Introduction

There is nothing worse than the foul smell of burnt food, especially when it permeates throughout the house. One of the most common culprits for this unpleasant odor is the microwave. Whether it was an overheated pizza or a bag of popcorn that went on a little too long, a burnt smell in your microwave can linger for days. However, there are ways to get rid of this smell, and in this article, we will explore six solutions to help you get your microwave smelling fresh again.

Understanding the Cause of Burnt Smell in Microwave

Before we jump into the solutions, it’s important to understand what causes a burnt smell in the microwave. Overheated food is the most common reason, but other culprits include popcorn, unclean microwaves, and burnt-on food residue. Now let’s dive into the solutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to getting rid of a microwave burnt smell, there are a few mistakes you should avoid making. One common error is using harsh chemicals to clean the microwave, as they can leave a lingering odor and potentially harm your health. Over-saturating surfaces with liquids is another mistake to avoid as it can cause further damage to your microwave. Lastly, not cleaning up food properly can lead to future burnt smells, so always wipe down the interior of the microwave after use.

Solutions to Get Burnt Smell out of Microwave

Now let’s dive into the six solutions for getting rid of burnt smell in the microwave.

1. Vinegar Solution Method

Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for five minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the bowl sit in the microwave for a few minutes to cool down. Then, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and wipe down the interior with a clean cloth or sponge. This method is effective as the steam from the solution helps to loosen any burnt-on food, and the vinegar helps to neutralize any odor.

2. Baking Soda Method

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the solution and use it to wipe down the interior of the microwave. This method works well as baking soda is a natural deodorizer and helps to absorb any lingering smells.

3. Lemon Method

Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add slices of lemon. Microwave the bowl on high for five minutes and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, and use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior. This method works well as the citric acid in lemons helps to neutralize any odor.

4. Coffee Grounds Method

Pour a cup of coffee grounds into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the bowl on high for two minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the bowl sit in the microwave for a few minutes to cool down. Then, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior. This method is effective as coffee acts as a natural absorbent and helps to absorb any odor.

5. Vanilla Extract Method

Mix 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract with a cup of warm water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the bowl on high for one minute. Once the timer goes off, let the bowl sit in the microwave for a few minutes to cool down. Then, carefully remove the bowl and use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior. This method works well as vanilla extract is a natural deodorizer and helps to neutralize any odor.

6. Charcoal Method

Place a few pieces of activated charcoal in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for a few minutes. Once the charcoal has cooled down, carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the interior with a clean cloth or sponge. This method is effective as charcoal is a natural absorbent and helps to absorb any odor.

Step-by-Step Guide for Each Method

Now that we have gone over the six methods, let’s discuss how to use each one step-by-step.

Vinegar Solution Method

1. Mix 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for five minutes.
3. Let the bowl sit in the microwave for a few minutes to cool down.
4. Remove the bowl from the microwave and use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior.

Baking Soda Method

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water.
2. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the solution and use it to wipe down the interior of the microwave.

Lemon Method

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add slices of lemon.
2. Microwave the bowl on high for five minutes and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down.
3. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior.

Coffee Grounds Method

1. Pour a cup of coffee grounds into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave the bowl on high for two minutes.
3. Let the bowl sit in the microwave for a few minutes to cool down.
4. Remove the bowl from the microwave and use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior.

Vanilla Extract Method

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract with a cup of warm water in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave the bowl on high for one minute.
3. Let the bowl sit in the microwave for a few minutes to cool down.
4. Remove the bowl and use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior.

Charcoal Method

1. Place a few pieces of activated charcoal in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for a few minutes.
2. Let the charcoal cool down.
3. Remove the charcoal from the bowl and use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the microwave.

Preventing Burnt Smell in Microwave

While these solutions are effective at getting rid of burnt smell in the microwave, it’s always better to prevent the smell in the first place. Here are a few preventative measures to help avoid a burnt smell:

• Always cover your food when microwaving to prevent splatters.
• Use lower power settings and microwave in smaller increments to prevent overheating.
• Wipe down spills and splatters immediately to prevent residue from burning onto the interior of the microwave.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a burnt smell in the microwave can be a nuisance in any household, but it can be remedied with the six methods outlined in this article. It’s important to avoid making common mistakes, and to use the step-by-step guide for each method effectively. Preemptively preventing burnt smells is also recommended for a more long-term solution.