I love my microwave but there's one thing I really can't stand, and that's when it starts to get that rancid burnt smell—and it only gets worse every time you use it!
This seems to be the case whether you've got one of the best microwaves or the best compact microwaves and there doesn't seem to be a way to avoid developing some bad odors with regular usage. But the good news is you can get rid of the burnt smell in a microwave, so I consulted the experts to find out why it happens and what to do about it.
Chef Tiffany Sutherland told me that the burnt odor in my microwave was most likely down to food that has either over-cooked or spilled inside the microwave.
She shared that: "It can happen if you heat something for too long or if food splatters and then sticks to the walls and ceiling of the microwave. Sometimes it can be that built up grime starting to smoke."
Whatever the cause it's really unpleasant so I was keen to hear more from the experts about how to get rid of a burnt smell in a microwave.
How to get rid of a burnt smell in a microwave
1. Unplug the microwave
The first thing to do is the unplug the microwave says kitchen expert and interior designer Angie Kreller.
Angie told me: "Generally, the burning smell in your microwave is usually just some stubborn bits of food playing hide-and-seek. When you’re making popcorn or heating up some soup, some particles can go rogue and get stuck on the microwave's roof or sides. When the microwave is used again and again, these pieces start to burn, which can get smelly!
"So first things first, you need to start things off by unplugging your microwave. If you’ve recently cooked in it, then give it time to cool down—the last thing you need is to burn your fingers."
2. Clean the interior
The next thing the experts told me to do to get rid of the smell was to clean the inside of my microwave. Kreller says: "Grab a damp cloth and wipe out any obvious food bits. You might be surprised what you find in there if you haven’t cleaned it in a while … or at all!"
I'll be honest, I try to wipe-clean my microwave straight after each use but don't stick to this religiously so I'll make a concerted effort from now on to do this to avoid that nasty burnt odor.
3. Get rid of odors
There are several ways to get rid of the burnt smell in your microwave but all of the experts I spoke to agreed it's best to avoid harsh chemicals.
Kreller told me: "The fun part is now to get rid of the smells. You can do this without buying a cleaner at the store—all you need to do is mix up some water and white vinegar in a bowl.
"Even though it’ll sound weird, you now need to pop that bowl in the microwave and let it steam for a few minutes. After the steam bath, let it sit and marinate for a bit. Here, the steam’s going to do the hard work for you. If the smell's being extra stubborn, break out the big guns. It’s not that dramatic, the big guns are jsst baking soda paste—but it really is like magic eraser for odors."
Appliances expert Matt Little, founder and MD of e-commerce brand Festoon House, has some specific products he favors for getting rid of burnt odors.
He told me: "The most effective one is by using activated charcoal. This substance is known for its powerful odor-absorbing properties. To use this method, place a few pieces of activated charcoal in a bowl and position it inside the microwave. Close the door and leave it overnight.
"The activated charcoal will absorb the burnt smell over time. This method works because activated charcoal has a large surface area that captures and holds onto odor molecules, effectively neutralizing them. This technique is particularly useful if the burnt smell is strong and has been lingering for a while.
If you’re looking for a more advanced solution, an ozone generator might be worth considering, he told me. "Ozone generators work by releasing ozone into the air, which reacts with odor molecules and neutralizes them. Just place the ozone generator inside the microwave, close the door, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation.
"The ozone reacts with and breaks down the odor molecules, effectively removing the burnt smell. This method is less commonly used but can be very effective for strong and persistent odors, especially when other methods haven’t worked."
FAQS
What are the best eco-friendly ways to get rid of a burnt smell?
If you want to keep things green and eco-friendly, Mother Nature has your back—no need to buy any harmful chemicals down at the shop—vinegar, baking soda (like this bag of ArmHammer Baking Soda, 13-1-2 Lb Bag from Amazon), and lemons are the eco-friendly go-tos, being natural and super effective, says Kreller.
Sutherland told me: "Lemon is really good. Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a bowl and drop in the rinds. Microwave for three to five minutes and let it sit for a bit before you wipe the microwave down. The citrus oils help to naturally neutralize odors."
Can burning smell in a microwave damage food or cause health issues?
Krellar told me: "If you can’t be bothered cleaning up after you’ve burnt something in the microwave, you don’t need to worry—it's not going to make the food become radioactive. However, you should clear them up as soon as you can. If you don’t, you might smell the burnt food the next time you are cooking in the microwave."
While Sutherland added: "While a burning smell itself isn’t usually harmful, it can definitely make your food taste bad. The bigger concern is if you’re consistently burning food in the microwave. That can release harmful compounds and potentially damage the appliance.
"If you notice any sparking or electrical burning smells, stop using the microwave and get it checked out right away."
How can I avoid getting a burnt smell in my microwave?
Sutherland told me: "Prevention is always your best bet. Use microwave safe covers to avoid splatters and clean spills right away. If you’re reheating something, start with shorter times and go up from there.
"And try to clean your microwave regularly, even if it’s just a quick wipe down after every other use to avoid grime and odors building up."
