As easy as it is, operating your microwave correctly is a delicate procedure, especially if you want to keep your kitchen odor-free. Fortunately, getting rid of the burnt microwave smell is relatively straightforward—you’ll only need a few simple ingredients and a little time and effort to get it out of the house vents, even if you don’t use vinegar.
Take, for example, microwave popcorn. The buttery aromas of those popping kernels are nothing short of heavenly. However, if you don’t pull the bag out at the right time, you may end up with a burnt smell in your microwave that quickly spreads to the rest of your kitchen or house vents.
But it’s not just popcorn that has the potential to stink up your kitchen. Rogue crumbs and debris from reheated leftovers can also leave your microwave smelling like wildfire, especially if you keep burning them in the microwave with repeated use.
Microwaves are sensitive to lingering aromas in part because the heavy-grade plastic used to make them tends to retain odors. Ready to learn how to remove the burnt smell from your microwave from the house vents without using vinegar? This is how to remove the burnt smell from microwave house vents without using vinegar.
What you Should Know Before you Start
Before you start cleaning your microwave, there are two things you should know. First and foremost, whenever possible, remove the source of the smell as soon as you discover it. Every time you use the microwave, you’re essentially re-baking the burned-on trash, which will only aggravate the situation.
The longer you ignore the burnt smell, the more difficult it will be to deal with it—so act immediately after burning something.
Another word of caution: Abe Navas, owner of Emily’s Maids in Dallas, advises against using a metal sponge to clean a microwave. Not only may the metal harm the inside of the appliance, but the remaining metal fragments within the microwave may start a fire while it is in use.
Is it Safe to Use a burnt Microwave?
If your microwave simply stinks and you can remove the burned-on residue, you can use it again once it’s clean. But if any part of the microwave looks burned or broken, you should be careful and think about buying a new one. A faulty appliance is a fire threat in general.
How to Get Burnt Smell Out of Microwave and House
Even the best microwaves require routine maintenance to keep spills and splatter at bay. If you’ve been wondering how to get the burnt smell out of your microwave, you should know that cleaning it before deodorizing it is a crucial first step. A few ordinary household items will make cleaning your microwave and getting rid of undesirable smells in your home much easier. Simply begin with the first method and work your way down as necessary.
Method 1: Scrub the interior of your microwave.
Cleaning is your first line of defense against scents. Before attempting anything further, start with this fast and simple procedure.
Step 1: Create steam using water.
Remove any debris or stray burnt parts from the microwave, then heat 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe container for 3 to 4 minutes. The steam will aid in the removal of filth.
Step 2: Use dish soap to clean.
Wipe off the interior with a soft cloth dipped in water and a small amount of dish soap. Rub in the direction of the metal’s grain on stainless steel versions.
Step 3: Rinse and dry
Rinse and dry the microwave with clean water and a soft, lint-free towel. Allow the microwave door to open for 2-3 hours to allow it to air out.
Method 2: Use lemon juice or vinegar to steam your microwave.
Some odors, such as burnt fish or plastic, may necessitate additional assistance. If the procedures above aren’t enough to clean your microwave, the acid in natural cleansers like lemon juice and vinegar can assist to neutralize odors.
Step 1: Prepare the solution and steam
Remove any debris or stray burnt pieces from the microwave, then combine 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of either lemon juice or vinegar in a microwave-safe container. Warm for 2–5 minutes.
Step 2: Clean up
Use a sponge or paper towel to clean the interior.
Method 3: Leave the microwave deodorized overnight.
If the smell doesn’t go away after using one of the above methods, you may need a longer-term treatment. This overnight procedure may help your microwave smell normal again.
Step 1: Apply deodorizer
Before going to bed, place an open package of baking soda in your microwave. If you don’t have baking soda, 1 cup of activated charcoal or dry coffee grounds in an open container would suffice. Inform family members that they should not use the microwave while the deodorizer is still inside.
Step 2: Take out and reuse the deodorizer.
Allow it to absorb scents overnight before removing them in the morning. While you shouldn’t use the same baking soda to cook with later, you should be able to clean with it. If the cupboards above your microwave smell burnt, you can use a deodorizer to see if the odor will go away with time.
How to Get Burnt Smell Out of Microwave Without Vinegar
There are a few alternatives to using vinegar in the house to remove the burnt smell from your microwave. One method is to simply microwave a bowl of water for a few minutes.
Any residual scents will be released and lifted by the steam. Another option is to use natural odor absorbers such as lemon juice or baking soda. Simply combine the two with water and microwave for a few minutes. After that, the smell should be gone!
How Do I Clean my Microwave After a Fire?
If a fire has damaged your microwave, you need to get help from a professional right away. They will be able to analyze the damage and decide on the best course of action for cleaning and repairs.
How Do I Get the Burnt Smell Out of my Microwave?
