Baking apples is not only a delicious dessert, but also one of the best natural ways to freshen up your home and neutralize unpleasant odors (such as food odors after cooking).
Here are the most effective methods, depending on how much time you have:
- The classic “natural air freshener” method
If your goal is specifically to deodorize, you don’t necessarily need to bake whole apples.
Slice: Cut 1-2 apples into thin slices.
Spice: Sprinkle generously with cinnamon and cloves. These spices have antibacterial properties and are great for absorbing odors.
Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake at low temperature (about 100–120°C) for 30-60 minutes. The low temperature helps the essential oils to release slowly and prevents the fruit from burning.
- Apple Peel Trick (Quick Fix)
If you only have a few leftovers, don’t throw away the apple peels!
Place the apple peels on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking sheet.
Sprinkle with a little brown sugar and cinnamon.
Put them in the oven after you’ve turned it off (using the residual heat). This will absorb any food odors that are stuck in the oven.
- Why does this work?
The acidity of the apples and the aromas released during heating neutralize unpleasant molecules in the air, instead of just suppressing them (like artificial sprays).
Some extra tips for success:
Leave a gap: If the oven door is slightly open, the smell will spread throughout the house faster.
Water in the pan: If you are worried that the apples will burn, pour a little water underneath. The steam helps the fragrances spread.
Baking soda: If you are dealing with very stubborn odors (e.g. burnt oil), you can also put a bowl of baking soda in the oven next to the apples (in a separate container), because it is one of the strongest odor absorbers.
Would you like me to recommend a specific baked apple recipe that you can also eat after deodorizing?