Easy Solutions: How to Fix a Smelly Microwave in No Time

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My Microwave Mishap: A Smelly Situation

It was a regular Tuesday evening, and I just got home after a long day at work. I was starving and couldn’t wait to heat up some leftovers in my trusty microwave. As I opened the door, an unbearable odor hit my nose, making my stomach churn. The once convenient and beloved kitchen appliance had turned into a smelly nightmare.

The Dreadful Smell

The smell coming from my microwave was a foul combination of burnt popcorn, old soup, and who knows what else. I couldn’t understand how it had reached this stage, considering I always took care of my kitchen appliances. Desperate to fix the problem, I turned to the internet for solutions.

Solution 1: Deep Cleaning

One common cause of a smelly microwave is a buildup of food particles and residue from previous meals. A deep clean should do the trick. Here’s what I did:

I unplugged the microwave from the power source to avoid any accidents and ensure my safety.

I removed the turntable, the microwave plate, and all other detachable parts.

I mixed a solution of equal parts water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.

I placed the bowl inside the microwave and set it to high power for about five minutes.

After the time was up, I left the bowl inside for another five minutes to allow the steam to work its magic.

I carefully removed the bowl (using oven mitts because it was hot) and wiped down the interior with a clean cloth or sponge.

I washed the turntable and other removable parts with warm soapy water, rinsed them thoroughly, and allowed them to air dry.

Once everything was dry, I reassembled the microwave and plugged it back in.

Outcome: The Sweet Smell of Success

After completing the deep clean, I eagerly opened the microwave door, half expecting the pungent smell to linger. However, to my delight, the odor had vanished, replaced by a fresh and clean scent. I couldn’t believe how such a simple solution had worked wonders.

Solution 2: Baking Soda Magic

Unfortunately, not all smells in a microwave are created equal. In some cases, the stench might be more stubborn and deeply ingrained. In such scenarios, baking soda can come to the rescue. Here’s what I did:

I unplugged the microwave and removed all the detachable parts, similar to the deep cleaning process.

I sprinkled a generous amount of baking soda inside the microwave.

I added a few drops of water to make a paste-like consistency.

Using a damp cloth or sponge, I spread the baking soda paste on the interior surfaces of the microwave, paying extra attention to any particularly smelly spots.

I let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing it to absorb the odors.

Afterward, I wiped away the baking soda with a clean cloth or sponge.

Lastly, I cleaned the detachable parts as mentioned in the deep cleaning solution.

Outcome: Kiss That Smelly Goodbye

Much like the deep cleaning solution, the baking soda method proved to be a game-changer. The unpleasant smells had vanished, and my microwave smelled as good as new. It was incredible to see how an inexpensive and common household item could fix such a troublesome issue.

Preventative Measures for the Future

Now that I had successfully rescued my microwave from its smelly fate, I decided to take some preventative measures to avoid a repeat performance. Here are a few practices to keep your microwave fresh and odor-free:

Cover your food with microwave-safe lids or wraps to prevent splatters and minimize residue buildup.

Clean up spills and food debris immediately after use.

Regularly wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces of your microwave with a damp cloth or sponge.

Consider placing a microwave-safe bowl with a mixture of lemon juice and water inside the microwave and heating it for a couple of minutes. The citrusy scent will refresh the microwave.

Always remove and clean the turntable and other removable parts.

Conclusion: A Smell-Free Kitchen Companion

In the end, my smelly microwave was transformed into a pleasant kitchen companion once again. The simple and affordable solutions of deep cleaning and utilizing baking soda proved to be highly effective in banishing the offending odors. By following some preventative measures, I can now enjoy fresh and delicious meals without the fear of a stinky surprise. Remember, with a little effort and the right techniques, fixing a smelly microwave is no longer a daunting task.