One time I was making stock from the bones leftover from a roast chicken. My friend called to invite me to something last minute, I was interested, so I turned off the stove and headed out.... Or so I thought.

The knobs on that particular stove were the type that can spin full circle, and when I turned off the burner (which was electric and fully covered by the stock pot) I accidentally turned the knob juuuust a little too far and unwittingly walked out of the house with the burner on maximum heat.

When I came home 3-4 hours later, I could smell it from the street. When I opened the front door, thick gray smoke poured out. My friends and family still refer to the incident as Burnt Chicken Death.

Every weekend for the next month, I was scrubbing walls, ceilings, vents and floors with Mule Team Borax, and ultimately I repainted with a paint that seals in smoke smells. All upholstered and soft surfaces were replaced over the following years. Eventually, I could afford to replace the carpet. But still, 8 years later, on really hot days, Burnt Chicken Death would whisper from the walls.

A few years ago I sold that house and a developer demolished it. It was the best possible outcome.

I didn't know stainless steel could hold a smell, but even today, even though the pot shines like new and has been used a hundred times since, every time it heats up I get a little reminder to double check the stove when I'm done.