Removing the pickle smell from a jar can be a necessary step if you’re planning to reuse the jar for storing other items, especially if those items are not pickled goods. The smell can linger due to the strong vinegar and spices used in the pickling process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get your jar smelling fresh again.
Step 1: Wash the Jar with Dish Soap and Hot Water
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the jar. Use a good quality dish soap and hot water to scrub the inside and outside of the jar. Use a bottle brush to reach the bottom and corners if necessary. Rinse the jar well to remove any soap residue.
Step 2: Soak in Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in the jar, then add a tablespoon of baking soda. The mixture will fizz, which helps to neutralize odors. Let the jar soak for several hours or overnight. After soaking, wash the jar again with dish soap and hot water.
Step 3: Use Coffee Grounds for Absorbing Odors
Fill the jar with dry coffee grounds and seal it with a lid. Allow the coffee grounds to sit in the jar for 24-48 hours. The grounds should absorb the pickle odor. Afterward, discard the coffee grounds and wash the jar thoroughly.
Step 4: Fill with Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is great for absorbing odors. Place a piece of charcoal in the jar, close the lid, and leave it for a couple of days. After removing the charcoal, wash the jar one more time. Ensure to use charcoal meant for odor removal, not the kind used for grilling.
Step 5: Leave in Sunlight
Sometimes, placing the jar in direct sunlight for a day or two can help eliminate odors as UV rays can neutralize scent molecules. Ensure the jar is as open as possible to allow air flow.
Step 6: Rinse with Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer. After cleaning the jar, rinse it with lemon juice or rub a lemon wedge around the inside. Leave the juice to sit for a few hours before washing it out.
Step 7: Use Newspaper
Crumple a piece of newspaper and place it inside the jar, then seal it with the lid. The newspaper can absorb odors. Leave it overnight and then remove and wash the jar.
Step 8: Preventing Smells in the Future
To prevent smells from setting in again, make sure to clean jars immediately after they are emptied. Dry them completely before storing and consider storing them with a pinch of baking soda inside to absorb any potential odors that may develop.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to remove the pickle smell from your jar effectively. Remember to always rinse and dry the jar well after using any of these methods. If one method doesn’t work entirely, don’t hesitate to try another or to repeat a method for a longer period or with a stronger solution. With patience and persistence, the pickle smell should dissipate, leaving you with a fresh, odor-free jar ready for reuse.