Onions are an essential ingredient in countless recipes, but their smell can often linger on our hands, cutting boards, and utensils. Here are 13 effective steps to get rid of that pungent onion smell

1. Wash your hands with soap. Immediately after handling onions, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds and then rinse.

2. Rub your hands on stainless steel. Stainless steel can neutralize onion odors. Simply rub your wet hands against a stainless steel sink or utensil for a few seconds.

3. Use lemon juice or vinegar. Make a solution by mixing equal parts water and lemon juice or white vinegar in a small bowl. Soak your hands in it for a minute, then rinse.

4. Apply baking soda paste. Mix water and baking soda into a paste-like consistency and scrub your hands with it. Rinse off after a couple of minutes.

5. Try toothpaste. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to your hands, rub them together, and rinse off after 30 seconds.

6. Clean cutting boards regularly. Wash your cutting board with warm soapy water immediately after use to minimize onion buildup.

7. Deodorize wooden cutting boards with salt or baking soda. Sprinkle coarse salt or baking soda on the board, rub it with a damp cloth, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off.

8. Sanitize plastic cutting boards in the dishwasher. Run the board through a dishwasher cycle to remove onion residues and smells effectively.

9. Rinse knife blades under hot water after use. Do this right away to prevent lingering odors from spreading onto other surfaces.

10. Soak utensils in diluted vinegar solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl, then soak your utensils for a few minutes before washing them.

11. Wipe kitchen surfaces with lemon or vinegar solution. Just like with your hands, the acidity in these solutions can help neutralize onion smells on countertops or tables.

12. Air out your kitchen. Open windows and doors to let fresh air in, or turn on the exhaust fan when cooking with onions to minimize lingering odors.

13. Use odor-absorbing materials in your pantry or fridge. Place a small dish of baking soda, activated charcoal, or coffee grounds near where you store onions to absorb any emitted odors.

By following these 13 steps, you’ll be well-equipped to manage and eliminate onion smells in your kitchen, leaving it smelling fragrant and fresh.