Quick Ways to Get Burnt Popcorn Smell Out of the Microwave & Your Home

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Remove burnt popcorn odor with lemons, vinegar, & more
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Once you burn a bag of popcorn, the unpleasant odor tends to linger in your microwave for a long time. Luckily, there are lots of easy, natural ways to get rid of the smell, including heating up lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda. Keep reading to learn how to completely neutralize and mask the burnt popcorn smell in your microwave, as well as how to get rid of the smell in your home!

Things You Should Know

  • Squeeze the juice of a lemon into ½ cup (118 ml) of water and heat it in the microwave for 3 minutes. Then, let it steam inside for 10 minutes.
  • Or, mix 2 tbsp (30 ml) of white vinegar with 1 cup (273 ml) of water and heat it up for 5 minutes. Then, let the vinegar steam for 10 minutes.
  • As another alternative, leave a bowl of baking soda, coffee grounds, or activated charcoal in your microwave overnight to absorb the burnt smells.
Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Steaming with Lemon Water

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    Cleaning your microwave gets rid of any food debris that might harbor the burnt popcorn odor. Just mix together warm water with a few drops of dish soap and dampen a cloth or sponge with the mixture. Then, scrub the turntable, door, and top, sides, and bottom of the microwave. [1]
    • Or, steam clean the inside of the microwave to help loosen any super stuck-on debris. Just pour 1 cup (273 ml) of water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 5 minutes. Then, keep the door closed for 5 minutes before wiping out the inside.
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    Pour ½ cup (118 ml) of water into a microwave-safe bowl. Then, cut 1 lemon in half and squeeze the juice from each half into the bowl. Simply drop the lemon halves into the bowl after squeezing for an extra citrusy boost. [2]
    EXPERT TIP

    Marcus Shields

    House Cleaning Professional
    Marcus is the owner of Maid Easy, a local residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. His cleaning roots date back to his grandmother who cleaned homes for valley residents in the 60’s through the 70’s. After working in tech for over a decade, he came back to the cleaning industry and opened Maid Easy to pass his family’s tried and true methods to home dwellers across the Phoenix Metro Area.
    Marcus Shields
    House Cleaning Professional

    Try using a product that will concentrate the steam. Marcus Shields, the owner of Maideasy says: "Heating the water in a microwave-safe bowl or cup works well, but one of our favorite products is the Angry Mama . You fill it with water, put on the top, and put it in the microwave for about 2 minutes. When the water gets hot, steam comes out of the cap and coats the inside of the microwave, including beneath the tray. When it's done, you can just wipe out the inside of the microwave."

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    Put the bowl of lemon juice and water in the microwave and heat it for 3 minutes. Then, keep the microwave door closed and let the bowl sit inside for 5 to 10 minutes. This produces a citrusy steam that neutralizes the burnt popcorn smell and makes any leftover debris easier to clean. [3]
    • If the popcorn smell is really bad, leave the lemon water in the microwave for several hours or overnight.
    EXPERT TIP

    Marcus Shields

    House Cleaning Professional
    Marcus is the owner of Maid Easy, a local residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. His cleaning roots date back to his grandmother who cleaned homes for valley residents in the 60’s through the 70’s. After working in tech for over a decade, he came back to the cleaning industry and opened Maid Easy to pass his family’s tried and true methods to home dwellers across the Phoenix Metro Area.
    Marcus Shields
    House Cleaning Professional

    Curious how this works? Marcus Shields of Maideasy says: "Microwaves work by exciting the water particles in your food. The particles become high-energy and shake around, which is why they clean the microwave when you heat them."

