Quck answer
If you have a burnt smell in your microwave, there are several methods you can try to get rid of it.
1. Lemon and water: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and squeeze the juice of one lemon into it. Microwave the mixture for 3-5 minutes, then let it sit for 10 minutes before opening the door. The lemon will help neutralize the burnt smell.
2. Baking soda: Place a bowl of baking soda in the microwave and leave it overnight. The baking soda will absorb the odors.
3. Vinegar: Fill a microwave-safe bowl with equal parts of water and vinegar. Microwave the mixture for 5 minutes, then let it sit for 10 minutes before opening the door. The vinegar will help eliminate the burnt smell.
4. Coffee grounds: Place a bowl of coffee grounds in the microwave and leave it for a few hours. The coffee grounds will absorb the unpleasant odor.
Remember to clean the microwave thoroughly after using these methods to ensure the burnt smell is completely gone.
Although microwave popcorn is a great snack for binge-watching your favorite TV shows, the smell of burnt popcorn can linger in the microwave and even in the kitchen. To get rid of any burnt food odor in the microwave, try leaving the door open for a while and cleaning the inside with vinegar. Alternatively, you can use steam-cleaning or baking soda to remove the smell.
Act Quickly for Strong Odors
If you have a strong burnt smell, such as from overcooked microwave popcorn, open the microwave door for a short period of time. Open windows and turn on fans to circulate fresh air, which will help dissipate the odor faster. Dampen a clean sponge and add a few drops of vinegar to it.
Once the microwave has cooled down, use the damp sponge with vinegar to wipe the inside of the microwave. Remove the glass tray and wipe it as well. Make sure to clean every surface, including the inside of the door. The vinegar will help eliminate the odor more quickly. Leave the door open to allow the microwave to air dry.
Utilize the Power of Steam
Steam is highly effective at cleaning surfaces, including the inside of a microwave. When combined with vinegar or lemon juice, it can also help remove lingering odors.
To steam the inside of the microwave, pour 1 cup of water into a microwave-safe glass bowl or container. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar, close the microwave door, and heat the liquid for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the window becomes steamed up. Be careful not to let it boil. After the window steams up, wait at least 5 minutes before opening the microwave door. Use the cooled liquid with a sponge or paper towels to wipe down the inside of the microwave.
If the smell of vinegar bothers you, you can steam the microwave with a few tablespoons of lemon juice or lemon slices in the water instead of vinegar. Heating citrus emits a pleasant fragrance, and the lemon can help remove grease, grime, and films that may be coating the inside of the microwave.
Freshen Up with Baking Soda
Similar to its use in a refrigerator, baking soda can eliminate lingering odors in a microwave. Leave an open box of baking soda in the microwave when it’s not in use, or pour about 1/4 cup of baking soda into a shallow bowl and leave it in the microwave overnight. Coffee grounds or coffee beans can also help remove odors. Remember to discard the coffee after use.
The Smell of Electrical Burning
Sometimes, a new microwave may emit a smell similar to that of an electrical fire. This may be alarming, but it’s normal during the first few uses of the microwave. The odor comes from the circuit board heating up. After using the microwave a few more times, the smell should disappear.
If your microwave is not new and you notice a burning electrical smell, it may be damaged. Do not use a microwave that sparks, smokes, or has a damaged electrical cord. Contact the manufacturer’s customer service department for repair options or consider replacing the appliance.
