Burning food in the microwave can happen to anyone. That unpleasant burnt smell can linger, making your kitchen less inviting and even affecting the taste of your next meal. But don’t worry-getting rid of that burnt smell is easier than you think! Here’s a friendly guide with simple, natural methods to freshen up your microwave and keep your kitchen smelling great.
What to Do Before You Start Cleaning
Before tackling the microwave itself, ventilate your kitchen by opening windows and turning on a fan. Burnt odors can settle on nearby surfaces, so wipe down counters and walls with a mix of half water and half vinegar or an all-purpose cleaner. This helps stop the smell from spreading further.
Top Ways to Get Burnt Smell Out of Microwave
Depending on how strong the burnt odor is, you might need to try one or several of these methods. Most use common household ingredients and take only a few minutes.
1. Steam Clean with Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and cleaner that breaks down grime and neutralizes odors.
– Mix 1 cup of water with 3 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
– Heat it in the microwave for 5 minutes until it boils and steams.
– Let it sit inside for another 5 minutes with the door closed.
– Carefully remove the bowl, then wipe the inside with a cloth dampened in a half water, half vinegar solution.
2. Steam Clean with Lemon Juice
If you don’t have vinegar, lemon juice works just as well and leaves a fresh scent.
– Combine 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or a few lemon slices in a microwave-safe bowl.
– Microwave for 5 minutes and let it sit for 5 more minutes.
– Remove the bowl and wipe down the inside with a microfiber cloth.
3. Baking Soda Absorbs Odors Overnight
Baking soda is excellent at soaking up smells.
– Pour some baking soda into a bowl and place it inside the microwave.
– Leave it overnight or even for a few days if the smell is strong.
– Remove the baking soda before using the microwave again.
4. Use Coffee Grounds to Mask and Absorb Smells
Coffee grounds can both absorb and mask burnt odors.
– Mix a couple of spoonfuls of ground coffee with water to make a soupy mixture in a microwave-safe bowl.
– Heat it for 2-3 minutes.
– For persistent smells, place a bowl of dry coffee grounds in the microwave for a few hours.
5. Warm Vanilla Extract for a Pleasant Aroma
Vanilla extract can help replace burnt odors with a sweet scent.
– Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract.
– Microwave until it boils and steams, about 5 minutes.
– Let it cool for 5 minutes, then wipe the microwave interior with a microfiber cloth.
Additional Tips for a Thorough Clean
– Always remove any burnt food particles before deodorizing.
– Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild dish soap to clean the inside after steaming.
– Avoid harsh scrubbers that can damage the microwave’s surface.
– Clean the turntable plate separately with warm, soapy water or in the dishwasher.
– Leave the microwave door open for a few hours after cleaning to air it out.
Be Patient: Odor Removal Takes Time
Burnt smells can be stubborn, so don’t be discouraged if the odor doesn’t disappear immediately. Using these natural methods consistently and airing out your microwave will eventually restore freshness.
Getting rid of burnt smells in your microwave is simple with everyday ingredients like vinegar, lemon, baking soda, coffee, and vanilla. Try these easy methods, and your microwave will smell fresh and clean again in no time! Need more tips on kitchen cleaning? Just ask!