Being a movie lover, I often indulge in the classic movie night routine of popcorn and a film. However, sometimes, in my hurry to satisfy my cravings, I end up burning a batch of popcorn in the microwave. Not only does it ruin the taste, but it also leaves an unpleasant burnt popcorn smell that lingers in my kitchen for days. Over time, I have discovered a few effective methods to get rid of this stubborn odor. In this blog post, I will share these methods with you, so you too can banish the burnt popcorn smell from your microwave.
Gather Your Supplies
1. Vinegar
2. Baking soda
3. Lemon juice
4. Water
5. Microwave-safe bowl or cup
6. Clean cloth
Now that you have gathered your supplies, let’s move on to the steps to effectively eliminate the burnt popcorn smell from your microwave.
Step 1: Unplug and Empty
The first and most crucial step is to unplug your microwave from its power source. Safety always comes first! Once you have done that, remove any burnt popcorn remnants or food debris from the microwave. Be sure to dispose of them properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl or cup, combine equal parts of water and vinegar. This mixture will work as a powerful odor-neutralizing solution. For an extra boost, add a few drops of lemon juice to the mixture. Stir it well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 3: Microwave the Cleaning Mixture
Place the bowl or cup with the cleaning mixture in the microwave and turn it on for approximately five minutes. The mixture will start to boil and steam, helping to loosen and eliminate the burnt popcorn smell that has permeated your microwave.
Pro Tip:
Cover the bowl or cup with a microwave-safe plate to prevent the mixture from splattering all over the microwave.
Step 4: Let the Mixture Sit
After the five minutes are up, leave the cleaning mixture inside the microwave for another five minutes. This will allow the steam to circulate and penetrate the microwave, further assisting in odor removal.
Step 5: Wipe the Interior
Using a clean cloth, carefully remove the bowl or cup with the cleaning mixture from the microwave. Next, wipe the interior of the microwave with the cloth. The burnt popcorn smell should easily come off, leaving your microwave fresh and clean.
Step 6: Baking Soda Finishing Touch
To ensure no traces of the burnt popcorn smell remain, sprinkle some baking soda on a damp cloth and wipe down the interior once more. Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb and neutralize odors effectively.
Pro Tip:
Leave an open box of baking soda in your microwave overnight to continue absorbing any lingering odors.
Step 7: Ventilation is Key
Lastly, open windows, switch on fans, and allow fresh air to circulate in your kitchen. Ventilation will help remove any remaining odors and ensure your kitchen smells pleasant once again.
With these simple steps, you can say goodbye to the burnt popcorn smell that has plagued your microwave. Remember, prevention is better than cure, so be sure to follow the popcorn cooking instructions carefully to avoid burning it in the first place. But if you do end up with that unpleasant smell, these tried and tested methods will come to your rescue. Enjoy your movie nights without any lingering smells!