How to Remove Microwave Smell: 8 Easy Cleaning Methods
Learn how to remove microwave smell caused by burnt food, grease, and strong odors. Try these easy methods using lemon, vinegar, baking soda, and more.
APPLIANCE CARE
9/17/20264 min read
A microwave can start smelling unpleasant after heating certain foods. Burnt popcorn, fish, curry, garlic, sauces, and spilled food can leave strong odors behind.
Simply wiping the microwave may not always eliminate the smell. Fortunately, several simple methods can help freshen the interior using common household ingredients.
First, Find the Source of the Smell
Before trying to deodorize your microwave, check for leftover food or spills.
Remove the turntable and look underneath it. Check the microwave floor, ceiling, walls, door, and corners for dried or burnt food.
Clean any visible residue first. Otherwise, the odor may return even after deodorizing.
1. Steam the Microwave With Lemon
Lemon is one of the easiest ways to freshen a microwave.
You need:
1 cup of water
1 lemon
Microwave-safe bowl
Method:
Pour the water into the bowl.
Cut the lemon into slices and add them.
Place the bowl inside the microwave.
Heat for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Leave the door closed for another few minutes.
Carefully remove the bowl.
Wipe the interior with a clean cloth.
The steam helps loosen food residue while the lemon provides a fresh scent.
2. Use White Vinegar
White vinegar can help neutralize unpleasant odors.
Mix approximately 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat the mixture for several minutes and allow the steam to remain inside for a few minutes afterward.
Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the microwave's interior.
The vinegar smell may be noticeable initially, but it generally dissipates as the microwave airs out.
3. Try Baking Soda
Baking soda can help absorb lingering odors.
Place an open container of baking soda inside the turned-off microwave.
Leave it inside for several hours or overnight.
Remove the baking soda before using the microwave.
This method is particularly useful when the microwave has already been cleaned but still has a lingering smell.
4. Clean With Dish Soap
Sometimes the smell comes from a thin layer of grease rather than one obvious spill.
Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.
Dampen a microfiber cloth and thoroughly wipe the microwave's interior, including:
Ceiling
Side walls
Floor
Inside of the door
Corners
Use a separate damp cloth to remove soap residue, then dry the interior.
5. Remove Burnt Food Residue
Burnt food is one of the most common causes of strong microwave odors.
If something has burned inside the microwave, don't simply try to cover the smell with lemon or air fresheners.
First, remove any remaining food and clean the affected area.
Steam can help loosen stubborn residue. After steaming, wipe the area with a soft cloth or sponge.
If residue remains, repeat the process rather than aggressively scraping the surface.
6. Leave the Microwave Door Open
After cleaning, leave the microwave door open for a while.
Allowing fresh air to circulate can help remaining moisture and odors escape.
Make sure the microwave is switched off and that the door can safely remain open.
7. Clean the Turntable and Roller Ring
Food odors can remain on the turntable even after you've cleaned the microwave interior.
Remove the glass turntable and wash it with warm water and mild dish soap.
Clean the roller ring as well.
Dry both completely before returning them to the microwave.
8. Use Coffee Grounds for Persistent Odors
Dry coffee grounds can help absorb unpleasant smells.
Place a small, open container of dry coffee grounds inside the turned-off microwave.
Leave it for several hours or overnight.
Remove the container before using the microwave.
How to Remove a Burnt Popcorn Smell From a Microwave
Burnt popcorn can leave a particularly persistent odor.
Start by removing all popcorn and crumbs from the microwave.
Then clean the interior with warm soapy water.
Next, steam the microwave using lemon water or diluted vinegar. Allow the steam to sit for a few minutes before wiping the surfaces.
Finally, leave the door open to allow the microwave to air out.
If the smell remains, place an open container of baking soda inside the switched-off microwave overnight.
How to Remove Fish Smell From a Microwave
Fish can leave a strong odor behind.
Clean the microwave thoroughly with warm water and mild dish soap first.
Then steam it with lemon water for several minutes.
Wipe the interior and allow the microwave to air out with the door open.
If the smell persists, leave an open container of baking soda inside the turned-off microwave for several hours.
What Not to Do When Removing Microwave Odors
Avoid trying to mask the smell with perfumes, air fresheners, or other products that are not intended for use around food appliances.
Also avoid:
Spraying large amounts of liquid inside the microwave
Getting water into vents or openings
Using abrasive scrubbers
Scraping the interior with sharp objects
Heating substances that are not specifically suitable for microwave use
Always use a microwave-safe container when heating water or cleaning solutions.
How to Prevent Microwave Smells
Preventing odors is easier than removing them later.
Try these habits:
Cover food before heating it.
Wipe spills as soon as the microwave cools.
Clean the turntable regularly.
Don't leave burnt food residue inside.
Wipe away grease buildup.
Air out the microwave after heating strong-smelling foods.
A quick wipe after cooking can prevent many odors from becoming permanent.
When a Microwave Smell May Indicate a Problem
Not every microwave smell comes from food.
If you notice a burning electrical or plastic smell, especially if it occurs without food residue, stop using the microwave and unplug it if it is safe to do so.
Don't attempt to repair electrical components yourself. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified appliance technician for advice.