With frequent use of microwaves comes messes, splatters, and unpleasant smells that are tricky to remove even with continuous cleaning. Besides, nobody likes a foul odor in their microwave oven, so your best bet is to learn how to get smell out of microwave before it develops. Also, if you have ever burnt something in your microwave oven, in that case, you know that a stinky microwave usually enhances the likelihood of the odor getting to the next food you heat up, which can be annoying. So, if your microwave oven still smells bad even after cleaning it, try one of these homemade odor-removing remedies.
How to Clean your Microwave
Microwaves usually get bad smells from different foods, so before we can learn how to remove the smell, let’s clean them first. Start by getting a sponge and warm water and ensure the microwave is not connected to a power source before you start cleaning.
After gathering all you need, rinse the inside of the microwave with warm water first. The water will help loosen up the stains and dirt. Then using the sponge, dip it in dish soap and start swabbing the interior part of the microwave. And if you can detach the turning dish, remove it and wash it separately. Once the microwave is stain-free, rinse it with warm water and wipe it dry. Now that we know how to clean a microwave, let’s check out ways to remove bad smells.
Ways on How to Get Smell Out of Microwave Easily
1. Vinegar and water
In a mixing basin, mix an equal amount of water and vinegar. Dip a clean sponge into the mixture, then use the sponge to wipe your microwave. Rinse the sponge well and set it aside to dry. Then, pour half a cup of vinegar into another basin. Allow the bowl to sit in the microwave overnight. The following day, rinse the microwave oven with soap and water and dry it with a clean dishtowel.
2. Vinegar and baking soda
These two mixtures are among the most used anti-odor remedies. First, have your ingredients and a clean sponge in place. Then, soak the sponge in white vinegar and top with baking soda. Then, heat the sponge for 20-30 seconds in the center of the microwave. When the timer goes off, use the same sponge to scrub the inside of the microwave. Finally, rinse the inside with water and soap, then dry with a paper towel or dishcloth.
3. Baking soda
If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use just baking soda on its own to remove microwave smells. So, after cleaning the interior of the microwave, insert an open box of baking soda inside. Or, fill a basin halfway with baking soda from the package. Allow the baking soda to settle for at least 24 hours.
4. Coffee and baking soda
Coffee is among the most natural air fresheners that you may already have in your refrigerator or pantry. To deal with the microwave smell, you can mix coffee with baking soda. Mix equal amounts of baking soda and ground coffee in a dish or plate. Allow it to rest in the microwave overnight. Then, rinse your microwave the next day and dry it with a paper towel or damp cloth.
5. Coffee
Put two teaspoons of coffee grounds in a microwave-safe container with half a cup of water and allow it to work its smell-busting magic. Heat the mug for at least 2-10 minutes, ensuring the coffee grounds solution doesn’t boil. To keep the coffee from boiling, heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cup to cool somewhat before continuing to heat.
As you heat, keep an eye on the water level. If it starts evaporating, add more as required. Remove the cup after heating for a total of 10 minutes. The burnt smell is usually gone after 10 minutes of heating the coffee solution. If the odor persists, continue the healing process until it is gone.
6. Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract usually adds a delicious flavor to baked foods and the same pleasant smell to household cleaning projects. Although vanilla extract is more costly than some of these other pantry cleansers, you may use it to mask undesirable microwave odors if you have excess on hand. In a microwave-safe dish, mix four teaspoons of vanilla extract and two cups of water. Heat for a few minutes or until the mixture begins to boil. Once done, turn off the microwave and leave the bowl inside for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the bowl and clean the inside of the microwave.
7. Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is not only for first aid, but you can also use it to remove odors from your microwave. First, apply the rubbing alcohol on a cotton or a clean cloth and wipe the inside of your microwave. After that, clean it with soap and water. Finally, leave the microwave door open to air dry when the odor is gone.
8. Lemons
Fresh lemon juice has antimicrobial properties and can help remove various smells. First, squeeze the lemon juice into a basin. Then, pour half a cup of water and add the lemon rinds to the bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave overnight. Then the following day, rinse the microwave clean with water and dry it out.
9. Oranges
You can use oranges if you don’t have lemons. Cut two oranges in halves and add two cups of water to a microwave-safe dish. Place the bowl in the microwave for about 4-5 minutes to heat. Ensure you check the water every two minutes to confirm if it is boiling, and turn down the heat as required to prevent it from spilling. After heating the orange and water mixture, leave the bowl in the microwave for about 30 minutes (preferably overnight) to absorb any remaining bad smell. Then, remove the bowl and wash the microwave with water and dish soap.
10. Cloves
Cloves are another spice with odor-absorbing abilities. Place 1/4 cup of ground cloves in a small microwave-safe dish and heat for 30 seconds. Allow it to sit in the microwave overnight or when you are not using it. This method will help absorb bacteria and burnt odor, leaving the microwave smelling pleasant.
11. Berries
Berries also have antimicrobial properties. These properties and pleasant aroma make them a great alternative for cleaning your microwave because of this and their pleasant aroma. In a small microwave-safe bowl, place a large handful of berries. Then, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe cover for 1-2 minutes. After heating, keep the bowl in the microwave for about 15 to 30 minutes to enable the fresh smell to mask any bad odors.
12. Charcoal
Last but not least, charcoal. Charcoal is excellent at absorbing moisture and bad smell from appliances, so it’s frequently used inside the refrigerator. You may also use this product in your microwave to remove odors. Put the charcoal in a basin and set it aside. Allow the bowl to sit in the microwave overnight to allow the charcoal to absorb the unpleasant odors. If the microwave is still smelling by morning, store the charcoal in the microwave while not in use.