Introduction
At some point, we’ve all experienced the unpleasant odor that emanates from a microwave after cooking something that has burnt. While most people tend to ignore the smell, it’s crucial to address it promptly to avoid permanent damage to the unit and future unpleasant odors. This article aims to address the issue of burnt smells in microwaves, offering effective solutions and prevention tips for the problem at hand.
Natural Cleaning Solutions
When it comes to cleaning your microwave, using natural ingredients over chemical cleaners is a safer option. To start, grab a bowl and mix a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar. Drop a lemon that’s been cut into quarters, and place in the microwave. Heat the bowl for five minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. For a more abrasive cleaning solution, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of water to create a thick paste. Use a sponge to apply the paste onto the stained areas in the microwave, then wipe clean.
Steam Cleaning
If you’re looking for another natural cleaning solution, steam cleaning is an excellent alternative to using chemicals. The easiest way to do this is by filling a microwave-safe bowl with water and microwave it for five minutes. The steam that’s produced from the hot water will loosen any leftover residue and enable you to wipe any remaining spots off with a clean cloth. An alternate option is purchasing a steam cleaner or a microwave steam cleaning product, both of which offer similar results.
Odor-Absorbing Materials
If natural solutions and steam cleaning fail to remove the burnt smell, try using odor-absorbing products such as charcoal, coffee grounds, and activated carbon. For coffee grounds, place about a 1/2 cup of used coffee grounds in a bowl and let it sit in the microwave for a few hours to absorb bad odors. To use activated carbon, purchase an activated charcoal sponge and place it in the microwave after use to remove any lingering smells. Charcoal works similarly, but a charcoal filter can also be placed in the microwave for several hours before being replaced.
Professional Cleaning Products
If the above solutions fail to remove the odor in the microwave, consider purchasing professional cleaning products specifically designed for microwaves. They’re often more potent than store-bought cleaning materials and have been tested on microwaves to eliminate odors. A couple of trustworthy products to consider include Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner and Glisten Microwave Cleaner.
Innovative Microwave Cleaning Tools
Several innovative microwave cleaning tools can aid in removing burnt smells with minimal effort. A microwave steam bag is an excellent example, where just a bag filled with water and microwaved to producing steam will eliminate any odors. A microwave cover and cleaning sprays are other examples of available cleaning tools that offer satisfactory cleaning performance.
Prevention Tips
The best way to eliminate burnt smells from your microwave is to prevent them in the first place. Ensure you never overheat your food, as this is the major reason for burnt smells. Also, use microwave-safe materials, including ceramics, glass, and microwave-safe plastic, to prevent odors from materializing. Lastly, always add a few tablespoons of water to foods that tend to overheat.
Conclusion
Burnt smells can make microwaves difficult to use and can linger for a long time. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove these odors naturally using vinegar and baking soda. Additionally, innovative cleaning products and prevention tips will help keep your microwave clean and in perfect working order.
