Easy Steps: How to Get Rid of Smells in Microwave Ovens

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My Unpleasant Experience and the Easy Solution

A few days ago, I had the most unpleasant experience with my microwave oven. I accidentally left a plate of reheated fish in it for far too long, and the pungent smell that filled my kitchen was absolutely unbearable. It was a lesson learned: never forget to remove food from the microwave promptly. However, I was left wondering how I could get rid of that stubborn smell. After some research and trial and error, I discovered a few easy steps that effectively eliminated the odor from my microwave. In this article, I’ll share these steps with you, so you can bid farewell to unpleasant microwave odors too!

The Culprit: Lingering Odors in the Microwave Oven

Before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand what causes the lingering smells in microwave ovens. Over time, food particles and liquids can accumulate, splatter, and stick to the interior surfaces, creating stubborn odors that seem impossible to remove. Additionally, the porous nature of these surfaces allows the smells to penetrate deeper, making it even more difficult to get rid of them.

Step 1: Wiping it Clean

The first step to eliminate unpleasant smells from your microwave is to thoroughly clean the interior surfaces. Follow these simple steps:

Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.

Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the vinegar-water mixture.

Gently wipe the interior surfaces of the microwave, paying special attention to areas where food residue may be lodged.

To remove stubborn stains, let the vinegar-water mixture sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or brush.

Once you’ve cleaned all surfaces, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any leftover vinegar residue.

Step 2: The Power of Lemon

Lemon is a natural deodorizer with a refreshing citrus scent. Using lemon can help neutralize and mask any remaining odors in your microwave. Here’s what you need to do:

Cut a lemon in half.

Squeeze the juice from both halves into a microwave-safe bowl.

Add the squeezed lemon halves to the bowl.

Place the bowl in the microwave and turn it on for one minute, or until the lemon-water mixture boils and creates steam.

Leave the bowl inside the microwave for a few more minutes, allowing the steam to permeate and freshen the interior.

Step 3: Freshening with Baking Soda

Baking soda, known for its ability to absorb odors, is another fantastic solution to get rid of lingering smells in your microwave. Follow these steps:

Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.

Place the bowl in the microwave and turn it on for two minutes, or until the water begins to boil and create steam.

Let the bowl sit inside the microwave for an additional five minutes, allowing the steam and baking soda to work their magic.

Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot!) and use a clean cloth to wipe away any remaining residue.

Step 4: Deodorizing with Coffee

If the smell of coffee is more appealing to you, this step will be a delight. Coffee grounds have excellent deodorizing properties and can effectively eliminate unpleasant smells from your microwave. Here’s how to do it:

Place a handful of coffee grounds (fresh or used) onto a microwave-safe plate or bowl.

Put the plate or bowl inside the microwave.

Turn the microwave on for one minute, or until the coffee grounds start to give off a rich aroma.

Leave the grounds inside the microwave for about 15 minutes to allow them to absorb any remaining odors.

Remove the plate or bowl, and voila! Your microwave should smell delightfully of coffee.

An Effortless Solution to a Lingering Problem

With these simple steps, you can successfully eliminate unpleasant smells from your microwave oven. Remember to always clean up spills and splatters promptly to prevent odors from developing in the first place. However, if you find yourself facing an unpleasant smell, now you have the tools and knowledge to tackle it head-on. Say goodbye to those lingering odors and enjoy a fresh-smelling kitchen once again!