If you are frustrated with a stinky appliance and wondering how to get that stubborn fish smell out of microwave units, no worries, we’ve got your back.
Well, fishy smell staying in the microwave can be a real headache as it can affect the smell of other foods specially the smell of dried fish (if you ever heat it inside th emicowave you the struggling part to remove the smell). That’s why it’s so important to get rid of that funky smell right away. Now, you should be wondering how to get fish smell out of the microwave.
All it takes is a handful of natural remedies and a few smart precautions. Let’s take a ride throughout the article to know more about the simple and easy tricks to solve the problem.
Why Does Fish Leave Such a Strong Odor in the Microwave?
Have you ever thought what the reason is behind fish leaving a fish odor in the microwave?
Not just fish but every aquatic product leave the same smell. Ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, nitrogen, and sulfur-containing compounds are mainly responsible for this stinky smell. Generally, these chemical compounds of cause the fishy smell in the microwave.
Now, in a microwave, the fish is heated at a high temperature. High temperature heating causes the formation of chemicals such as trimethylamine which leaves a stinky smell. Moreover, several reactions occur that create volatile components, such as the degradation of protein and oxidation of oil.
Tip: Since a microwave has such a small, enclosed space, odors get trapped inside. The dry heat makes those smells even stronger and more noticeable.
Read More: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
How to Get Fish Smell Out of Microwave (Proven Methods)
If you stay on top of it from the start, getting rid of fish smell in your microwave is quick and easy. There are several methods you can try, but the key is to pick the one that works best for you with the least amount of fuss.
Before diving into the detailed steps, here is a quick summary table to help you choose the best approach for your kitchen:
Quick Summary of Odor Removal Methods
| Cleaning Method | Materials Needed | Best Used For | Leave Overnight? |
| Method 1: Lemon Steam | Fresh lemon slices, water, heat-safe bowl | Fresh fish splatters & light odors | No (5-min boil + wipe) |
| Method 2: Baking Soda | Baking soda, water, sponge/bowl | Neutralizing heavy, stubborn smells | Yes (if using dry bowl) |
| Method 3: Salted Water | Table salt, water, heat-safe bowl | Pre-cooking prep & lingering odors | No (5-min boil) |
| Method 4: Vinegar Trick | White vinegar, water (1:1 ratio) | Cutting heavy grease & persistent odors | No (boil + steam trap) |
| Method 5: Activated Charcoal | Activated charcoal pellets or powder | Passive absorption of extreme odors | Yes (highly recommended) |
| Method 6: Coffee Grounds | Dry or used coffee grounds, small bowl | Masking smells with a fresh aroma | Yes (best overnight |
Method 1: Lemon steam cleaning
Lemon can be great use to remove the smelly odor from the microwave. You can insert a heat-safe bowl and put some water and lemon slices in it. Boil it for 5 minutes inside the microwave. The steam released will help to put away the odor. Simply wipe the microwave inside down.
You can also leave a few pieces of lemon peel inside the microwave overnight. This would also help to get rid of the stubborn, stinky fish smell.
Method 2: Baking soda deodorizer (overnight)
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ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda
Naturally absorbing stubborn fish odors and freshening your microwave after cooking.
✔ Pros
✔ Neutralizes lingering odors
✔ Food-grade and multipurpose
✔ Safe for everyday cleaning
✔ Budget-friendly
✘ Cons
✘ May need repeated use for strong odors
✘ Doesn't disinfect surfaces
Why We Recommend It
ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda is a simple, effective way to absorb lingering fish odors from your microwave. Use it as part of your cleaning routine to help keep your microwave smelling fresh naturally.
Baking soda works as a strong cleaner. Baking soda isn’t just handy for cleaning around the house—it’s also one of the best natural deodorizers. Utilizing the Microwave baking soda method is highly effective because the alkaline powder directly reacts with the acidic structural elements of seafood odors to absorb them permanently. To tackle fishy odors in your microwave, you can use it two ways:
- Mix baking soda with a little water, spread it inside the microwave, and then wipe it clean.
- Or, place a bowl of water mixed with baking soda in the microwave, heat it until it steams, and then wipe down the interior.
Both methods work great for neutralizing stubborn smells.
Method 3: Salted water
This is a method I use to prevent that strong fish smell. I usually rinse the fish several times in salt water before cooking. It really helps get rid of that fishy odor. So if you’re planning to cook fish, I definitely recommend giving this a try first—it makes a big difference.
If you’re worried about the smell in your microwave, here’s another tip: place a bowl of water mixed with salt inside the microwave and let it boil for about five minutes. The steam from the salt water will help neutralize any lingering odor.
Read More: Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe
Method 4: Vinegar and water bowl trick
One of the best approaches to remove the fishy smell from the microwave is to use vinegar (5% acidity cleaning vinegar). Try using the mixture of vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:1. Put the mixture inside the microwave and leave it for boiling. If you don’t have vinegar at home, the other methods will work fine.
Method 5: Activated charcoal placement
Activated Charcoal Odor Absorber Bags (6-Pack)
Eliminating lingering fish odors from your microwave and other small kitchen spaces.
