How to get rid of Cockroach Smell in Cabinets?

Recently updated on June 15th, 2024 at 09:15 am

Cabinets with small, tiny gaps can become ideal hiding spots for pests, particularly cockroaches. These insects are adept at finding secluded and dark areas to take shelter, and small gaps in cabinets offer them the perfect refuge.

Cockroaches remain hidden and seemingly harmless at first, but the problem arises when they leave behind a musty, unpleasant odor. If your cabinets have become a breeding ground for these pests, chances are you’ve noticed this odor.

If this sounds hmm! So don’t worry you will find a comprehensive guide on How to get rid of cockroach smell in cabinets. Follow the guide to resolve this headache.

Table of Contents

What Causes the Cockroach Smell in Cabinets?

This smell is a combination of chemicals they produce and droppings they leave behind and some of them are below:

Droppings and Detritus

Roach droppings, which resemble coffee grounds or black pepper, also contribute to the odor. When droppings break down, they release chemicals that have a musty scent which causes smell.

Secretions and Pheromones

Cockroaches emit specific pheromones for communication. These pheromones serve purposes such as attracting mates or signaling danger. Over time these pheromones accumulate and produce a noticeable smell in the surroundings.

More Cockroaches

The more roaches you have, the stronger the smell. The combined action of pheromones and droppings during a severe infestation might result in an overpowering odor.

Environmental Conditions

Humidity and warmth can strengthen the cockroach smell. These conditions also speed up the decomposition of organic matter, making the odor more rugged.

How to get rid of Cockroach Smell in kitchen Cabinets?

Here’s how you can effectively get rid of the cockroach smell in your cabinets and ensure it doesn’t come back.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The use of Baking soda and vinegar can be the best way to get rid of cockroach smell from kitchen cabinets. Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can neutralize the odor.

Empty your cabinets and wipe down the insides to remove any existing odor and food residue. Clean spills immediately to prevent attracting cockroaches.

Sprinkle baking soda inside the kitchen cabinets, especially focusing on affected areas.

Pour equal parts of water and vinegar into a spray bottle and spray on the affected areas.

Let it sit for an hour, then vacuum or wipe it away from the cabinets.

Baking soda and white vinegar are natural substances that are best for any cabinet material.

Lemon and Water Solution

The use of the solution of Lemons is very helpful to remove cockroach smell from cabinets. The lemons are acidic which can help to get rid of this headache.

Mix 1:3 lemon juice and water in a bowl and then pour this into a spray bottle.

Spray the solution insides of the cabinet and wipe the area by using a clean cloth.

Let it dry. The citrusy freshness of the lemons will replace the musty smell.

Wipe lemon solution at the time because it can affect the surface of the cabinets if spilled for a long time.

Use Essential Oils

Another method to get rid of cockroach smell from cabinets is the use of Essential Oils. Essential Oils have their own fragrance that can completely dissolve the musty smell.

Natural and pleasant-smelling, essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree can do wonders.

Mix a few drops of essential oils with clean water.

Pour this into a spray bottle and spray inside the cabinet.

Wipe inside the cabinet and bask in the aromatic atmosphere.

When used correctly, they can provide quick relief, allowing you to enjoy a fresher, cleaner living environment

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is excellent for absorbing unwanted smells from cabinets. The higher level of porosity of charcoal absorbs odor-causing molecules and removes it completely.

Purchase an activated charcoal from the market, especially from pet stores.

Place charcoal bags or briquettes inside the kitchen cabinets.

Activated charcoal is safe, you can use many bags for strong odors.

Replace the charcoal bags as needed.

Activated charcoal consists of carbon, and unwanted odor enters into the pores of the carbon and absorbs into the activated carbon.

Commercial Odor Removers

Sometimes you need some heavy commercial odor removers. If your cabinets have a malodorous smell then it’s best for you to go with this method.

Begin by selecting a commercial odor remover that specifically mentions its effectiveness against pest-related odors.

Before applying any product, thoroughly read the label and instructions.

Start by cleaning the affected area. Remove any visible cockroach debris, droppings, or dead insects.

Depending on the product type (spray, gel, or solid), apply or place the odor remover in the affected area.

Allow the product to sit and work its magic.

Remember that these are just temporary fixes. Addressing the root of the problem by tackling the cockroach infestation will ensure a more permanent solution.

Preventions for Cockroach Smell

Preventing cockroach smells in cabinets involves a combination of keeping roaches away and maintaining cleanliness. Here are steps to help you prevent cockroach odors in cabinets:

Clean Regularly:

Empty your cabinets and wipe down the insides with a mild detergent or white vinegar solution. This removes any existing odor and food residue. Clean spills immediately to prevent attracting cockroaches.

Seal Up Food:

To avert the attraction of cockroaches, particularly to grains, flour, and cereals, it is advisable to store these items in airtight containers. Such measures significantly reduce the likelihood of cockroach infestation within cabinets.

Seal Entry Points:

Cockroaches are capable of infiltrating cabinets through minute gaps or holes. Thus, it is essential to meticulously inspect cabinets and adjacent areas for any cracks, gaps, or openings, and seal them using caulk to prevent entry.

Maintain Dryness:

Cockroaches are attracted to moisture. Ensure that your cabinets, especially under the sink, remain dry. Repair any leaks and consider using a dehumidifier in very humid areas.

Final Thought

You can get rid of cockroach smell by following these methods but it’s a short-time method. If you have not completely gotten rid of cockroaches, you can’t get rid of this musty smell.

So if you want to get rid of this musty odor permanently, you have to kill all the cockroaches from your house. Spills should be cleaned up right away to avoid attracting cockroaches. Inspect the cabinet and surrounding areas for any cracks, gaps, or holes and seal them using caulk.