If your microwave has a burnt smell, it is most likely due to food that has been burned on the inner surface. To get rid of the burnt smell, clean the interior surface of the microwave and open the house vents.
First, clean up any food debris on the surface. Wipe off the inside surface with a soft cloth and a light cleaning solution. If the burnt smell stays, you may need a stronger cleaner or even sandpaper to get rid of it.
What Happens if you Burned something in the Microwave?
It’s critical to act quickly if you’ve burned something in the microwave. If the smell is coming from the meal, make sure to remove any charred or burned items. If the smell is coming from the appliance, you should clean it as quickly as possible.
Ventilate the area and repeat the cleaning steps as needed until the smell has gone away. Once the smell has subsided, you can use your microwave as usual. If you have any further questions about how to remove the burnt smell from the microwave or if you require assistance with any other appliance repairs, please contact Repair Experts.
How long does the burnt smell last in the microwave?
Even if you don’t open the vents, the burnt smell in your microwave should go away in a few minutes if you follow the necessary cleaning and ventilation instructions. However, if the smell persists, it is critical to seek professional help.
Important Tip for Removing Burnt Smell from Microwave
If you’ve ever accidentally burned food in the microwave, you know how strong the smell can be. Fortunately, there are a few simple techniques and tricks that will help you get rid of that burnt smell in your house quickly and easily, even without opening the vents or using vinegar.
One of the simplest things to do is to microwave a dish of vinegar for a few minutes. The vinegar will absorb the burnt smell, leaving your microwave smelling clean and fresh.
Lemon juice or baking soda are two other options. Simply combine the two with water and microwave for a few minutes. Lemon juice or baking soda will assist to eliminate the burnt smell.
If you have any essential oils on hand, you can use them to help remove the burnt smell from your microwave. Simply sprinkle a few drops of oil in a bowl of water and microwave for a few minutes. The essential oils will help to purify the air and remove the burnt odor.
Hopefully, these solutions will help you get rid of that annoying burnt smell from your microwave quickly and easily.
Will the burnt microwave smell go away?
Yes. If you clean and ventilate your microwave properly, the burned smell should disappear in a few minutes. However, if the smell persists, it is critical to seek professional help.
How long does it take to remove the burnt smell from a microwave?
Fortunately, the burnt smell in your microwave can usually be removed within a few hours. Allow it to air out for two to three hours after cleaning.
How do you neutralize burnt smell?
If your microwave has a strong odor of burnt plastics or food, try simmering a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes to neutralize the odor. To help erase the smell, try heating water and vinegar in the microwave.
Lastly, clean the inside of your microwave well with soapy water or a natural cleaning solution to get rid of any smells that are still there.
Can you get the smoke smell out of the microwave?
Yes. In the microwave, bring 1 cup of water and 3 teaspoons of white vinegar to a boil. Close the microwave door for 10 minutes to allow the steam to cover all inside surfaces. Using a moist, clean cloth, wipe the interior of the microwave. Allow the appliance to air out for an hour by leaving the door open.
Is it safe to use a microwave after burning food?
Depending. Assuming that only the food has been burned, you can continue to use your microwave. If there are any stains on the inside of the appliance, thoroughly clean it. Before using the microwave again, be sure that any leftover burning smell has gone away.
Does burnt food smell disappear?
Yes. Here’s what you should do:
- Freshen up
- Place small canisters of baking soda in strategic locations to neutralize and absorb burnt odors (but keep out of reach of kids and pets).
- Incorporate new scents into the environment.
- Prepare some cookies
How do you get the burnt popcorn smell out of a microwave and house?
Remove any debris or stray burnt parts from the microwave, then in a microwave-safe container, combine 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of either lemon juice or vinegar. Warm for 2–5 minutes. Use a sponge or paper towel to clean the interior.
Conclusion
Lastly, you should clean your microwave often to keep dirt and particles from building up. If your microwave starts to stink, there are a few things you can try to get rid of the odor. Try cleaning the microwave with vinegar or running it with lemon juice or baking soda inside. If the smell persists, seek expert repair.
We hope you found this blog post useful in learning how to remove unwanted odors from your microwave. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get the smoke smell out of the microwave?
In the microwave, bring 1 cup of water and 3 teaspoons of white vinegar to a boil. Close the microwave door for 10 minutes to allow the steam to cover all inside surfaces. Using a moist, clean cloth, wipe the interior of the microwave. Allow the appliance to air out for an hour by leaving the door open.
Can a dirty microwave catch fire?
Microwaves that are dirty not only represent a health danger due to bacteria, but they can also cause additional issues. When food particles accumulate from spills, they are at risk of catching fire because they are warmed each time you use the microwave to heat something new.
How do you put out a microwave fire?
If there is a fire in the microwave oven, immediately switch it off and unhook the power cord if it is safe to do so. Wait until the fire suffocates before opening the microwave door; never open the door until you are certain the fire is extinguished.
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