✔ Pros
✔ Naturally absorbs odors
✔ Fragrance-free
✔ Reusable for up to 2 years
✔ Works in multiple areas of the home
✘ Cons
✘ Doesn't clean grease or stains
✘ Takes time to absorb strong odors
Why We Recommend
It If fish odors keep coming back after cleaning, these activated charcoal bags help absorb lingering smells naturally, keeping your microwave and kitchen fresher between cleanings.
How to remove fish odor from microwave can have a simple answer because activated charcoal can be a savior. Well, activated charcoal as an absorber is a great option. You can put the charcoal inside the microwave overnight to absorb the odor.
Method 6: Coffee grounds method
Coffee grounds are an excellent odor absorber. Keeping some coffee grounds in a bowl inside the microwave might do an excellent job. You will forget you heated fish in your microwave in the next morning. Because you will get a cozy coffee shop flavor around your microwave.
Deep Clean Your Microwave if The Smell is Stubborn
If natural ways to get rid of the fish smell in the microwave doesn’t help, go for a full-on cleaning. A deep cleaning of the microwave would be the last option to go for. Though it requires time, it would not disappoint. Let’s go through the steps for the deep cleaning of microwave.
Step 1: Clean microwave turntable + walls with soap
- Make soapy warm water in the sink or in a bucket.
- Soak a clean sponge in the soapy mixture.
- Wipe the turntable and microwave walls with the sponge.
- Scrub gently to remove stains.
- Apply extra pressure on stubborn spots until clean.
Step 2: Remove and wash microwave vent/grease filter
Grease can build up in the microwave’s vent filter while you’re cooking, so it’s important to clean it before it gets too bad. Odors like to hide in sticky grease, meaning proper Microwave vent cleaning is vital if the seafood smell persists even after wiping down the inner walls.
For stubborn spots, sprinkle some baking soda on the filter—it helps loosen tough grease. When you’re done, rinse off all the soap and any cleaning products. Make sure the filter is completely dry before putting it back in the microwave.
Step 3: Wipe door seals + exhaust fan area
To get rid of the fish smell in the microwave, you should also clean the door seals and exhaust fan area. For door seals, you can easily wipe it off with a cleaner or soapy water.
But the exhaust fan requires extra caution. You have to make sure the power is off and any liquid should not enter into the electrical wires.
Use a degreaser to wipe off the exhaust fan and dry it properly before use. It’s better not to go for any watery mixture as it possesses some risks.
Preventing Fishy Smells in Your Microwave
- Cover Your Bowl: Always cover your dish before microwaving. This traps steam inside and keeps the smell from spreading.
- Use Baking Soda: Place an open box of baking soda in the microwave between uses. It absorbs lingering odors and keeps the next meal fresh.
- Choose the Right Containers: If you cook something instead of just reheating, use parchment paper or vented food containers. They allow air circulation while reducing odor build-up.
- Let the Air Out: After cooking, leave the microwave door open to release trapped air. Is a strong smell, keep it open overnight.
Extra Microwave Odor Removing Hacks (We Tested These for You!)
Here are some unusual odor-removing hacks that work like a charm—and instantly cover the stinky smell! We’ve tested these at different times, even for strong smells like dried fish. You can try:
- Use Citrus Peels: Place lemon, orange, or lime peels inside the microwave to naturally absorb and neutralize the smell.
- Try Vanilla Steam: Heat a bowl of water with a few drops of vanilla extract. The steam leaves a sweet scent that overpowers the fishy odor.
- Boil Cinnamon Sticks: Simmer a few cinnamon sticks in water inside the microwave. It creates a warm, pleasant aroma that masks lingering smells.
- Cat Litter: Put a small bowl of unused cat litter in the microwave. You will be surprised by the result.
Conclusion
Getting rid of fish smell in the microwave is a real concern for many people. Fish naturally leaves behind a strong odor, and when you cook or reheat it in the microwave, the smell can spread to other foods.
It’s definitely a problem you can’t ignore- but the good news is, there are solutions. I’ve shared the best methods that have worked for me to remove fish smell from my microwave, and you can try them out to see which one works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can you remove fish odor without vinegar?
A. Yes. If you are thinking of removing fish odor from the microwave without using vinegar, use lemon steam, salt water, baking soda method etc.
Q. How long does it take for fish smell to go away from the microwave naturally?
A. It really depends on how strong the smell is—like dried fish or leftover fish curry that splattered in the microwave! Sometimes the odor can linger for hours, even days. The good news is, if you treat it properly, it can disappear quickly.
Q. Will charcoal filters remove the fishy smell in microwaves?
A. Yes, charcoal filters can be a great way to remove fishy smells from your microwave. Charcoal is well-known for its ability to absorb odors and leave the air fresh again.
Q. What is the fastest way to get rid of fish odor in a microwave?
A. The quickest way to get rid of fish smell in the microwave is by using lemon or vinegar steam. I’ve tried it several times, and it really works.
Q. Can fish odor transfer to other foods in the microwave?
A. Yes, fish odor can linger in the microwave and even transfer to other foods. The strong, volatile compounds that cause the smell can stick around for hours, and as the odor circulates, it easily seeps into whatever else you heat up.
Q. Does leaving the door open help get fish smell out of microwave?
A. Yes, keeping the door open is an easy way to vent out trapped moisture and volatile odor compounds naturally. For strong, stubborn scents like dried fish, it is best to leave the door open overnight to help get the fish smell out of microwave completely.
