Olivia Carter
Having a clean and fresh-smelling microwave oven is essential for maintaining a healthy and pleasant kitchen environment. Over time, food spills and splatters can leave behind unpleasant odours that can linger and affect the taste of your meals. However, with a few simple steps, you can easily eliminate these odours and make your microwave oven smell better.
Firstly, it is important to remove any leftover food or residue from the interior of your microwave. Wipe down the walls, ceiling, and floor of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge. Pay special attention to any stubborn stains or food particles that may have become stuck. For tough stains, create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and vinegar, and apply it to the problem areas. The vinegar will help to break down the stains and neutralize any lingering odours.
Next, to further freshen the smell of your microwave, place a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon or a few drops of lemon juice inside. Microwave the bowl on high for a couple of minutes, until the water is boiling and the interior of the microwave becomes steamy. The lemon will release a refreshing and pleasant scent, eliminating any unpleasant odours that may be present.
Another effective method to remove stubborn smells is by placing a bowl of baking soda inside the microwave overnight. Baking soda is known for its odor-absorbing properties and can effectively neutralize and eliminate unpleasant smells. Simply leave the bowl of baking soda in the microwave overnight, and in the morning, remove it and discard the baking soda. Your microwave will be fresh and odor-free.
By following these simple steps, you can easily make your microwave oven smell better and enjoy a more pleasant cooking experience. Keeping your microwave clean and fresh-smelling is important not only for the quality and taste of your meals but also for ensuring a healthy and inviting kitchen environment.
Freshen Up Your Microwave With Lemon and Vinegar
If your microwave smells less than fresh, there’s a simple and natural solution that can help. By using lemon and vinegar, you can easily eliminate unpleasant odors and leave your microwave smelling clean and citrusy.
The Power of Lemon
Lemon is a powerful natural deodorizer that can effectively neutralize odors. Its fresh scent can help to mask and eliminate any unpleasant smells lingering in your microwave.
To freshen up your microwave with lemon, start by cutting a fresh lemon in half. Squeeze the juice from one half of the lemon into a microwave-safe bowl. Add about half a cup of water to the bowl as well.
Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for about three minutes. This will create steam that will help to loosen and remove any lingering odors. The lemon juice will also help to deodorize the microwave. After the three minutes are up, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, as it will be hot.
Next, take the other half of the lemon and use it to wipe down the inside of the microwave. The lemon’s natural acidity will help to break down any residue or stains, leaving your microwave looking and smelling fresh.
Adding Vinegar for an Extra Boost
In addition to lemon, vinegar is another powerful natural deodorizer that can help freshen up your microwave. Its acidic properties can help to neutralize odors and remove any stubborn stains or residue.
To use vinegar in your microwave, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for about five minutes. This will create steam that will help to loosen any leftover odors or stains in the microwave.
After the five minutes are up, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the microwave with the vinegar solution. This will help to remove any remaining odors and leave your microwave smelling fresh and clean.
Remember: Be cautious when removing hot bowls or plates from the microwave. Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from burns.
By using the natural power of lemon and vinegar, you can easily freshen up your microwave and eliminate any unpleasant odors. Say goodbye to bad smells and enjoy a clean and fresh-smelling microwave once again.
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
The first step in making your microwave oven smell better is to prepare a cleaning solution. This solution will help to remove any lingering odors and stains from the inside of your microwave.
You will need:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 1 lemon
First, pour the water into a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Next, add the white vinegar to the water and stir to mix. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the solution. Drop the lemon halves into the solution as well.
Place the bowl or cup with the cleaning solution into the microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes. This will create steam that will help to loosen any grease or grime inside the microwave.
After the 3 minutes are up, carefully remove the bowl or cup from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot. Be careful not to spill any of the hot cleaning solution.
The cleaning solution is now ready to use to clean the inside of your microwave. Proceed to the next step to learn how to do this.
