There’s nothing quite as disheartening as the smell of burnt food wafting through your kitchen. Whether it’s a forgotten slice of toast or an overzealous attempt at searing meat, that acrid scent can linger for hours—or even days. But before you resign yourself to a smoke-filled home, there’s an age-old trick that might just save the day: fresh bread. Yes, the humble loaf isn’t just for sandwiches; it’s a surprisingly effective odor absorber.

The science behind this hack is simpler than you might think. Burnt odors are caused by tiny particles of carbonized food that become airborne and cling to surfaces. These particles are stubborn, but they’re also attracted to certain materials—like the porous structure of bread. When you place a few slices of fresh bread around the affected area, they act like sponges, pulling those smoky molecules out of the air and trapping them. It’s a low-tech solution, but one that has stood the test of time.

To put this method to the test, try it the next time your cooking goes awry. Start by removing the source of the burn (if possible) and ventilating the room. Then, take a few slices of fresh white bread—the softer and fresher, the better—and place them on plates or a clean surface near the smoky area. Leave them for several hours, or even overnight. You might be surprised at how much of the odor disappears. For particularly stubborn smells, replace the bread slices with fresh ones after a few hours.

Of course, bread isn’t the only household item that can tackle unwanted smells. Baking soda, vinegar, and activated charcoal are also popular choices. But what makes bread stand out is its accessibility and simplicity. Unlike other methods that require mixing solutions or waiting for chemical reactions, bread works passively. Plus, it’s inexpensive and easy to dispose of—just toss it in the compost or trash once it’s done its job.

This trick isn’t just limited to burnt food mishaps. Some people swear by using bread to neutralize other strong odors, like paint fumes or musty closets. While it may not be as effective as specialized products in those cases, it’s a handy stopgap when you’re in a pinch. And let’s be honest—there’s something oddly satisfying about solving a modern problem with such a basic, old-school remedy.

So, the next time your culinary ambitions go up in smoke, don’t panic. Reach for the breadbox instead. It might not salvage your dinner, but it could very well save your kitchen from smelling like a charred mess for the rest of the week. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective—and in this case, they’re also deliciously ironic.