The Best Way to Remove Burnt Odors from Your Microwave

PDF download Download Article
Eliminate a burnt smell from your microwave with natural, household items
PDF download Download Article

Snacks like popcorn are infamous for leaving a burnt odor in and around your microwave that just doesn’t seem to go away. Not to worry, though—as pervasive as these burnt smells seem, it’s possible to vanquish them with some common household cleaning supplies like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. We’ll walk you through some tried-and-true deodorizing suggestions, along with some tips on how to prevent these smells from popping up in the first place.

Things You Should Know

  • To get rid of a burnt smell, start by wiping out any debris from inside your microwave with a soft cloth.
  • Then, heat a bowl of diluted vinegar or lemon juice for 1.5-4 minutes to steam up the microwave. Leave the steam for 15 minutes, then wipe it out again.
  • Place a bowl of baking soda in your microwave overnight to finish up the deodorizing process.
Section 1 of 3:

How to Remove Burnt Smells from a Microwave

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Grab a soft cloth or sponge and give the inside of your microwave a quick wipe-down. Make sure to clean off each side of the microwave, including the ceiling.
    • Don’t use steel wool or any kind of metal scrubbing sponge to clean your microwave. There’s a chance that small bits of metal could come off the sponge while you clean, which could become a future fire hazard.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Vinegar and lemon juice are natural deodorizers, and the steam helps soften and remove caked on debris. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water so it’s about 50% full. Then, stir in 3 to 4 US tbsp (44 to 59 mL) of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, or one lemon’s worth of juice. Here’s how long you need to heat the bowl for, depending on your microwave’s wattage:
    • 600 watts: 4 minutes
    • 700 watts: 3 minutes
    • 800 watts: 2.5 minutes
    • 1,000 watts: 2 minutes
    • 1,200 watts: 1.5 minutes [1]
    • Alternative: Don’t have lemon juice or vinegar? Cut up an orange and place the slices in a microwave-safe bowl filled with 2  c (470 mL) of water. Microwave that instead! [2] You can also microwave a bowl of regular water.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don’t immediately go to open the microwave once it dings. Instead, give the steam a few minutes to sit in the microwave and work its cleaning magic (especially if you have any burnt-on messes).
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Using a sponge or cleaning cloth, clean off all the surfaces again—thanks to the steam, it should be significantly easier to wipe down. Take a moment to clean off any other accessories for your microwave, like the turntable or tray at the bottom.
    • Keep your face away from the microwave as you open it, as the lingering steam may billow out and be hot.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Fill a small bowl with baking soda, or stick an open box of baking soda inside of the microwave. Let the baking soda deodorize the microwave interior overnight, clearing away any burnt smells from the appliance. [3]
    • Alternative: Soak up the bad smells with a bowl of charcoal. [4] A bowl of old coffee grounds can also do the trick.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many microwaves (particularly those with a built-in exhaust system) have special grease filters installed. Check your microwave’s user manual to learn the proper way to remove and install a new grease filter . This may help clear away the bad smell. [5]
    • Don’t have your user manual on hand? Search Manualslib for a free, digital copy of your microwave’s handbook.
    7. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

How to Prevent Burnt Microwave Smells

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    From a technological perspective, microwaves make food hot by creating vibrations in a given food’s water content. [6] With this in mind, drier and starchier foods (foods with lower water content) are more likely to burn; so, it’s important to keep a close eye on anything dry that you put in the microwave.
    • Dry, starchy foods you might microwave include things like popcorn, bread, pasta, or rice.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Burnt smells are best tackled at the source, and they shouldn’t be left to fester in your kitchen. Set aside some time as soon as feasibly possible to clean out your microwave once it starts to smell bad. The scent definitely won’t get any easier to eliminate as time goes on!
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—and this is especially true when it comes to microwave maintenance. Choose a day of the week to wipe down the inside of your microwave to keep messes in check, and to prevent any burnt smells from popping up. [7]
    • Diluted baking soda is a great cleaning agent for your microwave. Simply stir 4 tbsp (68g) of baking soda into 1 US qt (0.95 L) of warm water; then, use this mixture to clean everything off. Once you’re finished, rinse off the baking soda mixture with a clean cloth that's damp with clean water. [8]
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Will a burnt microwave smell go away?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Burnt-Smell-Out-of-Microwave-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    However, your chances of successfully deodorizing your microwave significantly increase the sooner you tackle the smell. Get cleaning as soon as possible to get your microwave (and kitchen) smelling as fresh as possible.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Clean Melted Plastic Out of an Oven
      How to
      Clean a Burnt Oven Bottom
      How to
      Clean an Oven with Baking Soda
      How to
      Remove the Smell of Oven Cleaner
      How to
      Deodorize an Oven
      How to
      Clean an Oven with Vinegar
      How to
      Steam Clean an Oven
      How to
      Clean an Electric Oven
      The Fastest and Easiest Ways to Clean Your Gas Oven
      How to
      Clean a Non‐Self‐Cleaning Oven
      How to
      Clean a Convection Oven
      How to
      Clean the Bottom of an Oven
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning hacks, check out our in-depth interview with Susan Stocker .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-a-microwave-281474979530474/
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/12-ways-to-remove-odors-from-a-microwave/
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/12-ways-to-remove-odors-from-a-microwave/
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/12-ways-to-remove-odors-from-a-microwave/
      5. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-a-microwave-281474979530474/
      6. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/resources-you-radiation-emitting-products/microwave-ovens
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/12-ways-to-remove-odors-from-a-microwave/
      8. ↑ https://oconto.extension.wisc.edu/files/2011/02/Baking-Soda.pdf

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,609 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement