The festive feast may be over, but the stubborn aroma of roast turkey, potatoes, and stuffing can linger for days, turning from delightful to decidedly unpleasant. While many reach for scented candles or plug-in air fresheners, these often provide only a temporary mask and can trigger headaches.
The Mrs Hinch-Approved Simmer Pot Solution
A surprisingly effective and natural solution has gained popularity among followers of cleaning expert Mrs Hinch. The hack came to light after a member of the 'Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips' Facebook group, Teresa Comerford, sought advice on December 26, 2025. She asked for help eliminating persistent cooking smells from her open-plan home, having found that candles, diffusers, and incense sticks failed to work.
The overwhelming response from the community pointed to a simple, stove-top method. The most popular suggestion, as reported by the Express, involves creating a fragrant simmer pot. Steve Taylor advised: "Heat up some rosemary cloves and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan, let the steam fill your room without the aromas." Another user, Angela Wilshaw, recommended: "Boil cinnamon sticks, cloves, and oranges on the stove. Let it simmer away."
How To Create Your Own Natural Air Freshener
The process could not be simpler. All you need is a saucepan, water, and a selection of aromatic ingredients. For a festive scent, combine spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise with some citrus peel in the water.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on your hob and allow the aromatic steam to circulate throughout your property. The natural vapours will neutralise and replace unwanted cooking odours effectively.
If festive spices aren't to your taste, the method is highly adaptable. You can use other natural ingredients such as:
- Rosemary and sage
- Apple peels
- A few drops of vanilla or almond extract
While this simmer pot technique was the standout recommendation, other Mrs Hinch fans also suggested using wax melts, specialised Chef's Candles, or bowls of white vinegar to absorb odours. However, the natural, stovetop method offers a quick, cheap, and chemical-free way to ensure your home smells fresh long after the Christmas plates have been cleared.
