Many curry recipes start with strong aromatics, like garlic and onions, which has sulfur-containing compounds. Because of this, the smell lingers for a while and does not go away. To remove a lingering curry odor, make a vinegar spray by combining 1 cup water with 2 tablespoons white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray all over the kitchen, including countertops, cabinets, and grease traps, along with any porous surfaces like curtains and drapes.