HOW TO GET RID
OF CURRY SMELL
IN A FLAT

Why Curry Smell Lingers So Long

Curry and spice odour is one of the most identifiable and persistent cooking smells in London rental properties. Unlike general cooking smells which fade relatively quickly, spice-based cooking odour compounds bond strongly with surfaces and can remain embedded for months or years without treatment.

The chemistry is specific: aromatic compounds from spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric and fenugreek are particularly reactive. They bond with wall paint, ceiling plaster, curtains, carpet fibres and even hard surfaces like kitchen tiles and cabinetry. Cooking oils carry these compounds throughout the property as fine aerosols, settling far beyond the kitchen.

Fish cooking creates similar problems for different chemical reasons — trimethylamine and other amine compounds from fish are water-soluble but also volatile, meaning they spread easily and embed into fabrics and porous surfaces.

DIY Methods: What Works and What Does Not

• Deep kitchen clean: Essential first step. Degrease all kitchen surfaces, cabinets, extractor fan and filters using a specialist kitchen degreaser. Spice oils build up on every surface and must be physically removed before any odour treatment will be fully effective.
• Washing curtains and soft furnishings: Helpful for removable items. Hot wash with enzyme-based detergent where fabric allows.
• Repainting: Using a stain-blocking primer before repainting can seal some surface odour compounds. Will not address compounds that have penetrated beyond the surface layer.
• White vinegar: Effective at neutralising some surface odour on hard kitchen surfaces. Not effective on fabrics or penetrated materials.
• Bicarbonate of soda: Absorbs airborne odour molecules to some extent. No effect on embedded compounds.
• Air fresheners and candles: Mask the smell temporarily. No effect on the underlying compounds. The curry smell will return within days.

When Professional Treatment Is Needed

Professional treatment is typically necessary when:

• The property has been used for regular spice or fish cooking over a long tenancy
• Viewers or prospective tenants can clearly smell the cooking odour on entering
• The smell returns shortly after cleaning and ventilation
• The kitchen and living areas have not had specialist degreasing treatment

Our process for curry and cooking smell:

1. Specialist degreasing: All kitchen and affected surfaces treated with professional degreasers to remove physical grease and spice residue.
2. ULV cold fogging: Specialist odour-neutralising solution fogged throughout all rooms, reaching curtains, carpets and ceiling voids.
3. Monitored ozone treatment: Industrial ozone neutralises residual cooking VOCs throughout the property with real-time monitoring.

Landlord-Specific Advice

Curry and spice smell is one of the most common reasons London landlords lose let time between tenancies. It is immediately identifiable to viewers and strongly associated with extensive use of a property. In a competitive London rental market, a neutral-smelling property will let faster and at a better rent.

If the cooking odour is severe, the Complete package including manual surface cleaning is recommended. For moderate cooking smell where the kitchen has already been professionally cleaned, the Advanced package (fogging + ozone) usually delivers excellent results.

Cost of Curry Smell Removal in London

• Advanced (degreasing + fogging + ozone): from £695 + VAT
• Complete (full surface clean + fogging + ozone): from £1,350 + VAT

Full pricing guide by property size →