Get Rid of Raclette or Fondue Smells? 6 Smart Tips!

Love a cozy evening with raclette or cheese fondue with friends or family, but not the lingering smell that stays for days?

Good ventilation (open windows/doors and turn on the extractor fan) is step one – but there’s more you can do to make your home smell fresh again. Here are 6 easy tips!

1. Use vinegar as a natural neutralizer

Vinegar is a real odor killer. The acid neutralizes the molecules that cause unpleasant smells. Place a bowl of vinegar (optionally diluted with warm water) in the room overnight, or simmer a pot of water with a splash of vinegar for 30–40 minutes. It may smell strong at first, but the cheese odor disappears quickly.

2. Coffee works wonders

A classic trick: coffee absorbs odors and replaces them with a warm, familiar scent. Place small bowls of coffee grounds around the room or heat some used grounds with a little water on low heat for 15 minutes. It’ll replace the fondue smell with a cozy aroma.

3. Fragrant bay leaves

Bay leaves aren’t just for stews – they’re great at eliminating raclette and fondue smells. Let a pot of water with a few bay leaves simmer gently for 20 minutes, or briefly fry a leaf after dinner. Your home will smell fresh and herbal in no time, naturally and subtly.

4. The fabric softener trick

Not the most obvious idea, but a great one. Add a small splash of your favorite fabric softener with some water to a pot and let it heat for about 10 minutes. Your home will instantly smell like freshly washed laundry.

5. Set the mood with scented candles

Scented candles, incense, or oil burners do more than create atmosphere – they also make your space smell great. Go for fresh scents like citrus or eucalyptus to neutralize the air, or warm notes like vanilla or sandalwood for a cozy vibe.

6. Clean up right away

It may sound obvious, but clean up pots, dishes, and tools right after eating. The longer food sits around, the stronger the smell will stick. Don’t forget your trash bag – take it outside right away.

Enjoy the evening, not the smell!

A night of fondue or raclette doesn’t have to mean lingering odors. With simple tricks – from ventilation and quick cleaning to natural odor killers like vinegar, coffee, and bay leaves – your home will smell fresh again in no time.