How to Get the Burnt Smell & Stain of Popcorn Out of the Microwave

A way to get the burnt popcorn smell out of the microwave.

Popcorn is a treat to enjoy anytime of the day, but it is sometimes difficult to deal with the occasional burnt smell and stains it can leave in the microwave. The lingering burnt-popcorn smell can be unpleasant. Luckily, there is a way to remove the smell and stains from popcorn mishaps out from your microwave. In time, your microwave will get back to normal and you can begin popping corn again--without burning it this time.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Coffee
• Acetone
• Water
• 2 bowls or cups
• Paper towel
• Dish detergent

Instructions

Getting the Burnt Popcorn Smell out of the Microwave

1. Pour a small amount of white vinegar or lemon juice into a bowl or cup. Make sure the bowl or cup is microwave safe.

2. Place the bowl of white vinegar or lemon juice into the microwave. Heat the liquid for two to three minutes or until it is steaming. Let the bowl or cup of liquid sit in the microwave for at least 30 minutes. The hot vinegar or lemon juice will absorb the odor.

3. Place 2 tsp. of ground coffee and a 1/2 cup of water into a bowl or cup. Put the bowl or cup into the microwave and heat for two minutes. Like the vinegar, the ground coffee will absorb the burnt-popcorn smell.

4. Repeat if the odor persists.

Getting Popcorn Stains out of the Microwave

1. Unplug the microwave. When cleaning the inside of the microwave, you will be using soap and water. It is best to unplug the microwave to prevent electric shock.

2. Wet a sheet of paper towel with hot water and apply two to three drops of dish detergent. Wipe down the inside of the microwave with the damp paper towel. The paper towel should slightly damp, not soaking wet.

3. Use another paper towel, damp with water alone, to clean any soapy residue. Use a sheet of paper towel to dry the walls of the microwave.

4. Dip two to three sheets of paper towel in acetone. The paper towel should not be soaking with acetone, just slightly damp. Scrub away the popcorn stains with the paper towels.

5. Wipe away any trace of acetone with a damp paper towel with two drops of dish detergent. Use another sheet of paper to remove the soapy residue. Repeat the steps if necessary.

References

• How to Clean Stuff: Removing Burned Popcorn Smell from a Microwave
• Safe and Natural Tips: Odor Control and Removal

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Utah State University Extension: Removing Odors