How to Eliminate Odors in the Microwave

Microwaves can stink because of something horrible, like burnt popcorn, stale soup, or other unpleasant odors. Before resorting to harsh chemicals, try all-natural solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. You can also heat coffee or berries in the microwave for a more pleasant aroma.

Table of Contents

Use natural cleaning methods

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/de/Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4- 728px-Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/de/ Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-1-Version-3. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Avoid using any metal objects in the microwave. Food and drinks absorb the heat generated by the microwave, and metal objects cause heat to reflect around in the oven. This can cause fire and/or damage the internal workings of the device and cause problems much worse than odors. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Do not microwave any metal – both aluminum foil and metal objects can damage the appliance. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Heat white vinegar with water to get rid of all kinds of unpleasant odors. Boil 1 cup (240 ml) of water and 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of white vinegar for at least 4 minutes. Once the mixture evaporates, let it sit in the microwave for another 5 minutes before opening the microwave and wiping the inside with a damp rag or paper towel. You can use a mixture of soap and water to clean the oven. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

After boiling the water in the microwave for 5 minutes, leave the bowl of water in the oven for another 15 minutes to flavor the oven.
Depending on the power of the microwave, the vinegar mixture may boil before 4 minutes. You should read your microwave’s manual to see if the manufacturer lists recommendations for heating times. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Deodorize your microwave with lemon juice if you don’t want to use vinegar. Stir 4 teaspoons (20 ml) of lemon juice and 1 cup (240 ml) of water in a small bowl and heat the solution for 4 minutes or until boiling. Keep the microwave door closed for 5 minutes to allow the solution to cool and allow steam to spread throughout the oven. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

A slice of lemon has about 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of lemon juice. You will need half a lemon to get the right amount of lime juice.
Another way is to put 2-4 slices of lemon in a bowl and add 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Microwave for 4 minutes or bring to a boil and evaporate.
You can use lemons, oranges, or any other citrus fruit if you like.

Remove stains and deodorize your microwave with baking soda if you prefer a non-acidic method. Dip a sponge or rag in a mixture of 5 teaspoons (25 ml) of baking soda mixed with 1 quart of warm water. Use this solution to scrub all parts of the microwave thoroughly. Clean the device by wiping in a circular motion. If spilled food has solidified in the microwave, you can sprinkle half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of baking soda on a sponge or rag to treat the stain more directly.

This is a 2-in-1 method, as it allows you to both clean and deodorize your microwave!

Create a pleasant aroma in the microwave

Warm up some coffee grounds so your microwave smells like a cup of java. Place a bowl of 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of ground coffee with half a cup (120 ml) of water in the microwave and heat the mixture for about 3 minutes. This not only eliminates unpleasant odors, but also makes your microwave smell like a cup of coffee! ^{[6] X Research Source}

This method works best when using brewed coffee grounds.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/73/Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/73/ Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-6-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Reheat vanilla extract instead of coffee for a sweeter aroma. Heat a mixture of 4 teaspoons (20 ml) vanilla extract and 2 cups (480 ml) water for at least 2 minutes or until the solution boils and evaporates. Don’t remove the bowl of water right away – while the mixture is still hot, let the steam spread throughout the microwave and eliminate all unpleasant odors. Wait at least half an hour before removing the bowl and pouring the mixture away. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Use a rag or paper towel to dry the microwave.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/40/Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/40/ Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-7-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Microwave a bowl of cloves overnight to create the aroma of the spices instead of heating something up. Put 30 g of cloves in a bowl and put in the microwave. This method requires no heating – instead, you’ll close the oven door and leave the bowl of cloves in the oven overnight. A closed oven door will help the aroma of cloves permeate the microwave and eliminate unpleasant odors. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/83/Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/83/ Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Bad-Smells-out-of-a-Microwave-Step-8-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:259,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:410,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Heat a covered bowl of berries if you want the microwave to smell fruity. Choose a mix of your favorite berries in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for a few minutes. When the fruit bowl heats up, the aroma of the fruit will begin to spread throughout the microwave and drown out the odors. ^{[9] X Research Source}

You can use any berries in this method. Remember to choose a fruit with a scent that you like.
Try not to let the wrapper touch the berries. Thus, the fruit still has a fresh aroma even when the wrapper is melted.

Things you need

Use natural cleaning methods

White Vinegar
Water
Yellow lemon juice
Green lemon juice (optional)
Orange juice (optional)
Baking soda

Create a pleasant aroma in the microwave

Ground coffee
Vanilla Extract
Clove
Berries (various varieties)
Food wrap

Advice

You can get rid of some of the odors in the microwave by wiping the oven with rubbing alcohol. ^{[10] X Research Source}
After cleaning your microwave, let it dry before closing the door. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Warning

If heating any object or container, make sure it is microwaveable.
Let the heated solution sit for a few minutes in the microwave before removing.

Steps

Use natural cleaning methods

Create a pleasant aroma in the microwave

Things you need

Use natural cleaning methods

Create a pleasant aroma in the microwave

Advice

Warning

Related Posts