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    Open the microwave and use an oven mitt to carefully remove the bowl of lemon water. Then, take a damp sponge or cloth the scrub off any debris on the sides, bottom, top, and door of the microwave. [4]
    • If your microwave has a turning tray, take it out and then wipe it down.
    • Dip a scrub brush in the lemon water to clean off any stubborn stains and food debris.
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    Wipe the turntable, door, and inside of the microwave with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess moisture. Your microwave now has a refreshing, lemony scent instead of a burnt popcorn odor! [5]
    • If you’re still smelling burnt popcorn, follow 1 of the alternative methods below to get rid of the smell once and for all.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Steaming with Vinegar

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    Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that also neutralizes smelly odors like burnt popcorn. Just add 2 tbsp (30 ml) of white vinegar and 1 cup (273 ml) of water to a ceramic or glass bowl. [6]
    • While vinegar absorbs unpleasant smells, it can leave behind a scent of its own. Don’t worry though, this odor dissipates after a couple of days.
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    Place the bowl of vinegar water in the microwave and heat it for 5 minutes. Then, keep it in the microwave for about 5 to 10 minutes so the steam has time to absorb the burnt popcorn smells. [7]
    • Leave the vinegar water in the microwave for several hours or even overnight if the burnt odor is very strong.
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    Use an oven mitt to take the bowl of vinegar out of the microwave, as it might be hot. Then, carefully dip a sponge or cloth in the solution and use it to wipe down the turning tray and inside of the microwave. This cleans off any food debris and helps get rid of any lingering smells. [8]
    • For stubborn, stuck-on stains, use a scrub brush.
    • Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the inside of the microwave when you’re done cleaning.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Absorbing the Smell with Baking Soda

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    Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that absorbs unpleasant popcorn odors. Simply set an open box of baking soda in your microwave or pour 1 cup (272 g) of baking soda into a bowl. Then, close the microwave door and leave the baking soda inside for at least 8 hours or overnight. [9]
    • Alternatively, use activated charcoal in place of baking soda. Charcoal also absorbs strong odors like burnt popcorn.
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    If you don’t want to wait overnight, mix 2 tablespoons (34 g) of baking soda with 1 cup (273 ml) of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the solution for 3 minutes and then let it steam inside the microwave for 10 minutes to 1 hour. [10]
    • Use a sponge or cloth to wipe out any food or stains after steaming the microwave.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Neutralizing the Smell with Coffee

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    Coffee is a super effective odor absorber that also leaves your microwave with a pleasant aroma. Just scoop 1 cup (82 g) of coffee into a bowl and place it in your microwave. Shut the microwave and leave the coffee grounds inside for 8 hours or overnight. [11]
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    Steaming your microwave with coffee is another easy way to get rid of the burnt popcorn smell. Simply pour 2 tablespoons (10 g) of ground coffee and ½ cup (118 ml) of water into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the coffee for 3 minutes and then leave it inside to steam for at least 10 minutes to 1 hour. [12]
    • Wipe down the inside of the microwave with a sponge or cloth to remove any leftover food or stains.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Masking the Burnt Popcorn Smell

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    Vanilla extract has a strong, sweet scent that can overpower the burnt smell of popcorn. Simply pour 4 teaspoons (20 ml) of vanilla extract and 2 cups (473 ml) of water into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the vanilla for 5 minutes and then let it stand inside for 30 minutes. [13]
    • If you prefer the fresh scent of berries, scoop a handful into a microwave-safe dish and heat it for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
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    Leave your microwave smelling rich and spicy by pouring ¼ cup (117 g) of ground cloves into a bowl. Set the bowl in your microwave and keep it in there for at least 8 hours or overnight. [14]
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    Strong-smelling foods can mask and cancel out the unpleasant smell of burnt popcorn in your microwave. Just heat up foods you like the smell of, like cheese pizza, bacon, soup, and sugary-sweet pastries like cinnamon rolls.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Getting Rid of Burnt Popcorn Smell in Your House

