We’ve all done it – entered the wrong amount of time, didn’t pay attention, and allowed something to burn in the microwave. Whether it’s a burnt odor from a bag of popcorn or a melted plastic container, that smell seems to penetrate every inch of the kitchen. Learn how to get this gross smell out with some tried and true methods I’ve discovered through personal experience.
How Often to Clean a Microwave?
Regularly cleaning your microwave is crucial, especially after burns or splatters. It’s advisable to check for spills and splatters after each use, as these can burn later and cause odors. Using simple methods to quickly clean up after each use can effectively remove burnt odors. Additionally, incorporating deep cleaning techniques periodically will ensure your microwave remains hygienic and free from persistent smells.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Microwaveable bowl
- Dishwasher, sink, or large dishpan
- 1 to 2 Microfiber cloths
Materials
- Lemon
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Dishwashing liquid with degreaser
- Melamine sponge (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser)
- Activated charcoal
- 1/2 cup Coffee grounds
- 1 to 2 cups Unscented cat litter
How to Clean a Microwave?
The first step in removing burnt odors from your microwave involves a thorough cleaning of the appliance. This is essential not only to remove the burnt smell but also any other lingering food odors. Regular cleaning can significantly reduce these unwanted scents and maintain the hygiene of your microwave.
01: Steam Clean the Microwave with Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a natural odor neutralizer and an effective cleaner for removing stubborn smells. To utilize its power, add one cup of water to a microwaveable bowl, then pour in some vinegar. Place this mixture in the microwave and heat on high until the solution is boiling.
Turn off the microwave and allow the steam to work for at least five minutes before opening the door. Carefully remove the hot bowl, dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it until just damp, and wipe every surface of the microwave, rinsing the cloth often.
Related Article: How to Clean Microwave without Vinegar?
02: Steam Clean With Lemon Slices
To tackle that stubborn burnt plastic smell in your microwave, follow a steam cleaning method similar to using vinegar, but with a twist. Instead of vinegar, add some lemon slices to two cups of water. This simple change not only neutralizes odors but also leaves a refreshing citrus scent. The steps are essentially the same, and the process is just as effective and straightforward.
03: Deep Clean to Remove Odors and Stuck-on Food
- Tackle burnt odors in a heavily soiled microwave by targeting splattered and burned food; a deep clean is essential.
- Place undiluted distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and mist over the heavily soiled areas inside the microwave for effective cleaning.
- Sprinkle baking soda on soiled areas and wait until the foaming stops; it’s a sign that the cleaning action is in progress.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean away stuck-on food; the baking soda here acts as a gentle abrasive.
- If food won’t budge, dampen a melamine sponge (like Clean Magic Eraser) and scrub the area gently.
- Once the mess is cleared away, wipe the entire interior with a cloth dampened with distilled white vinegar.
- For the microwave turntable or plate, clean it in the sink or dishpan with hot water and dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser; alternatively, use the dishwasher.
- Clean the gasket and seal of the door by sprinkling baking soda and using a damp microfiber cloth. Finish by wiping down to clean and remove residue.
Tip
To complement the interior refresh, cleaning the microwave’s exterior is just as vital. Mixing a solution of one part distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, I Spritzed it on the door, handle, and control panel. Gently wiping with a lint-free microfiber cloth not only ensures a streak-free finish but also elevates the overall appearance and hygiene of the kitchen appliance.
How to Remove the Burnt Smell?
When a burnt smell becomes a lingering guest in your microwave, it’s crucial to act. My go-to solution is to thoroughly clean the interior, but the key is patience. I’ve learned to try different methods over time, such as using products that absorb odors effectively. This approach has consistently yielded a fresh, odor-free microwave, proving that patience and the right techniques can overcome even the most stubborn smells.
Related Article: How to Get Rid of Smells in Microwave Ovens?
01: Absorb Burnt Odors with Baking Soda
- Place a bowl or box of baking soda inside the microwave. This simple step harnesses baking soda’s odor-absorbing power.
- Close the door and allow the baking soda to stay for at least overnight, though a few days is better to thoroughly absorb the smell.
- Place a sticky note on the outside of the microwave to remind others to remove the baking soda before using the appliance.
02: Use Activated Charcoal to Absorb Burnt Smells
- Place a bowl of activated charcoal in the microwave; it’s available in most pet stores and is remarkably effective at absorbing odors.
- Simply close the microwave door and allow the charcoal to remain for several days, until the odor is gone.
03: Use Unscented Cat Litter to Trap Odors
- Add a microwave-safe bowl filled with unscented cat litter and place it in the microwave for several days. This unconventional method surprisingly traps odors effectively.
- Be sure to remove the bowl before using the microwave This step ensures safety and prevents any cat litter particles from dispersing.
04: Absorb and Mask Odors with Coffee Grounds
- Use fresh coffee grounds to absorb and mask burnt smells
- Simply place a bowl of grounds in the microwave, close the door, and let it sit until the odors are gone.
Tips to Keep Your Microwave Smelling Fresh
- Perform a quick, steam clean in the microwave using either vinegar or lemon slices after burns.
- Always cover foods with a paper towel or a plate as a microwave cover to reduce splatters.
- Only use microwaveable containers; do not use Styrofoam, take-out containers, or paper bags.
- Avoid heating foods that may explode, like hot peppers, whole fruits, or eggs in the shell.
Burnt Smell Out of a Microwave in 2 Quick Ways
Method 1: Clean the Inside of Your Microwave
When combatting odors, first and foremost, a good cleaning is your best defense. Start with a quick and easy process. Before trying anything else, ensure that every inch of your microwave’s interior is spotlessly clean. This often resolves the issue without needing further steps.
