Picture this: you’re ready to reheat dinner, but the moment you open the microwave door, you’re greeted by that stubborn burnt smell that makes you wrinkle your nose. It might be from a popcorn mishap, a forgotten cup of soup, or last week’s pizza gone wrong.
I’ve been there too, and I know exactly how frustrating it is.
That’s why I’m sharing my three go-to fixes on how to get burnt smell out of microwave: a quick steam clean with vinegar or lemon, natural deodorizers that pull the odor out while you sleep, and deep-cleaning methods for the smells that just won’t quit.
To quickly get rid of your smelly microwave, steam-clean it with water plus vinegar or lemon for 3–5 minutes, then wipe thoroughly and leave a baking soda deodorizer overnight.
1. Steam-Clean with Vinegar or Lemon (Vinegar Steam)
First things first, loosen up all that hidden grime. Here’s my go-to:
- Remove any burnt crumbs or food bits hiding in corners.
- Combine one cup of water with a splash (about a tablespoon) of vinegar or lemon juice in a microwave-safe dish. You can also drop in a few slices of fresh lemon for extra scent
- Microwave for 2–5 minutes until it’s steamy inside.
Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then wipe everything down with a soft cloth.
The acidity from lemon or vinegar works wonders—it doesn’t just mask odors, it actually helps neutralize them. In my experience, even stubborn burnt smells give up after one or two of these steam sessions. Whirlpool notes this can cut smell removal time from days to hours if done right.
Tip: After cleaning, keep the microwave door open for 15–20 minutes so trapped odor molecules can drift out instead of settling back into the surfaces.
2. Add an Instant Deodorizer (Baking Soda, Coffee Grounds, Activated Charcoal)
Sometimes steam cleaning alone isn’t enough, especially for strong burnt smells. That’s when I bring in the “odor eaters”:
- Set a small, uncovered bowl filled with baking soda, dry coffee grounds, or activated charcoal inside the microwave after the steam cleaning or when it’s not in use.
- Special Treatment: Lightly warm dry coffee grounds in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before leaving them inside. The gentle heat “activates” their odor-absorbing power, making them even more effective at pulling burnt smells out of the air.
Baking soda is my favorite—it’s inexpensive, non-toxic, and works through simple chemistry. A Reddit user swears by leaving it in for a couple of days if the smell is extra stubborn, and I can vouch for that.
Tip: Baking soda works best for neutralizing acidic and sulfur-based odors.
3. Deep Cleaning: Six Proven Ways
If your microwave still smells like a campfire after popcorn night, it’s time to go deeper. Here are my tested methods:
- Remove the Turntable
Clean the turntable with hot, sudsy water by hand, or pop it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe. Smells cling to this piece more than you might expect. - Wipe with Soapy Water
Wipe down the interior walls, ceiling, and door gaskets using a sponge dipped in warm water mixed with a gentle dish detergent. This helps lift greasy residue where smells hide. - Steam with Baking Soda
Stir one to two tablespoons of baking soda into a cup of water, heat it in the microwave for 3–5 minutes, and then wipe the surfaces clean. It’s gentle but effective. - Overnight Deodorizers
Place an open bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal inside the microwave (no need to heat them). Just let them sit overnight with the door closed, and they’ll quietly pull the burnt odor out of the air by morning.
For the dry coffee grounds, you can microwave them for 20–30 seconds before leaving them inside to work fast to replace the stinky odor from your microwave.
- Repeat Steam Cycles
Severe smells may need a few days of cleaning sessions. A just Answer appliance tech noted that some odors, especially from burnt popcorn, can take multiple treatments. - The Heavy-Duty Popcorn Fix
For the most stubborn smell, steam with vinegar, scrub with a damp Magic Eraser, then leave fresh baking soda inside for at least 24 hours, swapping it out every few hours.
How Long Does It Take Smells to Go Away?
It depends on how bad it is. A light burnt smell might disappear in under an hour with steam cleaning, while heavy popcorn burns can take 2–3 days of repeated deodorizing. Whirlpool confirms that intense smells can linger for days if soot isn’t fully removed.
How to Prevent a Smelly Microwave
- Wipe splatters as soon as you spot them—smells get worse the longer the residue sits.
- Steam clean once a month, even if it doesn’t look dirty.
- Always use a microwave cover for messy foods like soups or sauces.
- Leave the door open for a few minutes after cooking or heating to air it out.
- Clean the microwave’s charcoal filter every 3–6 months if you have an over-the-range model. This filter sits above the cooking area and helps trap grease and odors, so if it’s dirty, smells can linger no matter how much you clean the inside.
Tip: Always keep a small lemon in your fridge—slice and steam it once a week in your microwave. It’s a quick, natural refresher.
How to Get Burnt Popcorn Smell Out of Microwave?
Ah, the classic. The burnt popcorn smell is one of the toughest odors to tackle because of the oil and caramelized sugar in the unpopped pieces of popcorn.
Here’s the fastest fix I’ve found:
- Heat one cup of water with a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave for about five minutes until it’s nice and steamy
- Keep the door closed for another five minutes so the steam can keep working.
- Wipe clean, then place baking soda inside overnight.
If the smell lingers, repeat for two nights—yes, it’s that stubborn, but it will fade.
FAQs
Is it Safe to Use a Microwave That Smells Burnt?
Yes, as long as the smell is from food and not from damaged electrical components. If you ever smell a sharp, chemical, or plastic odor when running the microwave, stop using it and have it checked by a technician.
What Neutralizes a Burnt Food Smell in a Microwave?
Acidic steam (from vinegar or lemon) helps break down odor molecules, while baking soda, coffee grounds, and activated charcoal absorb the remaining smell.
Can I use dish soap alone to remove burnt smells from my microwave?
Yes, dish soap can help, especially for grease-based odors. However, for strong burnt smells, pairing dish soap with a steam-clean (using vinegar or lemon) is more effective because steam loosens particles that soap alone might miss.
Will the burnt smell in a microwave go away on its own?
Light odors might fade after a few days of not using the microwave and keeping the door open, but strong smells—like burnt popcorn—can linger for weeks without proper cleaning and deodorizing.
Is it safe to put baking soda directly on microwave surfaces?
Yes, but only as a paste mixed with water for scrubbing, not as a dry powder on surfaces while the microwave is running. Always wipe it off completely after cleaning to avoid residue.
Conclusion
Freshening up a burnt-smelling microwave doesn’t have to be a battle. Start with steam cleaning, follow up with a natural deodorizer, and for extra-tough cases, go in for a deep scrub. From my own kitchen experiments, these tricks work every time.
And once you know them, the burnt popcorn smell won’t stand a chance. Give one a try today and enjoy opening your microwave without holding your breath.
