Olivia Carter
Accidents happen, and sometimes we forget to check on our food while it’s cooking in the microwave. The result? A burnt smell that can linger in the appliance for days. But don’t worry, there are simple and effective ways to get rid of that unpleasant stench.
1. Vinegar
One of the easiest solutions to remove the burnt smell from your microwave is by using vinegar. Simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl and place it in the appliance. Heat the mixture for about five minutes, allowing the steam to loosen and absorb the odors. Once done, leave the door closed for a few minutes to let the vinegar smell dissipate.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective odor neutralizer. Sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of baking soda on a damp cloth or sponge. Wipe down the inside of the microwave, paying extra attention to any areas with visible stains or odors. Leave the baking soda in the microwave for a few hours or overnight to absorb the smell, and then simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
3. Lemon Juice
If you prefer a citrusy scent, lemon juice can help to eliminate the burnt smell. Squeeze the juice of a lemon into a microwave-safe bowl filled with water. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for a few minutes, until the mixture starts to steam. Let it sit with the door closed for a few more minutes, allowing the lemon scent to neutralize any unwanted odors.
Remember, regular cleaning and maintenance of your microwave will help prevent burnt smells from lingering. But in case accidents do happen, these simple remedies should have your microwave smelling fresh and clean in no time!
Remove Burnt Smell
Removing the burnt smell from your microwave oven can be a challenging task, but with a few simple steps, you can eliminate the odor and restore your microwave to its original freshness.
Here are some effective methods to remove the burnt smell from your microwave:
| Method | Materials | Instructions |
| 1. Baking Soda and Water | – Baking soda – Water – Sponge or cloth |
– Mix a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 cup of water. – Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and wipe down the inside of the microwave, paying extra attention to any areas with a burnt smell. – Rinse the sponge or cloth with clean water and wipe down the microwave again to remove any residue. – Leave the microwave door open to air out. |
| 2. Lemon Juice | – Lemon juice – Water – Bowl |
– Fill a bowl with equal parts lemon juice and water. – Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture starts to boil and produce steam. – Allow the steam to penetrate the interior of the microwave for a few minutes. – Open the microwave door and remove the bowl, being careful as it may be hot. – Wipe down the inside of the microwave with a sponge or cloth soaked in the lemon juice mixture. – Rinse the sponge or cloth with clean water and wipe down the microwave again to remove any residue. – Leave the microwave door open to air out. |
| 3. Vinegar and Water | – White vinegar – Water – Spray bottle – Sponge or cloth |
– Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. – Spray the mixture inside the microwave, focusing on areas with a burnt smell. – Allow it to sit for a few minutes. – Wipe down the interior of the microwave with a sponge or cloth soaked in the vinegar and water mixture. – Rinse the sponge or cloth with clean water and wipe down the microwave again to remove any residue. – Leave the microwave door open to air out. |
By following these methods, you can effectively remove the burnt smell from your microwave oven and enjoy fresh and odor-free cooking once again.
Ventilate the Area
When a burnt smell lingers in your microwave oven, it is important to ventilate the area to help dissipate the odor. Open windows and doors to create a cross breeze, allowing fresh air to circulate and push out the burnt smell. If possible, use fans to facilitate air movement and help speed up the process.
Additionally, you can also try placing bowls of vinegar or baking soda around the room to absorb and neutralize the odor. These natural odor absorbers can help to eliminate the burnt smell more quickly.
It may take some time for the burnt smell to completely dissipate, so be patient and continue to ventilate the area until the odor is gone. Taking these steps will help ensure a fresh and clean environment.
Clean the Interior
Once the burnt smell has been removed from your microwave oven, it’s important to clean the interior to remove any residue or stains. Follow these steps to ensure a clean and fresh-smelling microwave:
1. Remove Removable Parts
To clean the interior of your microwave effectively, start by removing any removable parts such as glass turntable, roller rings, and racks. Wash these parts separately using warm, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly and set them aside to dry completely before reassembling.
2. Wipe Down the Interior
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the microwave. Pay close attention to any areas where food or liquid may have splattered, as these can contribute to unpleasant odors. For stubborn stains or food residues, create a paste using equal parts baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a sponge or cloth. Rinse the interior with clean water and wipe dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Note: Be careful not to get any cleaning solution or water into the vent holes or other openings of the microwave.
Tip: For a natural cleaning solution, you can also use a mixture of white vinegar and water in equal parts. Vinegar is known for its deodorizing properties and can help eliminate any lingering smells.
3. Deodorize the Microwave
If any odor persists even after cleaning, you can deodorize the microwave by using a natural deodorizing agent such as baking soda or lemon. Simply place a small bowl or cup filled with baking soda or lemon slices inside the microwave and heat it on high power for one to two minutes. The baking soda or lemon will absorb the odors, leaving your microwave smelling fresh.
Tip: You can also add a few drops of vanilla extract to the baking soda or lemon before microwaving for a pleasant scent.
By following these steps and regularly cleaning your microwave oven, you can keep it fresh, odor-free, and ready to use for cooking or reheating your favorite meals.