Step 1: Steam with Water
First, remove any loose debris or burnt pieces from the microwave. Then, heat 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe container for 3-4 minutes. This steam will help loosen up grime.
Step 2: Clean with Dish Soap
Wipe the interior with a soft cloth dipped in water and a little dish soap. For stainless steel models, rub in the direction of the metal’s grain.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the microwave with clean water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Leave it open for 2-3 hours to let it air out.
Method 2: Deodorize Microwave Overnight
For particularly strong odors, like burnt fish or plastic, you might call for some extra help. If the standard cleaning steps mentioned above don’t do the trick, it’s time to turn to natural cleaners. Using either lemon juice or vinegar can effectively neutralize these smells. Just leave a bowl of your chosen acid inside the microwave overnight to allow its deodorizing power to work.
Step 1: Place Deodorizer
Firstly, ensure your microwave is free from loose debris or burnt pieces. For the deodorizer, mix 1 cup of water with a tablespoon each of lemon juice and vinegar in a microwave-safe container. Then, heat this mixture in the microwave for 2-5 minutes. The steam generated will start to combat the unpleasant odor.
Step 2: Remove and Reuse Deodorizer
After the treatment, let the deodorizer absorb the odors overnight. In the morning, simply remove it. However, remember, you shouldn’t use the same baking soda for cooking afterward. If it’s still able to work, consider using it to clean cabinets above the microwave where the smell of burnt items might linger. If needed, move the deodorizer around to try and remove the odor over time.
Related Article: How to Clean Microwave Oven?
When the Microwave Vent Smells?
In my experience with a microwave that once melted plastic, the key is not just cleaning but understanding the persistence of odors. After ensuring it’s thoroughly cleaned, if you still notice a burnt plastic odor, it’s crucial to check the vent. Often, the smell lingers there, and circulating air can help.
However, if the smell arises even after multiple cleanings, it could be a sign of a deeper issue, possibly an electrical one. In such cases, the appliance may need to be repaired or replaced. It’s important to note that a continuously bad odor, despite being already cleaned, might indicate that the microwave isn’t working properly and more than just cleaning might be necessary.
Dealing with a lingering odor from melted-plastic in your microwave can be frustrating. I’ve been there, and just when you think it’s going to go away on its own, it seems to cling on. From personal experience, I can say that steam-cleaning is a method worth trying, and it’s quite effective.
I’ve done it again and again, adding a few squirts of lemon juice into the mix. The acidity of the lemon not only helps in neutralizing the odor but also leaves a fresh scent. This approach might sure make a difference in getting rid of that stubborn burnt plastic smell.
Burnt Odors in New Microwave
When you first use a brand new microwave, encountering a smell of burnt plastic or an electrical scent can be alarming. In my experience, this is often normal for the first few times the appliance is used. It’s usually due to the circuitboard inside the device heating up.
In some cases, you might even see smoke, but don’t panic. It typically dissipates after a few uses. However, if the smell persists, it’s wise to check for any malfunction or manufacturing defects.
When you first start using a new microwave/convection oven, it’s not uncommon to produce some unusual plastic burning odors. This happened to me, and I realized it’s often just the convection heat element warming up.
It can be alarming at first, but these odors typically stop after the appliance has been used a few more times. It’s just a combination of factory residues and new parts getting acclimated to the high heat, a normal process in these sophisticated appliances.
Is the Burnt Plastic Odor in House Dangerous?
When your microwave accidentally burnt plastic, the resulting smell in your house isn’t necessarily dangerous if the appliance is used properly. Microwaving certain items that purposely melt can emit harmful fumes, but in most cases, the key is to quickly get rid of the burning smell.
From experience, open your windows, turn on ceiling fans, or place a box fan in or near a window, drawing in fresh air from one side and blowing the stench out the opposite side. For a more pleasant approach, boil a pot of water with a few sliced oranges and cinnamon sticks to replace the odor with a more pleasant aroma.
Related Article: Can I Use Clorox Wipes in Microwave?
Conclusion
Dealing with a burnt plastic smell in your microwave can be a nuisance, but it’s not insurmountable. The key is regular maintenance and prompt action. Techniques like steam cleaning with vinegar or lemon juice, using baking soda or activated charcoal, and even unconventional methods like unscented cat litter or coffee grounds are effective in removing persistent odors. It’s crucial to remember that while these smells are unpleasant, they’re usually not dangerous if addressed properly. However, persistent odors or signs of damage should be taken seriously, as they could indicate deeper issues. Regular cleaning, both after incidents and as part of routine maintenance, not only keeps your microwave fresh but also extends its life, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
FAQs about Burnt Plastic Smell Out Of Microwave
How Long Does it Take to Get Burnt Smell out of Microwave?
To deodorize a microwave from a burnt smell, it usually takes about overnight. Using baking soda or activated charcoal in an open bowl for around 8 hours can effectively absorb and eliminate the odor.
How Do I Get the Strong Smell out of My Microwave?
For a strong smell in your microwave, try a mixture of 1/2 cup of white vinegar and water in a bowl. Heat this mixture on high for 2-3 minutes, then leave it inside with the timer set for an additional 10-15 minutes with the door closed. This helps in dissipating the strong odors.
How Do You Get Rid of Burnt Plastic Smell in Microwave?
To eliminate potent smells like burnt plastic or fish, add one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the water before heating. This method helps neutralize the odor more effectively.
Is it Safe to Use Microwave after Burning Plastic?
Using your microwave after burning plastic is safe as long as you remove all burned-on residue and ensure it's thoroughly clean. However, exercise caution and consider investing in a new appliance if any part of the microwave appears burned or damaged. As a general rule, a damaged appliance can be a fire hazard.