A burning smell from the microwave can quickly fill a kitchen and persist for days. Many house owners and parents notice this problem after microwaving leftovers, burnt food, or if they find a melted plastic container inside.

The unpleasant odor makes cooking less enjoyable and raises concerns about fire safety.

Experts in microwave maintenance explain that cooking odors can linger because particles cling to the walls, ceiling, or heater of an over-the-range microwave. Even regular cleaning sometimes misses hidden spots where smells hide.

People often search “How To Take Burning Smell From Microwave” to get quick solutions and freshen up their appliances.

This blog post covers easy cleaning tips using common items like lemon juice, baking soda, vanilla extract, and dish soap in a microwave-safe bowl. It will show step-by-step instructions on steam cleaning with vinegar or using coffee grounds for stronger odor elimination.

Readers will also learn how simple changes such as covering food or wiping spills at once help prevent burnt food odor.

Read ahead for fast fixes that work every time!

Key Takeaways

• Clean the microwave’s interior often. Remove and wash the turntable, then wipe walls and ceiling with dish soap to get rid of burning smells.
• Steam clean using a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice or vinegar for five minutes. This breaks down stains and leaves a fresh scent.
• Deodorize overnight by placing baking soda or coffee grounds inside the microwave. These absorb strong burnt odors while you sleep.
• Always cover food before microwaving it. Use only microwave-safe covers to prevent spills and avoid melted plastic smells.
• Clean up any spills right away with a damp cloth and dish soap. Fast cleaning keeps bad odors from sticking around after each use.

Clean the Interior of the Microwave

Cleaning the microwave’s interior helps eliminate unwanted smells. Start by taking out and washing the turntable. Next, use dish soap to wipe down the walls and ceiling thoroughly.

This simple step can make a big difference in reducing burnt food odor.

Remove and wash the turntable

Take the turntable out of the microwave before cleaning. Most glass trays are dishwasher safe, but you can also wash them by hand with dish soap and warm water. A clean turntable prevents burnt food odor from sticking around after each use.

Dry the turntable completely before placing it back inside. Some over-the-range microwaves use a roller ring under the tray; wash this piece too if present. Keeping these parts free from grease and stains helps eliminate burning smell for future cooking.

Wipe down the walls and ceiling with dish soap

Once the turntable is clean and set aside, shift focus to the microwave’s interior walls and ceiling. Dish soap helps break down greasy residue and clings to cooking odors from burnt food or a burning smell.

Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip a soft sponge or cloth into this solution.

Wipe every wall and the ceiling thoroughly, being careful around vents in over-the-range microwaves. Rinse the cloth often so grime is not spread back onto clean surfaces. This step removes both visible stains and lingering odor molecules left behind by burnt plastic smell or strong meal scents.

Regular cleaning with dish soap improves microwave maintenance, making odor elimination easier next time.

Steam the Microwave

Steam cleaning offers a simple way to tackle stubborn odors in the microwave. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add lemon juice or vinegar. Heat it for several minutes. The steam will help lift away residue and reduce unwanted smells effectively.

Use a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar

Place a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and two tablespoons of lemon juice or distilled vinegar in the center of the microwave. Heat on high for five minutes to allow steam cleaning action to loosen burnt food odor and stains.

The natural acids from both lemon juice and vinegar break down grease while releasing a fresh scent, which helps with odor elimination.

Wipe away loose debris on the walls, ceiling, and turntable after steaming is complete. This method works well for most over-the-range microwaves as it targets hard-to-remove cooking odors without harsh chemicals.

For stubborn burning smells like burnt plastic smell, repeat this process before moving ahead with deodorizing using baking soda or coffee grounds overnight.

Deodorize the Microwave Overnight

To deodorize the microwave overnight, simply place a bowl filled with baking soda or coffee grounds inside. These natural ingredients absorb bad smells effectively while you sleep.

By morning, your microwave will smell fresher and ready for use again. Discover more tips to keep your kitchen smelling nice!

Place baking soda or coffee grounds inside

Place baking soda or coffee grounds inside the microwave to absorb lingering burnt food odor. These simple items work effectively for deodorizing. Just a few tablespoons of baking soda can neutralize unpleasant smells quickly.

In addition, coffee grounds can add a pleasant aroma while absorbing unwanted odors.

Leave the chosen substance in the microwave overnight for optimal results. This method allows it sufficient time to soak up any remaining cooking odors or burnt plastic smell from previous uses.

Cleaning this way reduces strong scents and helps maintain fresh air in the kitchen environment directly related to effective microwave maintenance.

Prevent Future Odors

To prevent future odors, cover food before placing it in the microwave. Clean any spills right away to stop lingering smells from developing.

Cover food before microwaving

Cover food before microwaving. This simple step prevents cooking odors from escaping and eliminates unwanted smells. Using a microwave-safe cover, like a lid or plastic wrap, keeps moisture in while heating.

It also reduces the risk of splatters that can lead to burnt food odor.

Choosing the right cover is crucial. Opt for materials designated as microwave-safe to avoid issues with melted plastic smell. It is important to note that covering foods improves taste and makes cleanup much easier afterward.

Clean spills immediately

Spills can lead to lingering odors in the microwave. Clean them up right away to avoid a burnt food odor that persists. Use a damp cloth and some dish soap for quick cleanup. This helps eliminate stains and prevents unpleasant smells from developing.

If spills are left too long, they can harden or burn during future use. A simple task now saves time later on. Wipe down surfaces regularly, especially after cooking items that may splatter or overflow.

Keeping the interior clean will keep those cooking odors at bay and maintain better microwave maintenance.

Conclusion

Removing a burning smell from the microwave is easy. Homeowners can use simple methods to tackle this issue and restore freshness. Cleaning the interior helps eliminate odors effectively.

Using steam with lemon juice or vinegar works wonders too. Following these quick solutions keeps microwaves smelling pleasant and clean for daily use.

FAQs

1. What causes a burning smell in my over-the-range microwave?

A burning smell often comes from burnt food odor or melted plastic inside the appliance. Cooking odors can linger if spills are not cleaned right away.

2. How do I use lemon juice to remove burnt food odor from my microwave?

Pour water and 2 tbsp of lemon juice into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for several minutes so steam cleaning loosens debris, helping with odor elimination.

3. Can baking soda help get rid of a burnt plastic smell in the microwave?

Yes, place an open container of baking soda inside your clean unit overnight. Baking soda absorbs strong smells after thorough cleaning.

4. Are there other safe ingredients for cleaning microwaves and removing cooking odors?

Vanilla extract works well; mix 1 tbsp with water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat briefly. Dish soap also lifts grease while aiding overall maintenance.

5. What regular microwave maintenance tips prevent lingering burning smells?

Wipe surfaces after each use, address spills quickly, and deep clean weekly using steam cleaning techniques with safe products like lemon juice or baking soda for best results.