Raclette smell: how to air the room and prevent it

Updated: 1 November 2026

Short answer: open all windows fully and air with a through-draught, for at least 5 minutes in the heating season [1]. Blick says this short, full airing works better than leaving a window open for hours [4]. After that, wipe surfaces with a damp cloth, air textiles outside and stud an orange with cloves [2][4]. Swissmilk suggests moving the raclette to the balcony or terrace in the first place [3].

Prevention: eat outside

Swissmilk thinks it is "even better" not to have the raclette indoors at all: put on jackets and hats and move it to the balcony or terrace [3]. Raclette Suisse mentions small ovens running on tea-light (rechaud) candles that suit the balcony or garden [2].

If you stay indoors, air the room during the meal as well. The FOPH recommends extra window airing when indoor air is temporarily more loaded, for example with visitors or burning candles, and says cooking smells should be removed straight away with the extractor hood or by opening windows [1].

Airing properly after raclette

The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) gives these rules for homes without mechanical ventilation [1]:

Open all windows fully, with a through-draught where possible. The air is exchanged quickly without the walls cooling down.
Don't leave windows tilted: windows left open or tilted for long periods in winter waste a lot of energy.
Duration: at least 5 minutes in the heating season; on very cold or windy days, or with cross-ventilation, at least 3 minutes.

For the evening after the raclette, Blick suggests repeating this for about 10 minutes every few hours, opening the front door as well if needed to get a draught [4].

Surfaces, textiles and home remedies

Wipe with a damp cloth: smooth surfaces, ideally with a vinegar-based cleaner, according to Blick [4].
Air textiles: cushions, blankets and curtains, outdoors if possible [4].
Vinegar water: one part vinegar to two parts water, in open containers around the room [4].
Coffee: if you dislike vinegar, small bowls of freshly ground coffee [4].
Orange or lemon with cloves: Raclette Suisse recommends studding a lemon or orange with cloves [2]. Swissmilk calls it «ganz passabel» (fair enough) [3].

Dishes and the oven

Raclette Suisse advises soaking cheesy dishes, pans and cutlery in cold water for a while, pre-cleaning them lightly, then using the dishwasher or hot water and washing-up liquid. Wipe the raclette oven with a damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid [2]. More on pans: Raclette pans.

FAQ

How long should I air the room after raclette? The FOPH recommends at least 5 minutes with windows fully open in the heating season, at least 3 minutes with a through-draught [1]. Repeat if the smell is strong; Blick suggests about 10 minutes every few hours [4].

Should I leave a window tilted overnight? The FOPH advises against permanently tilted windows in winter because of the energy loss [1]. Open fully, briefly and several times instead.

Does the clove-studded orange really work? Raclette Suisse recommends it [2]; Swissmilk calls it «ganz passabel» (fair enough) and prefers moving the raclette to the balcony [3].

Sources (accessed 1 November 2026)

Swiss Federal Office of Public Health FOPH (BAG): «Korrektes Lüften und Heizen» (in German) – https://www.bag.admin.ch/de/korrektes-lueften-und-heizen
Raclette Suisse: "Preparation" – https://www.raclette-suisse.ch/en/raclette/preparation
Swissmilk: «20 Dinge, die du über Raclette noch nicht wusstest» (in German) – https://www.swissmilk.ch/de/rezepte-kochideen/20-dinge-die-du-ueber-raclette-noch-nicht-wusstest/
Blick: «So wirst du Raclette-Geruch los: 7 Tipps für zuhause» (in German, updated 30.12.2025) – https://www.blick.ch/life/essen/genuss/so-wirst-du-raclette-geruch-los-7-tipps-fuer-zuhause-id17952096.html