Burnt smells in the microwave are a common kitchen nuisance. Whether it’s burnt popcorn, scorched leftovers, or a forgotten dish, that stubborn odor can linger and even transfer to other foods. Luckily, getting rid of the burnt smell in your microwave is easier than you think. With simple household ingredients and a bit of steam cleaning, you can restore freshness to your microwave in no time. Here’s a friendly guide packed with effective methods to banish that burnt smell for good.
Why Does Your Microwave Smell Burnt?
Before diving into the solutions, it helps to understand why the burnt smell happens:
– Overcooked or burnt food: Leaving food in too long causes it to char and emit strong odors.
– Food spills and splatters: Leftover food bits stuck inside can burn during future uses.
– Microwave parts overheating: Sometimes the appliance itself might have issues causing a burnt scent.
Knowing the cause helps you prevent future smells and choose the best cleaning method.
Simple Steps to Remove Burnt Smell from Your Microwave
1. Steam Clean with Vinegar or Lemon Juice
Steam cleaning is a gentle yet powerful way to loosen grime and neutralize odors.
– Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water.
– Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice.
– Microwave on high for 5 minutes until the water boils and steams the interior.
– Let the bowl sit inside for 5-10 minutes to allow steam to work.
– Carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the inside with a clean cloth.
Vinegar cuts through burnt residue and deodorizes, while lemon adds a fresh scent.
2. Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and can tackle lingering smells.
– Place 1 cup of baking soda in an open bowl inside the microwave.
– Leave it overnight or for at least 24 hours with the microwave door closed.
– Remove the baking soda and wipe down the interior.
This method works well after steam cleaning to catch any remaining burnt odors.
3. Warm Vanilla or Coffee for a Pleasant Aroma
If you want to mask the burnt smell with a nicer scent, try these:
– Vanilla: Mix 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract with 1 cup of water in a bowl. Microwave for 5 minutes, let it sit, then wipe down.
– Coffee: Combine ground coffee with water to make a soupy mix. Microwave for 2-3 minutes or leave a bowl of dry coffee grounds inside for a few hours.
Both vanilla and coffee help neutralize odors and leave a pleasant aroma behind.
4. Thorough Cleaning of Microwave Interior
Sometimes, the burnt smell is due to leftover food particles stuck inside.
– Remove the microwave turntable and wash it with warm, soapy water.
– Wipe down the interior walls, ceiling, and door with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water or a vinegar-water solution.
– Don’t forget to clean the door seal and edges where grime can hide.
Regular cleaning prevents buildup that causes burnt smells.
5. Ventilate Your Kitchen
Burnt smells don’t just stay in the microwave-they can linger in your kitchen.
– Open windows and run a fan to circulate fresh air.
– Wipe down nearby surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner or vinegar-water mix to remove odor particles.
Good ventilation helps speed up odor removal.
6. Clean the Microwave Filter and Vent (If Applicable)
Some microwaves have filters or vents that can trap grease and odors.
– Check your microwave’s manual to locate and remove filters.
– Soak filters in warm, soapy water and scrub gently.
– Wipe vents with a damp cloth.
Keeping these parts clean prevents persistent burnt smells.
Tips to Prevent Burnt Smells in the Future
– Always cover food while microwaving to avoid splatters.
– Don’t overcook or burn food-use recommended cooking times.
– Clean spills immediately after use.
– Regularly steam clean your microwave with vinegar or lemon juice.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of that stubborn burnt smell in your microwave is simple with these easy steps. Steam cleaning with vinegar or lemon juice, combined with baking soda’s odor-absorbing power, will refresh your appliance quickly. Add a touch of vanilla or coffee for a pleasant scent, and keep your microwave clean to prevent future odors. Soon, your microwave will smell as good as new!
No more burnt popcorn odors-just fresh, clean microwaving ahead!