A microwave is one of the most popular appliances in every household.
From cooking to heating, a microwave is a favorite for those who do not know anything about cooking and even professional chefs.
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However, over time, the appliance will often have nasty smells originating from the food that was heated there.
You may even see a few sauce marks splattered all over the inner area. So if this is your microwave’s situation, it means that you need to clean it up.
Inspect the Windows
If you notice a bad smell originating from the microwave’s interior, you should first open the appliance and inspect it.
Check inside to see if any food or sauces has spilled or splattered on the beneath the revolving tray, the plate, or walls.
It would be best if you used a wet dishcloth or sponge. After that, you should leave the unit’s door open until dry to air out unpleasant smells.
As microwave odors range from fish to burnt microwave popcorn, get a DIY freshener that can effectively remove odor from the vents.
First, to learn how to get rid of the smell from these appliances, you should use hot, soapy water for cleaning.
Secondly, it is to get burnt odor out of these appliances by using microwave-safe containers. Lastly, if one technique does not work, use another method.
Not all smell remover agents can work to get rid of the same odors. Lemon juice will work well in getting rid of chemical odors, while coffee will effectively eliminate smells from burnt food.
Ways of Removing Microwave Odors
Many times, washing cannot remove a microwave’s odor. So, here are methods to help you remove the smell.
Lemons
You can get rid of odor in your microwave with citrus fruits. These are popularly known for their antibacterial properties as well.
If you have lemons in your house, just cut one open, squeeze the ingredients in the bowl, and put the halves inside. Then leave the bowl the entire night in your microwave.
Baking Soda
You can also use baking soda to get rid of smells. After you have cleaned up the unit’s inside, take an opened baking soda box and place it inside the microwave.
Additionally, you can put a lot of baking soda in a container. Then leave it open inside the appliance. Allow it to sit there the entire night.
Charcoal
Lastly, charcoal is good at absorbing smell and moisture from appliances. That is why it is usually put inside the refrigerator.
Thus, you can use this method for your appliances as well. You simply need to cut pieces of charcoal and place them in a microwavable bowl.
After that, leave them inside the appliance the entire night, so it absorbs the odor.
At times, it will take a long time than that. Some people leave the charcoal inside the appliance when not in use.
Coffee
Coffee is one solution that is as common as baking soda. It is effective at getting rid of the nasty smell from any appliance.
First, take a mug and put 2 tablespoons of in it, and half a cup of water. After that, heat it for 2 to 10 minutes while ensuring the coffee solution does not boil.
If the water has been used up, add some more. Remove the cup after 10 minutes.
Many times, after you heat the coffee solution, all the odor will get eliminated. If the odor is still lingering around, repeat the steps until it vanishes.
Berries
Berries contain antibacterial properties, which make the best candidate for cleaning the microwave.
Furthermore, the scent of berries will leave a fruity scent in the microwave.
Take a microwave-safe bowl and put in enough berries. Then use a cling wrap to cover the bowl and heat it for one to two minutes.
This helps cook the berries. When cooked, berries will leave your microwave with the best scent, helping to mask foul smells.
Water and Vinegar
If there is no baking soda in your house, you can still eliminate your microwave’s smell.
You can accomplish this by combining equal parts of vinegar and water in a bowl. With a clean sponge, dip it into the mix and wipe the microwave clean.
Wash the sponge and allow it to dry. Use another bowl and pour half a cup of vinegar in it. Make sure you leave it inside your microwave the entire night.
The following morning, use water and soap to rinse the unit and use a dishcloth to dry.
Vanilla Extract
This is a popular spice that helps to leave any food aroma.
This also happens when you heat it inside your microwave. You can use vanilla to conceal the foul smell.
All you need is 4 tablespoons of vanilla extract in a microwave-safe bowl and mix it using 2 cups of water.
After that, heat the mixture for a couple of minutes or until it begins boiling. Once it comes to boil, switch off the appliance but leave the bowl inside the microwave.
After half an hour, wipe down the microwave’s inside and take out the bowl.
Rubbing Alcohol
Are you aware that rubbing alcohol can get rid of smell in your microwave?
If you don’t know, alcohol can help get rid of different kitchen odors.
All you should do is put this alcohol on a cloth, or some cotton balls then use them for cleaning up the appliance.
You can do that before using water and soap to clean up the microwave. When the odor vanishes, you should allow it to air dry.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is the most popular solution for the foul smell. Baking soda is an all-purpose ingredient, which helps get rid of odors and stains.
First, you will require a clean sponge, and then soak it in plain white vinegar. Add some baking soda and microwave the sponge for about 20 to 30 seconds.
Afterward, use the same sponge to scrub the microwave’s interior part. After, you can use water and soap to rinse and use tissue paper or a dishcloth for wiping.
Tips On Cleaning Up The Microwave
Most people wait for their appliance to have a nasty smell before cleaning it.
However, a good way of maintaining a microwave is to always clean. You can do it once weekly.
This will ensure the stains and the odor of different types of food items do not stick to the microwave’s interior.
In addition, using microwave-safe products can help in keeping the unit in good condition. You will find containers that melt in a microwave’s heat, and the melted containers are dangerous.
To prevent getting poisoned, you should get microwave-safe containers.
Keeping your appliance clean and smelling nice are a few ways of maintaining it. Apart from that, picture heating food items there when it already stinks like rotten fish or meat.
For the benefit of keeping things hygienic, remember to clean your microwave each week.