Most of us who cook have burned something in the kitchen, whether it was in the microwave or the cooker. However, have you ever encountered a situation where your culinary journey didn't proceed as expected? If so, you are aware that eliminating the stench can be challenging, particularly when dealing with frequent culprits like the smell of burnt popcorn, fish, plastic, or macaroni.
Do you want to know how to remove the burnt smell from your microwave? To eliminate the burnt smell from your microwave, kitchen, and entire house, we've compiled a list of do-it-yourself solutions. Continue reading!
Items That Can Take Away Burnt Smells From Your Microwave
Not all odor-removal products are effective for all odors. Coffee grounds, for example, are effective at removing unpleasant aromas, while lemon juice effectively removes chemical odors.
Here are a few things you can do to eliminate the burnt food smell out of your microwave and get it back in good working order. Follow them, and if the stains and odor have been eliminated to your satisfaction, you will not need to go to the next stages.
Inspect Your Microwave
There are two things you should know before you begin the process of restoring the smell of your microwave.
First, as soon as you discover the odor, eliminate the cause. Every time you use the microwave without cleaning, you are re-baking the burnt food, exacerbating the situation. The more you ignore the stench of charred debris, the more difficult it becomes to deal with.
Second, when cleaning your microwave, don't use a metal sponge. The metal sponge could scrape the interior of the microwave, and the residual metal fragments within could cause a fire when used.
1. Vinegar Steam Treatment
Strong odors and persistent aromas, like plastic or burnt fish, can be effectively eliminated using a vinegar-water mix. However, depending on how bad the scents are, you should change how much vinegar you use.
After adding half a cup of water to a bowl, microwave it for four to five minutes and then turn the microwave off for ten to fifteen minutes. As a result, the steam from the vinegar-water combination might cover the microwave's interior and release the particles. Furthermore, vinegar has the ability to absorb smells, even those that are difficult to get rid of, like the scent of burnt popcorn.
After the waiting period, remove your bowl and wipe the inside of the microwave using a paper towel or a damp cloth. Once the solution cools, you can use it to clean your glass and mirror, coffee machine, or wipe down your fridge.
2. Lemon Steaming Method
Cut a lemon in half, then microwave the slices for three minutes to get rid of the strong odor. Or a dish of water in a microwave-safe container with lemon halves immersed.
An alternative is to put a mixture of water and lemon juice in the microwave and leave it there all night. After it cools, you can use the water and lemon juice mixture as a disinfectant or to freshen up the remainder of your kitchen.
Additionally, you can use lemon essential oil in place of lemons to eliminate unpleasant odors. Instead of using lemon juice, use four drops of oil.
After the steam has dislodged the debris, take everything out of your microwave and use a moist towel to clean the interior.
3. Vanilla Extract
Another excellent method for getting rid of the burnt smell is to use vanilla extract, which will give your microwave the aroma of freshly baked cookies—minus the cookies, of course.
In a bowl that is safe to use in the microwave, add half a cup of water, stir in four teaspoons of vanilla essence, and then heat on high until it boils. Put the bowl in the microwave for about half an hour and let it steam.
Wipe the microwave clean after opening it. Your microwave will not only smell good, but it will also be odorless.
4. Nail Polish Remover
There's another fantastic use for nail polish remover. If any excess charred material has resisted removal, use a sponge soaked in nail paint remover. The most stubborn stains will be removed using this procedure.
Specifically, when using nail polish remover, make sure to use food-safe soapy water to clean surfaces afterwards.
5. Use Citrus Fruit
Using a bowl of water with a few drops of fruit or citrus oil is another way to remove the burnt smell from your microwave. Use a washcloth or paper towel soaked in the solution, but watch it closely. This is required because if the garments or towels become very dry, they may catch fire.
After peeling two oranges, put the peels and one to two glasses of water in a microwave-proof container. Watch carefully to make sure the water stays in the bowl and the citrus fruits don't burn throughout the four minutes when the solution is in the microwave. Try to keep the microwave-safe container in your microwave for at least 12 hours or overnight.
