Are you tired of the smell of burnt popcorn or leftover spaghetti lingering in your microwave? We’ve all been there.
Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also affect the taste of your next meal.
Burnt smell in microwave is caused by the accumulation of food particles and grease, which can be difficult to remove if left unattended.
However, fear not! In this guide, we’ll provide you with five easy steps to get rid of that burnt smell and restore your microwave to its former fresh state.
So let’s dive in and get your microwave smelling fresh and clean again.
Step 1: Clean the interior of the microwave
Before you begin the process of getting rid of the burnt smell in your microwave, it’s important to take safety precautions.
First, unplug the microwave to avoid any risk of electric shock.
Then, remove the turntable, plate, and any other detachable parts to clean them separately.
You’ll need a few materials for cleaning the interior of the microwave, such as a clean rag, a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and dish soap, and a sponge.
To clean the interior, dip the rag into the soapy water and use it to wipe the walls, ceiling, and floor of the microwave.
Pay extra attention to any areas where food particles may have accumulated, such as the corners and edges.
Once you’ve wiped down the interior, use a damp sponge to rinse away any soap residue.
Lastly, dry the interior with a clean towel or let it air dry.
It’s important to make a habit of cleaning the microwave after every use to prevent the buildup of food debris and odors.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to a cleaner, fresher smelling microwave in no time.
Step 2: Use vinegar and water solution
One effective way to get rid of burnt smell in your microwave is by using a vinegar and water solution.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that can eliminate stubborn odors.
To make the solution, mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture to give your microwave a fresh scent.
Next, place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for two to three minutes until the solution starts to boil.
Let the solution sit in the microwave for a few minutes to allow the steam to loosen any stubborn stains or food debris.
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and wipe down the interior with a clean rag.
Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands when handling the hot bowl and solution.
Additionally, take care when using vinegar, as its strong acidity can damage certain surfaces.
Avoid using vinegar on painted surfaces or metal interiors.
With this simple solution, you can say goodbye to that pesky burnt smell and hello to a fresh, clean microwave.
Step 3: Baking soda and water paste
Another effective solution for getting rid of burnt smell in your microwave is by using a baking soda and water paste.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and cleaner that can help remove stubborn stains and odors.
To make the paste, mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a small bowl until it forms a thick paste.
Then, apply the paste to the burnt areas in your microwave, focusing on any stubborn stains or areas where food debris has accumulated.
Let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it to work its magic.
Afterward, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the paste and any burnt residue.
Be sure to rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading any residue.
When using baking soda, it’s important to take precautions.
Avoid using too much baking soda, as it can leave a white residue behind.
Additionally, make sure to rinse the interior of the microwave thoroughly after using baking soda to prevent any remaining residue from affecting the taste or smell of your food.
By following these simple steps, you can remove burnt smell and stains from your microwave with ease.
Step 4: Lemon juice and water solution
Another effective solution for getting rid of burnt smell in your microwave is by using a lemon juice and water solution.
Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer that can help remove stubborn odors from your microwave.
To make the solution, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water in a microwave-safe bowl.
Next, place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for two to three minutes until the solution starts to boil.
Allow the solution to sit in the microwave for a few minutes to allow the steam to loosen any stubborn stains or food debris.
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and wipe down the interior with a clean rag.
Lemon juice is an acidic solution, so it’s important to take precautions when using it.
Avoid using too much lemon juice, as it can damage certain surfaces or leave behind a strong lemon scent.
Additionally, make sure to rinse the interior of the microwave thoroughly after using lemon juice to prevent any remaining residue from affecting the taste or smell of your food.
With this simple solution, you can remove burnt smell and stains from your microwave while leaving behind a fresh, citrus scent.
Step 5: Leave the microwave door open
The final step to get rid of the burnt smell in your microwave is to leave the microwave door open.
Leaving the door open is an important step in airing out any remaining odors or fumes that may still be lingering inside the microwave.
To leave the door open, simply keep the microwave door ajar for a few hours or overnight.
This will allow fresh air to circulate inside the microwave and neutralize any remaining odors.
The amount of time you leave the door open will depend on the severity of the burnt smell and how long the microwave was exposed to the burnt food or substances.
If the burnt smell is particularly strong, it may be best to leave the door open overnight.
However, if the burnt smell is mild, leaving the door open for a few hours should be sufficient.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively get rid of the burnt smell in your microwave and ensure that your food tastes and smells fresh.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing a burnt smell from your microwave is simple and easy with the 5 steps outlined above.
First, start by cleaning the interior of the microwave, taking necessary safety precautions and using appropriate cleaning materials.
Then, use vinegar and water solution or baking soda and water paste to further tackle stubborn burnt odors and stains.
Lemon juice and water solution can also be an effective natural deodorizer.
Additionally, leaving the microwave door open to allow for proper ventilation and airing out is an important step.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your microwave is crucial to prevent burnt smells and other odors from lingering.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your microwave remains clean, fresh, and odor-free, providing you with a pleasant cooking experience and delicious smelling food.
Remember to take precautions when using cleaning solutions and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your microwave.
With these tips and advice, you can keep your microwave clean and fresh for years to come.
FAQs
What causes a burnt smell in the microwave?
A burnt smell in the microwave is usually caused by food spills or splatters that have been heated for too long, resulting in burnt residue on the walls or ceiling of the microwave.
Can a burnt smell in the microwave be harmful to health?
In most cases, a burnt smell in the microwave is not harmful to health as long as the burnt residue is cleaned properly.
However, it’s best to avoid inhaling strong burnt odors for an extended period of time.
Can I use bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean my microwave?
It’s not recommended to use bleach or other harsh chemicals in the microwave as they can potentially damage the interior and release harmful fumes.
It’s best to use safer and more natural cleaning solutions, such as vinegar or baking soda.
How often should I clean my microwave to prevent burnt smells?
It’s a good practice to clean your microwave after every use, especially if there are food spills or splatters.
Regular cleaning can help prevent burnt smells and keep your microwave fresh and odor-free.
Can I use other cleaning solutions besides vinegar or baking soda to remove burnt smells?
Yes, there are other cleaning solutions that can be used to remove burnt smells from the microwave, such as lemon juice or mild dish soap mixed with water.
However, it’s important to avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners that can damage the microwave’s interior.
Can I use a microwave with a burnt smell or should I wait until it’s completely clean?
It’s generally recommended to clean your microwave thoroughly and remove any burnt smells before using it again.
Inhaling burnt odors or cooking with a contaminated microwave can affect the taste and quality of your food.
What other tips can you give for keeping a microwave clean and odor-free?
Some additional tips for keeping your microwave clean and odor-free include covering food with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent spills, wiping down the interior regularly with a damp cloth, and avoiding overcooking or burning food in the microwave.
How do I know if I’ve successfully removed a burnt smell from my microwave?
You will likely know if you’ve successfully removed a burnt smell from your microwave when the odor is no longer noticeable after following the cleaning steps outlined in the blog post.
A fresh and neutral scent should be present.
How do I prevent burnt smells from occurring in the first place?
To prevent burnt smells from occurring in the microwave, it’s important to avoid overcooking or overheating food, cover food with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent spills, and clean up any food spills or splatters promptly after each use.
Can I use scented cleaners or air fresheners in my microwave?
It’s not recommended to use scented cleaners or air fresheners in the microwave, as the fumes or residues from these products can mix with food and potentially affect its taste or quality.
Stick to using safe and natural cleaning solutions for the microwave, such as vinegar or baking soda.