Step 2: Apply the Solution and Let it Sit
Once you have prepared the cleaning solution, it’s time to apply it to the interior of your microwave oven. Take a clean cloth or sponge and dip it into the solution.
Make sure to wring out any excess liquid from the cloth or sponge before applying it to the surface of the microwave. You don’t want the solution to be too wet, as this can lead to water damage.
Gently wipe down the interior walls, ceiling, and floor of the microwave with the cloth or sponge, applying the solution evenly. Pay special attention to any particularly dirty or greasy areas.
Once you have wiped down the entire interior, leave the solution to sit for a few minutes. This will allow it to penetrate and loosen any stubborn stains or odors.
In the meantime, it’s a good opportunity to clean the turntable, the microwave’s removable plate. Simply remove it and wash it in warm, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly and set it aside to dry.
| Tip: | If there are any stubborn stains or odors that the solution doesn’t remove completely, you can try applying a paste of baking soda and water to those areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. |
Step 3: Wipe Down the Interior
After you have removed any lingering odors from your microwave, it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning. Start by taking a damp cloth or sponge and wiping down the interior surfaces of the microwave. Be sure to reach into any corners or crevices where food particles may be hiding.
If there are any tough stains or dried-on food residue, you can create a simple cleaning solution using a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Dip your cloth or sponge into the solution and use it to scrub away the stains. The acidity of the vinegar will help to break down the stains and remove any lingering smells.
For stubborn stains or odors that won’t come off with the vinegar solution, you can also try using a mild dish soap. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water and dip your cloth or sponge into the soapy solution. Gently scrub the stained areas until the stains or odors are removed.
Once you have finished cleaning the interior, rinse out your cloth or sponge and wring out any excess water. Give the interior of the microwave one final wipe-down to remove any remaining cleaning solution or soap residue.
Before using your microwave again, ensure that the interior surfaces are completely dry. You can use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to dry off any moisture. This will help to prevent any new odors from developing.
By regularly cleaning and maintaining your microwave’s interior, you can keep it smelling fresh and free of any lingering odors.
Remove Odors with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile and natural household ingredient that can effectively eliminate odors, including those in your microwave oven. Here’s how you can use baking soda to remove unpleasant smells:
- Start by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for two to three minutes, or until the mixture begins to boil.
- Leave the bowl in the microwave for another five minutes to allow the steam and baking soda to penetrate and remove the odor.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot, and discard the mixture.
- Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe down the inside of the microwave to remove any remaining residue and odors.
- For stubborn odors, you can also sprinkle baking soda directly onto a damp sponge and scrub the interior of the microwave.
- Once you’re done, rinse the sponge and wipe down the microwave again to ensure all baking soda residue is removed.
By using baking soda, you can easily and naturally eliminate unpleasant odors and keep your microwave oven smelling fresh and clean.
FAQ
How often should I clean my microwave oven?
It is recommended to clean your microwave oven once a week to prevent the build-up of food particles and odours.
What are some natural ways to get rid of microwave odours?
One natural way to eliminate microwave odours is to mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl, heat it in the microwave for a few minutes, and then wipe the interior with a cloth. Another option is to place a bowl of baking soda or lemon slices inside the microwave and run it for a minute or two.
Can I use bleach to clean my microwave oven?
No, it is not recommended to use bleach to clean your microwave oven. Bleach is too harsh and can damage the interior of the microwave. It is best to use mild cleaning solutions such as vinegar and water or dish soap and water.
What should I do if my microwave oven smells burnt?
If your microwave oven smells burnt, the first thing you should do is unplug it and let it cool down. Then, remove any burnt food particles that may be stuck inside. Next, you can try placing a bowl of water with lemon slices or a few drops of vanilla extract in the microwave and running it for a minute or two to help eliminate the smell. If the smell persists, it may be necessary to clean the interior of the microwave with a vinegar and water solution or a specialized microwave cleaner.
