A microwave is a handy kitchen appliance that can make cooking and reheating food quick and easy.
However, it can also become smelly, especially if you cook strong-smelling foods or forget to clean them regularly.
Here are some tips on how to remove smells from a microwave.
Clean the Microwave Regularly
The first and most important tip is to clean your microwave regularly. When you use your microwave to cook or reheat food, it can sometimes splatter and create spills or debris that can cause unpleasant odors.
Here are the steps to clean your microwave:
- Remove any debris or spills. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any food particles or spills in the microwave.
- Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the microwave. Pay attention to the areas where spills and stains are most visible.
- Dry the interior with a clean towel. Use a clean towel to dry the inside of the microwave. Make sure there is no moisture left inside.
Use Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is an effective natural cleaning agent that can help remove odors from your microwave.
Here are the steps to use vinegar and water to remove smells:
- Mix three tablespoons of vinegar and 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave the bowl for several minutes. Place the bowl in the microwave and microwave it for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the mixture to heat up and steam the interior of the microwave.
- Let the bowl sit in the microwave for a few minutes. Leave the bowl inside the microwave for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the steam to penetrate the interior of the microwave and help loosen any grime or odors.
- Remove the bowl and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it may be hot!), and use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
Try Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective natural cleaning agent that can help remove odors from your microwave.
Here are the steps to use baking soda to remove smells:
- Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge or cloth.
- Wipe down the interior of the microwave with a sponge or cloth. Use the damp sponge or cloth to wipe down the inside of the microwave, paying attention to areas where spills or stains are visible.
- Leave the door of the microwave open for a few hours to allow the baking soda to absorb odors.
- Wipe down the interior again with a damp cloth then use a dry cloth to wipe dry.
Use Lemon or Citrus
Lemon or citrus can also help remove odors from your microwave.
Here are the steps to use lemon or citrus to remove smells:
- Squeeze lemon or citrus juice into a microwave-safe bowl of water. Cut a lemon or citrus in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl of water.
- Microwave the bowl for several minutes. Place the bowl in the microwave and microwave it for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the mixture to heat up and steam the interior of the microwave.
- Let the bowl sit in the microwave for a few minutes. Leave the bowl inside the microwave for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the steam to penetrate the interior of the microwave and help loosen any grime or smells just like with the vinegar.
- Take out the bowl and clean the inside of the microwave using a moistened cloth. Exercise caution when extracting the bowl, and make sure to use a fresh and dampened cloth to cleanse the interior afterward.
Other Tips to Keep Your Microwave Smelling Fresh
Aside from the tips mentioned above, here are other ways to keep your microwave smelling fresh:
- Use a microwave cover. Using a microwave cover can help prevent food splatters that can cause odors. It also helps retain moisture, which can make reheating food more effective.
- Don’t leave food in the microwave for too long. Remove food from the microwave as soon as it’s done cooking to prevent any lingering odors.
- Air out the microwave. Leave the door of the microwave open after use to allow any remaining odors to dissipate.
Conclusion:
With these simple tips, you can easily remove smells from your microwave and keep it smelling fresh.
Regular cleaning, using natural cleaning agents like vinegar or baking soda, and using a microwave cover are some of the things you can do to keep your microwave smelling great.
Remember to keep your microwave clean and well-maintained, and you’ll enjoy using it for many years to come.
Want to learn more about cleaning hacks? Read 10 Surprising Natural Cleaning Products You Can Find in Your Kitchen.
Thanks for reading.
-Baking Soda Guy
Image by Frank Wittkowski from Pixabay
