Introduction
If your microwave smells bad, it’s likely because it’s not being cleaned often enough. Food particles and grease can build up over time, causing an unpleasant smell. You’ll need to clean the microwave thoroughly to get rid of the smell.
What Causes Microwave Smells?
Two main things can cause your microwave to smell bad: food particles that become trapped and spread bacteria and burned-on grease and food. Both of these can be remedied with regular cleaning.
You can get rid of microwave smells by:
-Washing the microwave: Using hot, soapy water, wash the inside of the microwave, ensuring to get into all the nooks and crannies. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth.
-Cleaning the door seal: Use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to clean the rubber seal around the door. Remove any build-up of food or grease.
-Cleaning the turntable: Remove it (if possible) and wash it in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and dry before putting it back in the microwave.
How to Get Rid of Microwave Smells
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of microwaving fish or some other smelly food, you know how tough it can be to get rid of that stink. If your microwave smells bad, here are a few quick and easy ways to clean it up.
First, start with the simplest solution: just stick a bowl of vinegar and run the microwave for a few minutes. The vinegar will help to neutralize the odors.
If that doesn’t work, or if you want something a little more heavy-duty, mix equal parts water and lemon juice in a bowl, then microwave it for three minutes. The acidic lemon juice will help to cut through the grease and grime that might be causing the bad smell.
Finally, if all else fails, you can always remove the turntable (if your microwave has one) and wash it in the sink with hot soapy water. Depending on the smell, you might also need to scrub down the inside of your microwave with soapy water. Just be sure to unplug it first!
Tips to Prevent Microwave Smells
Here are a few tips to help prevent or eliminate smells in your microwave:
-Wipe up spills immediately.
-Use glass or ceramic cookware rather than plastic.
-Cover food while cooking.
-Add a splash of vinegar to the water when cooking smelly foods, such as fish.
-Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and wipe the microwave inside.
-Use an air freshener designed for microwaves.
Summary
If your microwave has been smelling a little off lately, it might be time to clean it. It is especially true if you notice that the smell comes from inside the microwave rather than just the outside. Here are a few tips to help you get rid of that nasty microwave smell:
-Wipe down the inside of the microwave with a vinegar-water solution. It will help to remove any food particles or grease that might be causing the smell.
-Clean the door seals and gasket with a damp cloth. These areas can sometimes harbor mold or mildew, which can cause a bad smell.
-Put a bowl of vinegar or baking soda in the microwave and run it on high for 5 minutes. It will help to absorb any odors that are lingering in the air.
-After you’ve cleaned the inside of the microwave, be sure to wipe the outside. It will help to remove any build-up that might be trapping smells inside.
FAQs
-How often should I clean my microwave?
It is best to clean your microwave when you notice the inside is starting to get a bit dirty. Depending on how often you use it, this can be anywhere from once a week to once a month.
-My microwave smells bad even after I clean it. What could be the problem?
If your microwave still smells bad after cleaning it, the issue might be with the food you reheat. If you are reheating food with a strong odor, try covering it with a paper towel or plate while it cooks to help contain the smell. You can also try microwaving a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes to help neutralize odors.
-I accidentally burned food in my microwave. How do I get rid of the burned smell?
If you have burned food in your microwave, start by unplugging the appliance and letting it cool down for at least 30 minutes. Once it is cool, remove any charred food from the inside of the microwave and use a damp cloth to wipe down all surfaces. If the burned smell persists, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl and place it inside the microwave. Turn on the appliance and let it run for 5-10 minutes before wiping it down again and repeating as necessary until the odor is gone.