How to Clean a Burnt Microwave Oven

Whether it's a simple case of confusing the microwave cook time with the conventional cook time or an accidental push of a wrong button turning two minutes into twenty, accidents happen. When something gets burned in the microwave, the smell can last for what seems like forever. With so many simple ways to clean a burnt microwave, charred popcorn is no longer a good excuse for buying a new one.

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish remover with acetone
• Soft clean cloth
• Simple Green
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Paper towels
• Fresh coffee grounds
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Vanilla extract

Instructions

Cleaning the Burnt Appliance

1. Pour nail polish remover with acetone onto a clean cloth and wipe away any areas inside the microwave that have been burned. Once the discoloration is gone, wipe it out with a clean, damp cloth to rinse the acetone away.

2. Spray the inside of the microwave with Simple Green. Allow it to sit for two minutes. Wipe the microwave clean with a clean cloth.

3. Dampen a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and wipe the burned areas until the stains are gone.

4. Place a damp paper towel in the microwave immediately after something gets burned. Heat the paper towel for three minutes and wipe out the inside with a clean, dry paper towel.

Removing the Burnt Smell

1. Put 2 tbsp. of fresh coffee grounds into a ceramic coffee cup and add enough water to get the cup to half full. Set the cup into a bowl and microwave it for about two minutes. The bowl should catch most of the water as it boils over from the cup. Wipe up any residual that escapes the bowl with a clean, dry cloth.

2. Squeeze the juice of one lemon in a cup of water and place it in the microwave. Heat the juice for three minutes. Pour a cup of vinegar in a bowl of water and heat it for three minutes after the lemon juice has been taken out and discarded. Allow the vinegar to sit in the microwave after it is done heating until it is cooled and discard it.

3. Set an open box of baking soda in the microwave overnight. Baking soda absorbs odors.

4. Pour 2 tbsp. of vanilla extract into a cup or bowl and heat it for two minutes. Allow the warm vanilla to sit in the microwave until it is completely cool and discard it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect that the mechanical workings of the microwave have been burned or have been affected, unplug it immediately and do not use it.

• Ventilate well when using nail polish remover with acetone as the fumes can be hazardous.