How to Get a Burnt Smell Out of Microwave Ovens
Everyone has had a mishap while using a microwave at least once. Whether you burnt a bag of popcorn or let a bowl of soup boil for too long, the stench can be relentless. You don't have to replace the entire appliance to get rid of the odor, however. There are a few tips and tricks you can use to get the microwave looking--and smelling--like new. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Baking soda
- Lemon, sliced in half
- White wine vinegar
- Toothbrush (for cleaning purposes)
- Cup
Instructions
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1
Fill a microwave-safe bowl half way with white wine vinegar. Place in the microwave.
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2
Set the microwave to five minutes on high with nothing but the bowl of vinegar inside. Vinegar absorbs odor, and this will remove a majority of the original stench.
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3
Remove the bowl from the microwave once the five minutes have passed. Use caution, as the bowl and vinegar will be very hot. Discard the vinegar and rinse the bowl thoroughly.
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4
Slice a fresh lemon in half. Place it in the microwave-safe bowl, each half sliced side down in the water.
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5
Fill the bowl with enough water to at least cover the lemon half way. Place the bowl in the microwave.
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6
Set the microwave to five minutes on high. The acidic juices from the lemon will evaporate and coat the inside of the microwave, making it easier to remove the odor-causing debris. It will also provide a refreshing scent.
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Remove the bowl with the lemon from the microwave.
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Fill a cup with water and add at least 2 tbsps. of baking soda. Mix with a spoon thoroughly.
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Dip a toothbrush in the baking soda solution. Use it to scrub the inside of the microwave and remove remaining debris that may be causing unwanted odor.
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10
Wipe down the wet insides of the microwave with a paper towel or dish rag when you are done.
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Tips & Warnings
Microwaving a bowl of vanilla extract for five minutes and leaving it in the microwave for 10 to 12 hours (overnight) can also help get rid of the unwanted odor.
Burnt food caught in the vents of the microwave do not only cause odor, but they may cause a fire. Check to see if there is any leftover microwaved food in your vents while cleaning.
