Smoke smell in a microwave is tough to get rid of. If you ignore it, the smell gets worse every time you use the microwave. It can even ruin the taste of your food. The smell can spread to other parts of your kitchen too. So, it's important to deal with it quickly to avoid more problems.

First, ventilate the room and the microwave. Open windows and use a fan to help get rid of the smell. Then, clean the inside of the microwave and nearby surfaces. If you have a microwave above your stove, take out any pans or pots and open the cabinets wide. The smell can stick to wood surfaces, so wipe them down too.

Sometimes the smell sticks to the microwave's filter. If you don't clean it, the smell might come back when you use it again. Is it safe to use a burnt microwave? Well, if it just smells bad, you can clean it and keep using it. But if it looks damaged or burnt, it's safer to get a new one. A damaged microwave can be a fire risk.

Always unplug the microwave before cleaning to stay safe. Don't use strong chemicals near food surfaces. Choose for gentle cleaning solutions instead. Try natural methods to get rid of burnt smells. They might take a bit longer but are effective. Here are some cleaning hacks to remove burnt smells from your microwave and make your kitchen smell fresh again.

Equipment/Tools:

  • Microwaveable bowl
  • 1 to 2 microfiber cloths

Materials:

  • Lemon
  • Baking soda
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Dishwashing liquid with degreaser
  • Sponge
  • Activated charcoal
  • 1/2 cup coffee grounds
  • 1 to 2 cups unscented cat litter

Steam Cleaning with Vinegar

  • Prepare the Vinegar Solution: In a microwaveable bowl, mix one cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water. Vinegar is a powerful cleanser and a natural odor neutralizer.
  • Heat the Solution: Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high until the solution starts boiling. This usually takes a few minutes, depending on the microwave's power.
  • Let the Steam Work: Once the solution is boiling, turn off the microwave and let the steam work its magic. Keep the microwave door closed for at least five minutes to allow the steam to penetrate and loosen any stubborn stains or odors.
  • Remove the Bowl: Carefully remove the hot bowl of vinegar solution from the microwave. Be cautious as it will be hot.
  • Wipe Down the Microwave: Dip a microfiber cloth into the vinegar solution and wring it out until it's just damp. Use the damp cloth to wipe every surface inside the microwave, including the walls, ceiling, turntable, and door. Rinse the cloth often in the vinegar solution as you work.
  • Repeat if Necessary: For particularly stubborn stains or odors, you may need to repeat the steam cleaning process using vinegar.
  • Rinse: After wiping down the microwave with the vinegar solution, use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to rinse away any remaining vinegar residue. Make sure to dry the microwave carefully with a dry cloth.
  • Enjoy a Fresh smelling Microwave: Once the microwave is clean and dry, enjoy the fresh and odor free environment it provides for your kitchen.

Deep Cleaning to Remove Odors

If your microwave is heavily soiled with splattered and burned food, a complete deep cleaning is necessary to effectively remove both the mess and lingering odors.

  • Apply Vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with undiluted distilled white vinegar. Steam the heavily soiled areas inside the microwave with the vinegar.
  • Use Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda generously over the soiled areas, allowing it to sit until the foaming action subsides. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to help lift off stuck-on food.
  • Wipe Away Food Residue: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened food residue. The mixture of vinegar and baking soda helps to break down tough stains. If stubborn residue remains, dampen a sponge and gently scrub the area.
  • Clean the Entire Interior: After clearing away the mess, wipe the entire interior of the microwave with a cloth dampened with distilled white vinegar. This helps to deodorize and sanitize the surfaces.
  • Clean the Turntable Plate: If your microwave has a turntable plate, remove it and clean it separately. Wash the turntable plate in a sink or dishpan with hot water and dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser. Alternatively, you can place it in the dishwasher for a detailed cleaning.
  • Clean the Door Gasket: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp microfiber cloth and use it to clean the gasket or seal around the door. This helps to remove any food residue or odors trapped in the seal. Finish by wiping down the gasket with a clean, damp microfiber cloth to ensure all residue is removed.
  • Rinse and Dry: Once the cleaning is complete, rinse any remaining vinegar or baking soda residue from the interior of the microwave with a clean, damp cloth. Dry the interior carefully with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent any moisture from lingering, which could lead to further odors.

Remove the Burnt Smell

Even after complete cleaning, sometimes a burnt smell may linger in the microwave. Here are some methods to help eliminate it. Remember, it may take some time for these products to fully absorb the odors, so patience is key.

  • Apply Vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with undiluted distilled white vinegar. Steam the heavily soiled areas inside the microwave with the vinegar.
  • Use Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda generously over the soiled areas, allowing it to sit until the foaming action subsides. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to help lift off stuck-on food.
  • Wipe Away Food Residue: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened food residue. The mixture of vinegar and baking soda helps to break down tough stains. If stubborn residue remains, dampen a sponge and gently scrub the area.
  • Clean the Entire Interior: After clearing away the mess, wipe the entire interior of the microwave with a cloth dampened with distilled white vinegar. This helps to deodorize and sanitize the surfaces.
  • Clean the Turntable Plate: If your microwave has a turntable plate, remove it and clean it separately. Wash the turntable plate in a sink or dishpan with hot water and dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser. Alternatively, you can place it in the dishwasher for a detailed cleaning.
  • Clean the Door Gasket: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp microfiber cloth and use it to clean the gasket or seal around the door. This helps to remove any food residue or odors trapped in the seal. Finish by wiping down the gasket with a clean, damp microfiber cloth to ensure all residue is removed.
  • Rinse and Dry: Once the cleaning is complete, rinse any remaining vinegar or baking soda residue from the interior of the microwave with a clean, damp cloth. Dry the interior carefully with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent any moisture from lingering, which could lead to further odors.

Tips for Maintaining a Fresh and Functional Microwave

To maintain a fresh and functional microwave, use soft cloths to prevent scratches and monitor heating to avoid accidents. Replace the charcoal filter if needed and wipe down after each use. Use only microwave safe dishware and consider professional help for tough cleaning. Regular cleaning appointments can also help keep your kitchen spotless.