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    If the burnt popcorn smell is lingering in your kitchen, living room, or other parts of your home, simply air out the areas. Open any windows or doors in the rooms to get rid of the smell and let fresh air inside. Then, turn on any exhaust and ceiling fans to help the clean air circulate through your house. [15]
    • Dispose of the burnt bag of popcorn if you haven’t already. Seal the popcorn in a plastic bag and then throw it in your trash can outside.
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    Lemons, baking soda, coffee, and vinegar all absorb the burnt popcorn smell in your microwave, so they can do the same in your house. Just squeeze lemon juice into a couple of bowls or pour in baking soda, coffee, or vinegar. Then, place the bowls around your kitchen and any other affected rooms in your house. [16]
    • Or, add lemon juice or vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on your counters or into the air to help soak up the smell.
    • Alternatively, simmer a pot of water and slices of citrus on your stove. Or, simply brew a pot of coffee.
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    If you love the smell of vanilla, use it to overpower the pungent popcorn odor. Simply heat your oven to 300° F (149° C) and pour 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of vanilla extract into a heat-safe dish, like a coffee cup. Then, set the vanilla in the oven for 1 hour to let the fragrant scent fill your home. [17]
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    Letting your favorite scents waft through the air is one of the easiest ways to get rid of the burnt popcorn odor in your home. Just burn a candle or some incense in your kitchen or wherever you smell the popcorn. If you have a diffuser, simply drop in your favorite essential oils and turn it on to get rid of the unpleasant scent.
    • Do not leave your candle or incense unattended. Always blow out the flame whenever you leave the room, leave the house, or are going to sleep.
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  • Question
    How do I get my microwave white again if it was discolored by burned popcorn?
    Community Answer
    Try applying full-strength chlorine bleach with a paper towel. Let it stand for about five minutes and then wipe clean.
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  • Question
    My brother smells like burned popcorn.
    Community Answer
    Tell him to take a bath or shower and use plenty of shampoo. You might also apply the methods in the article on him instead of a microwave.
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      Tips

      • If your microwave has a filter, the burnt popcorn smell can get trapped inside. Just replace your filter with a new one by consulting your microwave’s user’s manual.
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      • Air out your microwave by keeping the door open when you aren’t using it.
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      • Use a clean sponge or cloth when you wipe out your microwave, otherwise, you might make the microwave even dirtier.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a17694/spring-cleaning-microwave-grime/
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-your-microwave-with-just-a-lemon-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-200294
      3. ↑ https://lifehacker.com/use-a-lemon-to-make-cleaning-the-microwave-easy-1525960405
      4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-your-microwave-with-just-a-lemon-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-200294
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-your-microwave-with-just-a-lemon-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-200294
      6. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a17694/spring-cleaning-microwave-grime/
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/clean-microwave-with-vinegar-267593
      8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/clean-microwave-with-vinegar-267593
      9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/12-ways-to-remove-odors-from-a-microwave/
      1. ↑ https://lifehacker.com/deodorize-and-clean-a-microwave-with-baking-soda-and-wa-1609240120
      2. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/cleaning/kitchen/burnt-smell-out-of-the-microwave/
      3. ↑ https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/removing-burned-popcorn-smell-from-a-microwave/
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/12-ways-to-remove-odors-from-a-microwave/
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/12-ways-to-remove-odors-from-a-microwave/
      6. ↑ https://www.artfulhomemaking.com/how-to-get-rid-of-burnt-popcorn-smell-in-your-kitchen/
      7. ↑ https://theskillfulcook.com/how-to-get-burnt-popcorn-smell-out-of-house/
      8. ↑ https://lifehacker.com/5828262/get-rid-of-household-odors-with-vanilla-extract

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get the burnt popcorn smell out of the microwave, squeeze 2 halves of a lemon into a bowl of water, then drop the halves into the bowl. Microwave the lemon water on high for 3 minutes, keep the door shut for 5 minutes after that, then open the door and wipe down the inside. If that doesn't work, pour 1/2 tbsp of vinegar and 1 tsp of baking soda on a sponge. Heat the sponge in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, then scrub the inside with the sponge once it's cool enough to touch. If you want to learn how to absorb or mask the smell from your microwave, keep reading the article!

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      • Susan Smith

        Jul 13, 2019

        "What a stinky mess burnt popcorn makes, but the lemon/water solution did the trick. The vanilla water trick kept ..." more
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