How to Deodorize a Microwave and Make it Smell Better

Deodorizing a Microwave – How to Get Smells Out of a Microwave

Learn how to deodorize a microwave with these simple tricks and hacks. These cleaning and deodorizing tips will help get bad odors out of your microwave and make it smell better. The hacks are easy to do and are quite inexpensive as you will only need items you already have in your home.

No one wants their microwave to hold weird odors. Not only is it unpleasant when you have to go into your microwave but it can make your food smell and taste weird.

Keeping your microwave clean with regular cleaning is your best defense against microwave odors, but there are other great things you can do to help.

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Why Does Your Microwave Smell Weird?

Odors in your microwave are caused by trapped bacteria, burnt foods, and the odors of strongly scented foods like onions and garlic.

If your microwave smells like burned plastic when you have not recently melted a plastic dish in it you may be having odor issues because your microwave is going bad and the internal parts are damaged.

How to Clean Your Microwave

These tricks will help you get bad smells out of your microwave and make it smell great.

The easiest way to clean your microwave is to create steam in your microwave to loosen up stuck-on food.

You can buy a device like this one for steaming your microwave or use a bowl of water with a small plate over it off-centered to allow steam to build up and release.

This can take 4-5 minutes. Allow the steam to sit and cool before opening your microwave.

After the steam has had time to loosen stuck-on food in your microwave you can then wipe the inside out with a scrub sponge and put the turntable in a sink of hot soapy water to wash like you would a plate.

These glass dishes are dishwasher safe making it easy to clean your microwave turntable tray.

Pay attention to ensure you get the door of your microwave very clean along the edges, and crevices where grime and odors can stick around.

How to Deodorize Your Microwave between Cleanings

If your microwave picks up odors but doesn’t need to be cleaned yet there are a few things you can do to make your microwave smell great again and even give it a quick spot clean as well to help go longer between good cleanings.

If you use your microwave to cook or heat highly fragrant foods then you can use these tricks to be proactive and keep the smells from setting in.

Deodorizing Your Microwave with Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the best deodorizers for around the home and you can use it to freshen your microwave. (You may also want to read this article on cleaning with vinegar).

You can help deodorize your microwave by placing a small bowl or plate with a small bit of vinegar in your microwave.

Run it for 30 to 60 seconds to create steam. Let sit for 5 minutes then give the inside of your microwave a quick spot clean and wipe down.

If you are pressed for time, simply placing a dish with a little vinegar on it in the microwave and kicking it on for 30 seconds, and leaving until next time you use it will help.

How to Deodorize Your Microwave with Baking Soda

Baking soda is great for absorbing odors around your home and can be a great tool for keeping your microwave smelling great. (Baking soda is also great for deodorizing a carpet).

If you cook something with a heavy odor or find your microwave just smells weird you can use baking soda to fix the issue.

Mix equal parts of water and baking soda to form a paste in a small bowl or shallow dish. Run this for 60 seconds in your microwave and let sit until you need to use the microwave again.

It will help absorb the odors in your microwave and make it smell fresh.

How to Deodorize a Microwave with Lemon (Citrus)

Cleaning is the best way to remove bad smells from your microwave and steam is the best way to clean your microwave. (Steam cleaning your microwave is one of the easy kitchen cleaning hacks that save time and effort.)

If you want to make your microwave smell better you can add lemon peels or any other citrus peels. When cooking with lemon or simply eating an orange you can put the peels to work around the house.

(You may also want to read this article on cleaning with lemons).

For your microwave, toss the peels and 1 cup of water in a bowl and microwave for 4-5 minutes. (You can also do this with a whole lemon – cut the lemon in two and use one half).

Let this citrus steam sit and cool for at least 5 minutes before wiping out your microwave and washing the turntable tray.

How to Deodorize Your Microwave with Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are great for deodorizing your trash can and they can be great for your microwave too.

To deodorize your microwave with coffee grounds, place 2 teaspoons of coffee grounds into 1/2 cup of water and place in a bowl or microwave-safe cup.

Microwave for 3-4 minutes and allow it to cool. If the odor remains you can repeat, adding more water if needed.

Be sure to allow the liquid to cool while inside your microwave so it can work to neutralize odors.

Using Rubbing Alcohol for Deodorizing Your Microwave

Sometimes regular tricks just don’t work and you need a heavy germ killer to get rid of odors in your microwave.

To use rubbing alcohol in your microwave, clean it first then follow behind with rubbing alcohol on a clean rag. Allow to dissipate before closing your microwave.

Conclusion

You don’t have to tolerate the weird odor in your microwave. There are simple tips and tricks you can use to get rid of the unpleasant odors in your microwave and keep it smelling good. Better yet, these deodorizing hacks are inexpensive and you only need items you probably have in your home already.