6. Use Coffee
Put a dish of instant coffee, coffee beans, or coffee grinds in the microwave and leave it there all night. However, you could want to use a quarter cup of cloves or cinnamon sticks if you dislike the scent of coffee.
You could try keeping it outside or in the garage or cellar with the microwave door open if the scent is persistent or unremovable. You may need to replace your microwave if the coffee doesn't work.
Deodorize Microwave Overnight
It is time to use a longer-term treatment if the odor still exists after utilizing one or more of the cleaning techniques mentioned above. This overnight technique could restore the fresh scent of your microwave. For those with hectic schedules who lack the time to thoroughly clean their microwave, this is an excellent choice.
Put a box of baking soda in your microwave before bed. Activated charcoal or dry coffee grounds are safe substitutes for baking soda that will function similarly. Additionally, when deodorizing, make sure to let anyone you live with know so they don't use the microwave.
Allow the baking soda to sit overnight with the microwave door shut to absorb the odors, and it will leave your microwave clean. It is advisable to avoid using the leftover baking soda for cooking, but it's safe to use for other cleaning tasks.
Is it Safe to Use a Burnt Microwave?
If your microwave smells and you remove the burnt residue, it is safe to use again once it is clean. However, exercise caution, and if any portion of your appliance appears to be broken, consider purchasing a new appliance. This is important since a damaged appliance poses a fire risk.
How to Remove the Burnt Smell in the House
If your microwave smells like smoke, the remainder of your kitchen is likely to have unpleasant scents. If you microwave popcorn and it burns, it does not imply it is permanent or that your microwave is ruined. After leaving your microwave smelling fresh, you can apply some of these tips around the house. They include:
1. Throw the Burnt Food
If you burnt food in your microwave, you should clean it first before cleaning the rest of your home. To avoid burning residues and odors lingering within the garbage can or bag, double wrap the garbage bag and remove the rubbish.
Furthermore, if you leave the burnt food in your garbage bag overnight, deodorize the garbage can or bin. Also, don't put food down the garbage disposal because it will emit more of the smoky scent.
2. Soak your washcloth in a water and vinegar mixture
Squeeze the excess liquid and wave your washcloth around the room. Next, leave your washcloth hanging in the room with the worst burnt smell overnight.
3. Open windows or turn fans
Opening windows and turning on the fans is necessary as it helps to increase air circulation. This encourages the nasty odors to disappear more quickly.
4. Wipe down Everything
Add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to a spray bottle filled with water and use it to clean your doors, walls, furniture, and floors. Wear protective gloves, and don't scrub too hard as the vinegar may burn or irritate your skin. Also, use the best stainless cleaner for all your stainless steel equipment.
5. Shampoo Carpet and Wash Clothes
Sprinkle baking soda over all carpeted surfaces in your home, leave it overnight, and then vacuum it.
Additionally, launder your couch covers, throw blankets, fabric curtains, shirts, and bedsheets. Use a detergent or deodorizer to get rid of any remaining odors, then hang your items to dry outside.
Additional Tips to Remove the Burnt Smells
If the scent persists, check your pantry and closet; undesirable microwave odors can cling to plastic and cardboard containers. Other tips include:
- Place onion slices, lemon quarters or vinegar in hot water and leave in the most affected areas of the house
- Remove all shoes, jackets or boots made of fabric or suede and take them outside until the smell disappears
- If cleaning, wiping, and laundry don't remove odors, replace the burnt smell with a more pleasant smell. Bake cookies, use air fresheners, an essential oil diffuser, or a spray bottle filled with water and your favorite essential oil.
- Use coffee beans or grounds inside closets, cupboards, or small rooms to absorb the smoke smell and let the bowl sit for a while. If you prefer a scent-free option, use activated charcoal or baking soda.
Image Credit: puroclean.com
