not, there are several natural remedies that can help eliminate the fishy smell from your home and belongings.
In this article, we’ll explore some effective ways to get rid of fish sauce smell using simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice.
Say goodbye to that fishy odor and hello to a fresh-smelling home!
How To Get Fish Sauce Smell Out?
1. Open Your Windows and Turn on the Fan
Before you start cooking with fish sauce, open your windows and turn on the fan above your stove. This will help dissipate the smell while you cook, preventing it from lingering in your home.
2. Use Baking Soda
If you accidentally spill fish sauce on your carpet or upholstery, don’t panic. Simply sprinkle some baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will absorb any remaining odor. Afterward, vacuum up the baking soda and repeat if necessary.
3. Try White Vinegar
White vinegar is another natural deodorizer that can help eliminate fishy smells from your home. Pour some white vinegar into a saucepan and simmer it on the stove for up to an hour. The vinegar will absorb any unwanted odors, leaving your home smelling fresh.
4. Freshen the Air with Citrus Fruits
Slice a lemon and an orange and put them into a saucepan filled with boiling water. Add some cloves, cinnamon, or other herbs to create a refreshing fragrance in your kitchen that will help get rid of the fish sauce smell.
5. Use Pet Stain Remover
If you spill fish sauce on a hard surface like a countertop or floor, try using pet stain remover to clean it up. Pet stain remover is designed to eliminate tough stains and odors, making it an effective solution for fish sauce spills.
Understanding The Science Behind Fish Sauce Smell
Fish sauce is a pungent condiment that has a strong odor due to its fermentation process. It is made by fermenting whole fish, salt, and water in a barrel for 12 to 18 months. During the fermentation process, bacteria break down the proteins in the fish, producing a potent aroma that can be overwhelming to some people.
The smell of fish sauce is caused by the presence of nitrogen-containing compounds, such as amines and amino acids. These compounds are produced when the proteins in the fish break down during fermentation. The longer the fermentation process, the more nitrogen-containing compounds are produced, resulting in a stronger smell.
Warm temperatures can cause gas to build up inside the bottle of fish sauce, which can lead to an even stronger smell. This is why it is recommended to store fish sauce in the fridge to prevent gas buildup and maintain its quality for longer.
To get rid of the fish sauce smell in your home, there are several natural remedies you can try. Baking soda and white vinegar are both effective natural deodorizers that can absorb unwanted odors. Citrus fruits like lemon and orange can also help freshen the air and mask the smell of fish sauce.
Immediate Steps To Take When Fish Sauce Spills
If you accidentally spill fish sauce on a surface, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the smell from lingering. Here are some immediate steps you can take:
1. Absorb the Spill
Use a paper towel or toilet paper to absorb any remaining oil. Don’t rub the area, as this can spread the spill and make it harder to clean up. Instead, tap lightly until the area is completely dry. Repeat with a clean paper towel if necessary.
2. Use Baking Soda
If the spill is still wet, sprinkle some baking soda on top of the area. Let the baking soda stand for 10 minutes or until it seems wet, which means it has absorbed any remaining oil. Brush the baking soda away from the area or use a vacuum if the spill is large.
3. Try Lemon Juice and Salt
Squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon and rub on the stain or on your hands. Rinse with fresh water and repeat if the fish smell is still there. Rub salt on the area you wish to clean. You can also mix lemon juice and salt and rub the mixture on the area with the fish oil stain and smell.
4. Use Pet Stain Remover
If you spill fish sauce on a hard surface like a countertop or floor, try using pet stain remover to clean it up. Pet stain remover is designed to eliminate tough stains and odors, making it an effective solution for fish sauce spills.
By following these immediate steps, you can effectively clean up a fish sauce spill and prevent the smell from lingering in your home.
Removing Fish Sauce Smell From Clothes And Fabrics
Fish sauce can leave a strong odor on your clothes and fabrics, but there are several ways to get rid of it. One effective method is to mix baking soda with warm water and soak the smelly clothing in the solution for as long as possible, preferably overnight. You can also add one cup of baking soda to your washing machine filled with warm water to neutralize any odors on your clothing.
White vinegar is another household item that can be ideal for cleaning and getting rid of fish smells from clothing. Similar to the way you might use baking soda, you can add a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine along with your detergent. This can help neutralize any odors on your clothing. Additionally, you can add white vinegar to a sink full of water where you can leave your fishy clothes to soak.
If the smell persists, try washing the clothes with vinegar. Just add a little to the soapy water and soak the clothes in it for some hours. If the smell isn’t gone after that, you can leave it overnight.
For hard-to-wash fabric items, lightly mist them with Febreze Fabric to eliminate fishy odors. You can also deodorize fabrics with a DIY cocktail of diluted vinegar and water, including curtains and carpets.
Eliminating Fish Sauce Odor From Your Kitchen And Home
Fish sauce is a popular condiment in many cuisines, but its strong odor can linger in your kitchen and home long after you’ve finished cooking. If you’re struggling to get rid of that fishy smell, try these natural remedies:
1. Wash Your Cooking Tools Immediately
If your cooking tools have come into contact with fish sauce, wash them immediately to prevent the smell from lingering. This will also help remove any residue that could cause the odor to persist.
2. Leave a Bowl of Vinegar Out
Place a bowl of vinegar out on the counter overnight to absorb any lingering seafood smells. You can also simmer vinegar or lemon peels in water on your stove for 20 minutes to neutralize the surrounding air, like a natural potpourri.
3. Use Baking Soda on Upholstery
If your upholstery has absorbed the fish smell, sprinkle baking soda all over it and let it sit overnight. Vacuum up the baking soda in the morning, and repeat if necessary.
4. Deep Clean Your Kitchen
Clean everything that was exposed to the fish smell, whether during cooking or just passively absorbing it. Clean your cutting boards, baking sheets, stovetop, burners, walls, garbage disposal, dishwasher filter, and anything else that may have been affected.
5. Deodorize Fabrics with Vinegar and Water
Mix diluted vinegar and water to create a DIY deodorizing solution for fabrics like curtains and carpets. Spray this mixture onto the fabric and let it dry naturally.
By using these natural remedies, you can eliminate fish sauce odor from your kitchen and home without relying on chemical sprays or harsh cleaners.
Preventing Fish Sauce Smell In The Future
1. Use Less Fish Sauce
One of the best ways to prevent fish sauce smell in the future is to use less of it when cooking. Try using only a small amount of fish sauce or diluting it with water to reduce the intensity of the smell.
2. Cook with Proper Ventilation
Cooking with proper ventilation is essential when using fish sauce. Make sure to turn on your kitchen fan or open a window to let the smell escape while you cook. This will prevent the smell from lingering in your home.
3. Store Fish Sauce Properly
Properly storing your fish sauce can also help prevent unwanted smells in your home. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Make sure to seal the bottle tightly after each use to prevent any odor from escaping.
4. Try Homemade Fish Sauce
Consider making your own fish sauce at home using fresh ingredients like anchovies, salt, and water. Homemade fish sauce is less likely to have a strong smell compared to commercial brands, and you can control the intensity of the flavor.
5. Use Alternative Ingredients
If you’re still having trouble with fish sauce smell, try using alternative ingredients in your cooking. Consider using soy sauce, oyster sauce, or other flavorful sauces that won’t leave a strong odor in your home.
