Introduction
It’s a common experience for many of us: you put your food in the microwave, set the timer, and wait for it to finish. But instead of a delicious meal, you’re left with a burnt smell that lingers in your microwave and affects the taste of your future meals. Don’t worry, though, because there are ways to get rid of that burnt smell. In this article, we’ll discuss various natural odor absorbers that can help remove unpleasant odors from your microwave.
How to Get Burnt Smell Out of Microwave
There are several ways to get rid of burnt smell in your microwave using natural odor absorbers. Let’s begin with the most common ones.
Use Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective natural cleaner and odor absorber that can easily remove burnt smell from your microwave. Here’s how to use it:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with equal parts of water and vinegar.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 5 minutes.
- Let the bowl sit for another 5 minutes to allow the steam to penetrate the inside of the microwave.
- Open the microwave and remove the bowl.
- Carefully remove any food debris or splatters with a damp cloth.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is another great natural odor absorber that can eliminate burnt smell in your microwave. Here’s how to use it:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 5 minutes.
- Allow the bowl to cool down for a few minutes before opening the door.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave.
- Wipe inside the microwave with a damp cloth.
Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice can help neutralize the unpleasant burnt smell in your microwave. Here’s how to use it:
- Squeeze the juice from one lemon into a microwave-safe bowl of water. You can also use lemon slices instead.
- Heat the bowl in the microwave for 5 minutes.
- Allow the bowl to sit in the microwave for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.
Coffee
Coffee can absorb unpleasant odors in your microwave due to its strong aroma. Here’s how to use it:
- Put 1/4 cup of coffee grounds in a microwave-safe bowl of water.
- Heat the bowl in the microwave for 5 minutes.
- Allow the bowl to cool down for a few minutes before opening the door.
- Wipe inside the microwave with a damp cloth.
Vanilla Extract
The sweet aroma of vanilla extract can also help get rid of burnt smell in your microwave. Here’s how to use it:
- Combine 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract with 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the bowl in the microwave for 1 minute.
- Allow the bowl to sit inside the microwave for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a natural odor absorber that can effectively eliminate burnt smell in your microwave. Here’s how to use it:
- Place a small bowl of activated charcoal inside the microwave.
- Leave the bowl in the microwave for a few hours, or overnight if possible.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and discard the charcoal.
- Wipe inside the microwave with a damp cloth.
The Benefits of Natural Odor Absorbers
Using natural odor absorbers like the ones mentioned above is a safer alternative to chemical-based products. They are non-toxic and environmentally friendly compared to their chemical counterparts that contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances.
Besides, natural odor absorbers have a more pleasant scent than chemical ones, and they are just as effective in removing unpleasant odors. It is also cheaper than purchasing commercial brand products, which makes it an ideal option for households on a budget.
Step-by-Step Guide for Each Method
Preparation
Before starting, gather all the ingredients and materials you need for each method. These can be found in your kitchen or local supermarket.
Execution
Follow the instructions provided for each method. Make sure to handle hot bowls or containers with care to avoid accidental burns.
Timing
Each method has a recommended duration. The time varies from 1 minute to several hours. Leaving the bowl or container in the microwave for too long may cause damage to the microwave and the surrounding area.
Make sure to remove the odor absorber promptly for safety reasons.
Other Tips to Prevent Burnt Smell in Microwave
Although these natural odor absorbers can solve your burnt smell problem, it’s always best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to maintain a clean and odor-free microwave:
- Avoid overcooking food in the microwave. Set the timer based on the food you’re cooking.
- Cover food with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel before microwaving. This helps prevent splatters that can cause burnt smell and sticks to the interior of the microwave.
- Wipe the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth after every use. This prevents food residue from sticking and giving off an unpleasant odor.
- Use a microwave-safe cover to prevent splatters. You can also use a vented cover for foods that release steam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting burnt smell out of the microwave can seem like a daunting task, but using natural odor absorbers like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, coffee, vanilla extract, and activated charcoal can eliminate that smell quickly and safely.
Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain a clean and odor-free microwave by applying some of the tips we have shared.