Use Baking Soda
If your microwave has a lingering burnt smell, baking soda can help to absorb the odor and freshen it up. Here’s how you can use baking soda to get rid of the burnt smell:
Gather the necessary supplies:
- Baking soda
- A small bowl or container
- A clean, damp cloth
Steps to follow:
- Take a small bowl or container and fill it with 1 cup of baking soda.
- Place the bowl with baking soda inside the microwave.
- Close the microwave door and let it sit for about 12-24 hours. The baking soda will help to absorb the burnt smell.
- After the designated time has passed, open the microwave and carefully remove the bowl of baking soda.
- Dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe down the interior of the microwave to remove any leftover baking soda residue.
- Plug in the microwave and run it for a few minutes to ensure that the burnt smell is gone.
Note: Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer, but it may not completely eliminate strong burnt smells. If the smell persists, you may want to try other methods or consult a professional.
Remember to always unplug the microwave before cleaning or performing any maintenance tasks.
Eliminate Lingering Odors
If you’ve tried the previous methods and there’s still a lingering burnt smell in your microwave oven, don’t worry. There are a few more steps you can take to eliminate the odor completely.
Clean the interior
Start by cleaning the interior of your microwave oven. Remove any leftover food residue or spills that may be contributing to the smell. Use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, or a mild dish soap, to wipe down the interior surfaces. Pay special attention to the areas where the smell seems to be concentrated.
Deodorize with baking soda
Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb odors. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in a microwave-safe bowl and place it in the microwave. Set the microwave to a high power level and heat the bowl for 2-3 minutes. The baking soda will absorb the burnt smell. Once the microwave has cooled down, remove the bowl and discard the used baking soda.
Tip: You can also leave an open box of baking soda in your microwave when you’re not using it to help prevent odors from developing.
Note: Do not use any scented baking soda products, as they may leave additional odors in your microwave.
These steps should help eliminate any lingering burnt smell from your microwave oven. If you still notice the smell after following these methods, it might be a good idea to check for and clean any filters or vents that could be causing the odor. Keeping your microwave clean and practicing good food hygiene will also help prevent unpleasant odors from developing.
Steam with Vinegar
Vinegar is another effective method for removing burnt smells from a microwave oven. The acidic properties of vinegar help to neutralize odors and break down stubborn burnt-on food particles.
To use vinegar for steam cleaning, follow these simple steps:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for 5 minutes. The steam created will help loosen the burnt-on residue.
- After the 5 minutes, carefully remove the bowl using oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands.
- Wipe down the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any loosened residue.
- For any stubborn stains or lingering smells, dip a cloth or sponge in the vinegar mixture and scrub the affected areas gently.
- Once you have finished cleaning, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave to remove any vinegar residue.
Vinegar is a safe and natural cleaning agent that can effectively remove burnt smells from your microwave oven. Regular maintenance, such as wiping down the interior after each use, can help prevent burnt smells from occurring in the future.
Try Lemon or Orange Peel
If your microwave oven still has a lingering burnt smell even after cleaning it, try using lemon or orange peel to freshen it up. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges contain natural oils that can help neutralize odors.
Instructions:
- Take a lemon or orange peel and cut it into small pieces.
- Place the citrus peel pieces in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add water to the bowl, enough to submerge the peel pieces.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for 5 minutes.
- After the 5 minutes, keep the bowl inside the microwave for another 10-15 minutes to let the steam and citrus aroma permeate the interior.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and discard the peel pieces.
- Wipe the interior of the microwave with a clean cloth or sponge.
This method should help remove the burnt smell from your microwave and leave it smelling fresh and citrusy. If needed, you can repeat the process for a stronger effect.
Remember, always be cautious when handling hot bowls and steam from the microwave. Allow the bowl to cool down before removing it from the microwave.
FAQ
What should I do if my microwave oven smells like burnt food?
If your microwave oven smells like burnt food, there are a few steps you can take to get rid of the smell. First, unplug the microwave and remove any burnt food or residue from inside. Then, mix a solution of vinegar and water and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the solution in the microwave for a few minutes until it starts to steam. Let it sit in the microwave for about 10 minutes to allow the steam to loosen any stuck-on food particles. Finally, wipe down the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge. This should help eliminate the burnt smell.
Can I use baking soda to remove burnt smell from my microwave oven?
Yes, you can use baking soda to remove a burnt smell from your microwave oven. Start by mixing a solution of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to a damp cloth or sponge and use it to scrub the interior of the microwave. Pay special attention to any areas with burnt-on residue. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the inside of the microwave, rinse the cloth or sponge and wipe down the interior again to remove any remaining baking soda. This should help eliminate the burnt smell and leave your microwave smelling fresh.
Is it safe to use lemon juice to remove a burnt smell from my microwave oven?
Yes, it is safe to use lemon juice to remove a burnt smell from your microwave oven. Lemon juice has natural deodorizing properties and can help neutralize odours. To use lemon juice, mix it with water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave for a few minutes until it starts to steam. Let it sit in the microwave for about 10 minutes to allow the steam to work its magic. Afterward, wipe down the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge. The lemon juice should help eliminate the burnt smell and leave behind a fresh citrus scent.
