Remove Burnt Odors from Your Microwave in 3 Easy Steps
That burnt smell coming from your microwave can be nauseating. Whether you accidentally scorched a bowl of popcorn or melted plastic containers, lingering burnt odors make your microwave unpleasant to use.
Luckily, you can banish foul burnt smells from your microwave with just a few simple household ingredients and a little elbow grease.
What Causes Burnt Smells in Microwaves?
Burnt food leaves behind charred bits and residue that give off unpleasant odors. Grease, fat and oils get superheated and leave a lingering stench. Bacteria growth on food particles can also create a bad smell over time.
It's important to remove burnt odors because they make food taste bad, spread throughout the kitchen and indicate an unclean microwave.
Materials Needed
Eliminating burnt smells from your microwave is simple with just a few household items:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Water
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Sponge or towel
Step 1 - Steam Clean the Microwave
Steam cleaning helps loosen baked-on grime and residue that contributes to burnt odors. Combine 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of either white vinegar or lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the solution for 5 minutes, then let it sit in the microwave for an additional 5 minutes.
The heated vinegar or lemon juice will steam up the microwave's interior and condense on the surfaces. This moisture helps lift burnt-on gunk and neutralize odors.
Why This Works
The acidic properties of vinegar or lemon juice help eliminate smells. The steam carries the acidic vapor throughout the microwave to permeate hard-to-reach areas.
Step 2 - Baking Soda as an Odor Absorber
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and an excellent odor absorber. Place an opened box of baking soda inside your microwave and leave it overnight, making sure no one uses the microwave during this time.
The baking soda will soak up foul burnt odors, leaving your microwave fresh. Baking soda is alkaline, which counteracts acidic burnt smells.
The Science Behind Baking Soda
Baking soda is comprised of sodium bicarbonate, which neutralizes acids and removes odors chemically. It also has drying properties that physically pull moisture and smelly particles into its powdery grains.
Step 3 - Scrub with Vinegar or Lemon Juice
After removing the baking soda, mix equal parts vinegar or lemon juice with water in a bowl. Dip a sponge or towel into the solution and scrub the interior of the microwave.
The acidic properties of vinegar and lemon work to eliminate any lingering odors. This step also sanitizes the surface by killing bacteria.
Be sure to fully rinse and wipe down the interior after scrubbing to remove any vinegar or lemon residue.
Additional Tips and Tricks
For extra-stubborn burnt smells, try these additional deodorizing methods:
- Activated charcoal - Absorbs odors overnight
- Hydrogen peroxide - Disinfects and deodorizes with steam
- Tea tree oil - Natural antimicrobial properties
- Vinegar and baking soda paste - Scrubs and neutralizes odors
- Regular cleaning - Prevents buildup of smells
Refreshing your smelly microwave is simple:
- Steam clean with vinegar or lemon
- Deodorize with baking soda
- Scrub with vinegar/lemon solution
With just three basic steps - steam, absorb, scrub - you can banish foul burnt odors from your microwave for good. No more cringing every time you reheat leftovers or pop popcorn!
Next time you experience a burnt smell in your microwave, try these methods. You'll be left with a clean, fresh-smelling microwave ready for cooking your favorite foods again.