I was recently faced with an issue that I’m sure many of you have encountered before – a microwave that smelled terrible. It was a combination of old food, spills, and who knows what else that had built up over time. The stench was overpowering every time I heated up a meal, and it was really starting to bother me. I knew I had to find a solution, so I scoured the internet for effective ways to remove the smell from my microwave in a jiffy. And boy, did I find some great tips! In this article, I’ll share with you the methods that worked for me, so you can enjoy a fresh-smelling microwave too.
Method 1: Vinegar and Water
Step 1:
The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need a microwave-safe bowl, white vinegar, and water.
Step 2:
Fill the bowl with equal parts water and vinegar. A half cup of each should be enough.
Step 3:
Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it up for about 5 minutes. You want the mixture to come to a boil.
Step 4:
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Be careful, it will be hot! Take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe down the interior of the microwave. The steam created by the vinegar and water mixture will have loosened up any stuck-on grime, making it easier to clean.
Step 5:
For stubborn odors, repeat the process one more time. This should eliminate any lingering smells.
Method 2: Lemon and Water
Step 1:
Again, gather your supplies. You will need a microwave-safe bowl, a lemon, and water.
Step 2:
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl. You can also drop the lemon halves themselves into the bowl if you prefer.
Step 3:
Fill the bowl with water, making sure to cover the lemon halves if you choose to leave them in.
Step 4:
Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it up for about 3 minutes. Again, you want the mixture to come to a boil.
Step 5:
Once the time is up, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. The steam created by the lemon and water mixture will have loosened up any grime, making it easier to wipe clean.
Method 3: Baking Soda
Step 1:
For this method, all you need is baking soda and water.
Step 2:
Mix together equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste. You want it to be thick enough to spread easily but not too runny.
Step 3:
Using a sponge or cloth, apply the paste to the interior of the microwave. Make sure to cover all surfaces.
Step 4:
Let the paste sit for about 15 minutes. This will give it time to work its magic and absorb any odors.
Step 5:
After the 15 minutes are up, dampen a cloth or sponge and wipe away the baking soda paste. You should notice that the smell has significantly improved.
Additional Tips:- Always make sure to unplug the microwave before attempting to clean it.
- For especially stubborn smells, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the cleaning mixtures.
- Regularly wiping down the inside of your microwave with a damp cloth can help prevent odors from building up in the first place.
- If your microwave has a removable turntable, make sure to remove it and clean it separately.
- Don’t forget to clean the exterior of your microwave as well. A mixture of dish soap and water should do the trick.
By following these simple and effective methods, you can say goodbye to that foul smell lingering in your microwave. Whether it’s vinegar and water, lemon and water, or baking soda, these natural cleaners will leave your microwave smelling fresh and clean. So go ahead, put these tricks to the test, and enjoy your next microwave meal without the unpleasant odor.