Burnt smell in microwaves is not only unpleasant but can also affect the overall quality of our meals.
Thus, whether you accidentally burnt food in the microwave or your microwave oven has that burnt smell that simply won’t go away, then you may be more than determined to get rid of the lingering odour as soon as possible.
That being said, there are several techniques that you can employ to get rid of the burnt smell from your microwave.
Here are the most effective techniques for removing burnt smell from a microwave.
How to Get Rid of Burnt Smell Out of Microwave
Clean the Microwave with Mild Dish Soap and Water
If you are struggling to get rid of the burnt smell in your microwave, then it’s extremely important to clean your microwave with mild dish soap and water first.
Doing this will help remove any spillages or food particles that may be causing the burnt smell.
In addition, doing the soap will help neutralize most of the smell, especially if the smell is emanating from loose particles in the microwave.
If the burnt smell was due to an overcooked meal, then cleaning the microwave with soap and water will help absorb grime, droplets, and food particles present on the walls of the cooking chamber. To properly clean your microwave, you will need a bowl of water, liquid soap, and a wiping cloth.
1. Pour Liquid Soap into a Bowl of Water
The first thing that you may want to do is pour liquid soap into a bowl of water and then mix the solution thoroughly.
2. Wipe Gently with a Towel or Wiping Cloth
Once you have mixed the solution thoroughly, you will then place the towel or wiping cloth into the mixture. Rinse the cloth thoroughly to ensure that you have pressed out most of the water. For the best results ensure that the towel or wiping cloth is made out of pure cotton.
3. Wipe the Microwave
You will then now wipe the entire internal area of the cooking chamber gently while rinsing the towel in the mixture after a few moments. Ensure that you cover the entire surface of the cooking chamber for the best results.
4. Rinse With Clean Water
Once you have finished wiping the microwave with the mixture, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before wiping it again with clean water. Doing this will help remove the soapy smell from the microwave, especially if you used a liquid soap with a somewhat strong smell.
Pro Tip: Once you finish cleaning, let your microwave ventilate properly with the door open for 2-3 hours. During this period, no one should use the microwave.
Use Vinegar/Lemon Juice to Remove the Smell
In many instances, simply cleaning the microwave with liquid soap will not fully eliminate the burnt smell. Thus, you can get rid of the strong odour by steaming your oven with lemon juice or vinegar for a few minutes.
Thanks to its acetic properties, vinegar is highly effective when it comes to removing odours and bad smells from appliances. The acetic acid present in both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar not only breaks down stains but also helps kill bacteria and absorb strong odours.
In addition, it’s not harsh on appliances which makes it the go-to appliance cleaner for many homeowners.
To do this, take a bowl and pour a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice and water in equal parts into it.
You will then place the bowl into the microwave and turn on the microwave for about 2-5 minutes to allow the liquid to come to a full boil and begin to steam.
It is important to note that the wattage of your microwave plays a crucial role in the amount of time the water will come to a full boil.
Once the mixture has come to a full boil, you should then leave it inside the microwave with the door closed for about 20 to 30 minutes. After the time has elapsed, you should remove the bowl and then wipe the interior of the microwave with the mixture, before rinsing it with water.
If you have a smaller and cheaper microwave with a wattage rating of 1000w or less, such as the COMFEE’ EM720CPL-PMB and Black + Decker EM720CB7 then it’s going to take about 3 to 5 minutes for the water to come to a full boil.
On the other hand, if you have a convection microwave oven or any microwave with a wattage rating of 1000w or above then it’s going to take the water about 1 to 3 minutes to come to a full boil.
It is important to note that the amount of time to fully boil also comes down to the amount of water/mixture placed in the microwave.
For this technique and the results shared above, you should use a mixture that amounts to 500ml in equal parts.
Baking Soda/Coffee Grounds
Another effective technique of getting rid of the burnt smell in microwaves is by using baking soda or coffee grounds.
Coffee grounds and baking soda are widely known for their deodorizing capabilities and, thus are commonly used as natural deodorants not only for microwaves but to deodorize other appliances such as refrigerators and ovens.
For the best results, ensure that you spread the coffee grounds or baking soda inside the microwave floor and let it sit overnight.
On top of that, you should also ensure that the door of the microwave is closed and inform anyone in the house not to use the microwave during this period.
That being said, you can always use this technique on its own or combine it with the vinegar/lemon juice technique for the best results.
How To Prevent Burnt Smell on Microwaves
Regular Cleaning of the Microwave
One of the most effective ways of preventing burnt smells in microwaves is through regular cleaning of the microwave oven.
Over time, grease and food particles tend to accumulate in your microwave and may begin to burn whenever you are heating or cooking meals.
Thus, it’s extremely important to always clean your microwave regularly.
Avoid Overheating Foods in the Microwaves
Apart from cleaning your microwave regularly, it’s also extremely important to avoid overheating meals in your microwave.
When food is overheated, it can begin to burn, thus leaving a burnt smell in the microwave.
In instances where the food does not burn, it can lead to the build-up of food particles and grease in the cooking chamber of the microwave. In the long run, this can lead to the building of fire or smoke.
In addition to leaving a burnt smell in the microwave, burning food can also cause serious damage to the internal components such as the capacitor. The fire can also cause some serious damage to the door seals and interior linings of the microwave.
Thus, when warming or heating food, it is highly advisable to refrain from overheating your meals at all times. Always monitor your food while in the microwave at all times.
Clean Microwave Immediately After Spillage
Always ensure that you clean your microwave immediately after spilling food or liquids in the microwave.
Doing this will go a long way in ensuring that the spilled food particles do not burn over time, creating smoke residues or soot in the microwave.
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid of Burnt Smell From Microwave
It usually takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours to get rid of the burnt smell from the microwave.
That being said, the amount of time that will take to get rid of the burnt smell in the microwave boils down to the technique used and the severity of the odour.
If you opt for steam cleaning with vinegar or lemon water then it’s going to take about 10 to 15 minutes.
On the other hand, if you decide to opt for baking soda or coffee grounds, then it’s going to take up to 12 hours.
As mentioned earlier it is important to regularly clean your microwave and use natural deodorants for faster and more effective results.
