Microwaves can be a lifesaver when it comes to cooking, but they have the unfortunate side effect of leaving behind a burnt smell or other unwanted odors. This is not only unpleasant, but it is also unsafe as the odor could indicate that your microwave oven needs cleaning. In this blog post, we will show you how to remove those microwave odors and leave your microwave smelling fresh!
Common Household Items That Can Take Away that Burnt Smells From Your Microwave
A microwave is a handy appliance, but it does need continual maintenance to be effective. As with all appliances, it’s best to wipe the microwave clean after each use. This will help avoid lingering smells and built-up gunk. However, microwaves are used for their convenience and time-saving capabilities, so we often don’t have the time to do the upkeep. And then there’s the inevitable burnt popcorn.
The good news is that there are a number of ways to get rid of that burnt food smell in your microwave without using harsh chemicals or scrubbing away at your appliance for hours on end. And many of these solutions use common household items you probably already have in your home!
Vinegar Steam Treatment
To start, you will need to have your microwave door open. If you just used the microwave, you might need to use a towel or oven mitts to avoid getting burnt by any steam that might still be in there.
Once opened, empty out all of the food and dishes from inside the microwave. This will help with cleaning it later on. You may want to wait until after you have removed smells before emptying the microwave so as not to spread them around more than they already are.
Next, mix one cup of water with two tablespoons of white vinegar in either a bowl or spray bottle, depending on what you prefer for easy application. White vinegar is great at breaking down burnt smell particles, which makes this mixture perfect for removing those nasty odors from your microwave once and for all!
Now that you have your water solution, it is time to apply it. First, pour your solution into a microwave-safe bowl and then place it in the microwave on high for about five minutes. This will allow all parts of your oven to be reached by the vinegar solution and kill off any remaining odors inside. When the time is up, let the bowl sit for an additional two to three minutes to allow the trapped steam to continue working at loosening any tough food gunk.
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, and wipe everything down with a clean towel or sponge. If desired, after removing smells from the microwave, you may also use what’s left of your vinegar water on surfaces around your home where unwanted smells are lingering.
Lemon and Water Method
Another quick and easy way to get the burnt smell out of your microwave involves lemons, water, and an oven mitt or towel.
First, empty the inside of your microwave so that you can access all parts easily. Then, mix one cup of water with two tablespoons of fresh-squeezed lemon juice in either a spray bottle (preferably) or a microwave-safe bowl.
Put the mixture into the microwave, turn it on high for five minutes, and then let it dry before wiping it down with a clean towel (this will kill off any smells left over from cooking). As with the vinegar method, lemon and water are great at breaking down burnt particles, making this mixture perfect for getting rid of those bad odors!
When you’re finished with the microwave, don’t throw the lemon water down the drain. After everything has cooled, place the liquid and lemon slices in a saucepan. Simmer it on low until steam forms. Continue to simmer for about an hour, making sure that the pan doesn’t go dry. A nice citrus fruit smell should begin to take over your kitchen.
The lemon water can always be used as a household cleaner. Use a paper towel or sponge to wipe down appliances and countertops with the liquid.
Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover has yet another good use! For really pesky burnt particles, you can soak a sponge in acetone-based nail polish remover, and use it to scrub your microwave. Afterward, be sure to use a clean washcloth with food-safe soap to completely wipe the microwave. Do not start the microwave with the nail polish remover still inside.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is a great way to clear a microwave smell and replace it with the smell of freshly-baked cookies (minus the delicious treats, of course).
Put 2-3 drops of vanilla extract in a bowl or cup of water, and microwave for a couple of minutes. Your microwave will be not just odor-free, but pleasant smelling!
Deodorize Microwave Overnight with Baking Soda
If the smell persists or you’re just looking for another option, overnight deodorizing of your microwave is another great way to get rid of that burnt smell. This method is a good option for those who are busy with their daily lives and don’t have the time to do a deep clean of their microwave.
Before you go to bed, place an open box of baking soda inside your microwave. Activated charcoal or dried coffee grounds placed in open containers are safe and effective alternatives if you don’t have baking soda. It’s important to alert any members of your household not to use the microwave during the deodorization process.
Let the baking soda sit overnight in the microwave with the door shut to absorb odors. It’s recommended that you don’t use the leftover baking soda for cooking, but it is okay to use the baking soda for further cleaning tasks.
Call PuroClean for Smoke Odor Removal and Deodorization
In this blog, we’ve shared a number of different ways you can remove the burnt smell from your microwave and get it in tip-top shape! Whether with lemon and water, or baking soda, there are plenty of options to remove odors that don’t require scrubbing away at your appliance for hours on end.
If all of these methods sound too daunting to execute yourself, or if you still have burnt smells lingering in your microwave, reach out to your nearest PuroClean. Our experts are trained for smoke odor removal and deodorization, whether in a microwave or elsewhere in your home.
