How to Get a Burned Popcorn Smell out of the Microwave

Freshly ground cinnamon sticks pack an extra punch.

Burned on food smells can be hard to clean, and will linger in microwaves for days if not properly cleansed. Since the invention of prepackaged microwave popcorn in the late 1980s, burned popcorn smell has become a common nuisance for popcorn-loving microwave owners. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective way to remove the smell of burned on popcorn using a single ingredient found in most pantries.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels or rags
• Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Wipe out your microwave with a rag or paper towel dampened with water. Remove any specs of burnt butter or shrapnel remaining.

2. Heat 3 cups of water in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until just before boiling point. Slowly stir in 1/2 cup of ground cinnamon until most of the cinnamon dissolves. Place it in a microwave-safe dish.

3. Place the dish of cinnamon water in the microwave. Cook for four minutes on full power. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before touching.

4. Remove the dish from the microwave. Wipe out the microwave once more with a dry rag or paper towels. Set the dish aside and wait 20 minutes. Assess the smell of the microwave.

5. Repeat the process every 20 minutes until microwave loses its burned popcorn smell. Use the same cinnamon and water solution each time as it will keep its potency.

Tips & Warnings

• Clove and other strong smelling herbs like nutmeg can be added in addition to cinnamon.

• The scent of cinnamon, while pleasant, may linger in your microwave for a couple hours after cleansing. This solution works only to shorten the length of time that your microwave has a specific odor, as burnt popcorn can last for several days.

References

• Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living; Annie Berthold-Bond; 1999
• The Naturally Clean Home: 100 Safe and Easy Herbal Formulas for Non-Toxic Cleansers; Karyn Siegel-Maier; 1999