Tackling tough odors in your microwave can be hard, especially when common culprits like burnt popcorn, plastic, macaroni or fish set in. Luckily, a simple steam and a wipe clean can usually do the trick to help deodorize and absorb odors, mild or potent. Follow the steps below to get started.
All microwaves need regular maintenance to keep spills and splatters from settling in. If you’ve been looking to find out how to get the burnt popcorn smell out of your microwave, it’s important to know that cleaning it before you deodorize it is an essential first step. A few common household items can make both cleaning your microwave and getting rid of unwanted smells easier.
Microwave-safe container
Add 1 cup of water to a microwave-safe container, then microwave the container for 3 to 5 minutes.
Wipe down the inside of the microwave, including the door, with a rag or paper towel. For models with a stainless steel interior, rub in the direction of the metal’s grain.
Help remove burn stains with a mix of water and a little dish soap, using a soft cloth.
For tougher grime, dip a non-metal sponge in warm water and scrub stuck-on stains using the rough side of the sponge.
Let the ingredients you have on hand determine what you’d like to use to help deodorize your microwave, and rest assured knowing either vinegar or lemon juice can deliver positive results. The ingredient amounts will be the same no matter the size of your microwave , and you’ll want to dilute your preferred additive with water to create each mixture.
Lemon: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of water, or slice a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe dish, then add both sliced halves to the dish.
Vinegar: Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to a microwave-safe dish filled with 1 cup of water.
Microwave the mixture for two to five minutes, then allow it to stand for an additional five minutes. Wipe down the inside of the microwave with a rag or paper towel.
If you’re looking for a sweeter scent to fill your home, try adding 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract instead of lemon in the mixture described above.
Microwave the mixture for five minutes, then remove the bowl and wipe down the inside of the microwave with a clean rag or paper towel.
If you’re still struggling with how to get odors out of your microwave, try repeating the steps above as necessary. If burnt smells linger, another option is to clean or replace your microwave’s charcoal filter . Refer to your user manual to see if your model has a filter.
If you detect a burnt smell coming from your microwave due to food residue, there's likely no cause for alarm. However, you should discontinue using it and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned before any further use.
If you believe that parts of your microwave are malfunctioning because it’s not heating food or causing an unknown burnt smell, consider having it repaired or replaced by a professional.
Keep in mind that ignoring a burnt smell from food residue in your microwave may leave a bad or funny taste on subsequent meals and the burnt microwave smell will not go away on its own without cleaning. Still, burned food does not typically damage the microwave.
By addressing the source of the odor, you can usually get rid of odd smells lingering in your home that are caused by your microwave. If you are looking to remedy the smell right away, sometimes opening a window, turning on the range hood and setting out small bowls of baking soda to help soak up the odor may help.
Whether you're reheating leftovers or keeping side dishes warm so you can get everything on the table at once, Maytag ® over-the-range and countertop microwaves are dependable, powerful and ready to help you master any meal.
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