Cooking fish at home can be a delicious and healthy choice — but the lingering fishy smell? Not so pleasant. Many people spend money on scented sprays or air purifiers, but what if the solution was already sitting in your kitchen all along?

Surprisingly, several common kitchen ingredients are highly effective at neutralizing fish odors — both in the air and in the food itself. Here’s what you need to know.

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1. Ginger – More Than Just a Spice

Ginger is known for its warming flavor and digestive benefits, but it’s also one of the most powerful natural odor neutralizers. When added to fish while cooking, ginger helps break down the compounds that cause that strong, unpleasant smell.

How to use it:

• Add a few slices of fresh ginger when steaming, frying, or braising fish.

• You can also boil ginger in water to create a natural air freshener for the kitchen.

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2. Vinegar – A Kitchen Staple With Superpowers

White vinegar is incredibly effective at removing fishy smells from countertops, utensils, and even your hands. It neutralizes odors instead of just covering them up.

How to use it:

• Wipe surfaces with diluted vinegar after handling fish.

• Boil a small pot of vinegar and water to clear the smell from the air.

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3. Lemon – Freshness in a Peel

Lemon juice doesn't just brighten up the flavor of seafood — it also helps reduce the intensity of fishy odors. The acid in lemon breaks down amines, which are responsible for that strong smell.

How to use it:

• Squeeze lemon juice over raw fish before cooking.

• Rub lemon on your hands and cutting board to remove lingering odors.

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4. Milk – A Pre-Soak That Works Wonders

Soaking fish in milk for 20–30 minutes before cooking can dramatically reduce its odor. The proteins in milk bind to the smelly compounds and pull them out.

Bonus: This trick also helps tenderize the fish and improve its texture.

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5. Green Tea Leaves or Coffee Grounds – For the Air

If your kitchen still smells fishy after cooking, try placing dried green tea leaves or used coffee grounds in a bowl. These natural deodorizers absorb odors from the air quickly and effectively.