How to Remove a Burnt Popcorn Smell From the Microwave

Burnt popcorn can cause a big stink.

Who doesn’t love popcorn? It’s great with a movie and low in calories. It’s also a great source of fiber. If you have a microwave, it’s even easy to prepare. Step away from the microwave for one second though and your popcorn is toast. Soon you’ll be choking from the fumes and tossing out burnt popcorn. Days later, your microwave will still stink. How do you remove the smell of burnt popcorn from the microwave?

Things You'll Need

• ¼ cup water
• Juice of one lemon

Instructions

1. Open windows to vent the area. It’s important to open windows as soon as possible. If you don’t open the windows quick enough, the smell will seep into your kitchen curtains and rugs. If possible, you may also want to place a fan in a window to help draw air out of the room.

2. Let microwave vent. It may be tempting to leave the microwave closed and let the smell linger in the appliance. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to open the microwave. It’s better to do it right away and let the burnt smell out of the microwave and into the fresh air outside.

3. Discard the popcorn in an outdoor trash bin. If the popcorn remains in the house, you may think the burnt smell is still coming from the microwave. Tossing the burnt popcorn into an indoor trash bin will also give the smell a chance to seep into other rooms.

4. Heat water and lemon juice mixture in microwave. Mix ¼ cup of water with the juice from one lemon in a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for 1 to 1 ½ minutes. Leave the mixture in the microwave until the mixture is only slightly warm. This ensures that the steam loosens any food stuck to the microwave.

5. Clean microwave thoroughly. Food particles in the microwave can hold onto the burnt popcorn smell. Take a few minutes to thoroughly clean the microwave. This ensures that the microwave is free of any odors. Also be sure to wash the turntable.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, take the microwave outside to air it out.

• Wiping the microwave down with vinegar can also help remove the burnt popcorn smell.

• You may need to let the microwave air out for a couple days before using it.

• Only clean a microwave with food safe ingredients.