The smoke and smell of gunpowder that fireworks leave at home, especially after celebrations like the 4th of July, become unbearable. However, luckily there is a trick to completely eliminate that aroma: coffee beans and vinegar.

Although opening the windows helps, sometimes it is not enough to remove the burning smell that permeates rooms, curtains, furniture and other objects. You need a more effective solution.

The combination of coffee and vinegar takes advantage of the natural properties of both products to reduce bad odors without the need to use air fresheners or chemicals.

And once the scent has been completely removed, you can now perform a deep cleaning, which is also usually necessary.

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Why do coffee and vinegar work to eliminate burning smell?

On the one hand, white vinegar contains acetic acid, a compound that helps neutralize the molecules responsible for many bad odors, including those generated by smoke and combustion.

Coffee, on the other hand, has nitrogen-rich compounds that help absorb certain persistent odors, especially those related to sulfurous substances. In addition, it leaves a pleasant aroma that helps replace the residual smell of smoke.

How to apply the trick in two steps

Step 1: Neutralize the odor with white vinegar

It consists of placing several small containers with white vinegar in the rooms where the smell is most intense. You can distribute cups or glasses near doors, windows, living rooms, bedrooms or any space where the smoke has remained for a longer time.

It is advisable to leave the containers overnight or up to 24 hours. During that time, the vinegar will help neutralize some of the particles responsible for the burning smell.

Although at first you can smell the vinegar aroma, it disappears when it evaporates.

Step 2: Use coffee grounds to absorb remaining odors

Once the containers with vinegar have been removed, it's the coffee's turn. Place whole coffee beans or ground coffee in small open containers and distribute them throughout rooms where the smell of smoke is still noticeable.

The coffee will continue to absorb part of the compounds responsible for the bad smell and will contribute to the environment having a more pleasant aroma.

Although many people prefer to use whole beans (which is more effective), ground coffee can also offer good results.

Likewise, open doors and windows to create air currents that allow smoke accumulated inside the home to be expelled. If you have fans, place them facing the windows to speed up the release of contaminated air.