When food splatters are left uncleaned inside a microwave, they become more “baked” each time the appliance is used and will make it harder to remove. Once heavy buildup of food accumulates, the efficiency of how the microwave works will be affected.
The good news is that you can easily clean and deodorize your microwave using safe products that can be found at home. With this method, you can enjoy using your microwave without that burnt smell.
Clean the inside of your microwave
Your first defense against odors is a good cleaning. Start with this quick and easy process before trying anything else.
- Steam with water
Remove any debris or loose burnt pieces from the microwave, then heat 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe container for 3 to 4 minutes. The steam will help loosen up grime.
- Clean with dish soap
Wipe the interior with a soft cloth dipped in water and a little dish soap. On stainless steel models, rub in the direction of the metal’s grain to avoid leaving unwanted streaks behind.
- Rinse and dry
Rinse the microwave with clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Leave the microwave open for 2-3 hours to let it air out. Source: Whirlpool
Get rid of microwave smells using vinegar or lemon juice
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. Source: Maytag
Tips for preventing and removing odors from a microwave
You can keep the inside of your microwave smelling fresh with the following prevention and cleaning tips:
- Protect the inside of your microwave during cleaning by using non-abrasive cloths and sponges.
- Keep a close eye when microwaving dry or starchy items like bread or popcorn, as they are more likely to burn and leave a smell.
- Consider replacing your microwave’s charcoal filter if the burnt smell lingers after cleaning and deodorizing.
- Pantry staples like lemon juice, vinegar, vanilla extract and coffee grounds can be used to help deodorize the inside of your microwave.
- Wipe away any spills and splatters as soon as they appear to prevent them from becoming burnt on.
- Always use microwave-safe dishware when cooking inside your microwave. Source: KitchenAid
We hope that this has helped restore the appearance of your microwave and that you will no longer be bothered by the burnt smell that it emits. But if you want to have it maintained or repaired, you can always count on professionals like us to give you some help. Just get in touch with us and our experts will attend to it as soon as possible!