Winter rain and lingering kitchen humidity can leave cupboards, pantry drawers, and cabinets smelling damp and musty, turning even the coziest kitchen into a slightly stale space. But a surprisingly simple, natural trick is quietly transforming homes everywhere: placing a bowl of vinegar in your storage spaces.
Long used as a staple for those who clean with vinegar, this humble household ingredient is more than just a classic cleaning tip – it’s also a natural deodorizer, perfect for removing those after-Christmas cooking smells.
Left in cupboards for a few hours, or overnight, it neutralizes musty odors without leaving behind a strong vinegar scent. The result is a fresh, clean-smelling kitchen that instantly feels more inviting, even on the coldest, wettest days.
Amazon’s top-rated distilled white vinegar is available for under a dollar and works perfectly for this simple kitchen fix.
'It might sound as bizarre as leaving a glass of water under your bed, but a simple bowl of vinegar works wonders in kitchens prone to dampness,' says Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved at Homes & Gardens. 'It naturally neutralizes musty odors and absorbs excess moisture, leaving cupboards and pantries fresh without any harsh chemicals.'
This hack is particularly effective in spots prone to condensation or trapped moisture, such as under sinks, on pantry shelves, or inside cabinets storing dry ingredients. It’s an inexpensive, chemical-free alternative to commercial deodorizers and sprays, making it a go-to solution for anyone seeking a natural, low-effort way to maintain a welcoming kitchen environment.
What’s more, vinegar doesn’t just mask odors – it actively reacts with the airborne compounds that cause the damp smell, eliminating them rather than merely covering them up. This makes it far more effective than simply airing out a cupboard or spritzing with a fragrance.
For an extra layer of protection, combine this simple trick with other moisture-fighting kitchen hacks. A few grains of uncooked rice in spice jars or salt cellars can absorb humidity and prevent clumping, while a small pouch of baking soda in drawers helps neutralize lingering kitchen odors. Together, these easy adjustments keep your pantry and cupboards organized, functional, and pleasantly fragrant throughout the damp winter months.
Small, thoughtful touches like these transform your kitchen into a space that not only looks good but feels fresher and more welcoming every time you open a cabinet – turning everyday cooking and meal prep into a little wintertime delight.
