Burnt popcorn smell is one of the most stubborn and unpleasant odors that can linger in a microwave for days, if not weeks. If you've accidentally overcooked your popcorn, don't worry! There are several effective methods to remove the burnt smell and restore freshness to your microwave. In this guide, we'll explore various natural and chemical-based solutions to eliminate the unpleasant odor once and for all.
The first step in tackling the burnt popcorn smell is to allow your microwave to air out. Follow these steps:
Leave the microwave door open for a few hours to let fresh air circulate.
If possible, position a fan nearby to help disperse the odor faster.
Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth to remove any loose burnt particles.
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer that helps neutralize strong smells. Here's how you can use it:
What You'll Need:
1 cup of water
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
A microwave-safe bowl
Steps:
Pour the water and vinegar into the bowl.
Microwave the mixture on high for 5 minutes.
Let it sit for another 5 minutes with the door closed to allow the steam to work.
Open the microwave and wipe down the interior with a clean cloth.
Lemon is another natural deodorizer that leaves behind a fresh, citrusy scent.
What You'll Need:
1 lemon
1 cup of water
A microwave-safe bowl
Steps:
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl of water.
Drop the lemon halves into the bowl.
Microwave the mixture on high for 5 minutes.
Let the steam sit inside for 5 more minutes before opening the door.
Wipe down the interior with a clean sponge or cloth.
Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors.
What You'll Need:
1/2 cup of baking soda
A small bowl
Steps:
Place the baking soda in a small bowl and leave it inside the microwave overnight.
The next day, remove the bowl and wipe down the microwave.
Repeat if necessary until the odor disappears.
Coffee grounds work similarly to baking soda by absorbing strong odors.
What You'll Need:
2 tablespoons of used coffee grounds
A small bowl
Steps:
Place the coffee grounds in a bowl and leave it inside the microwave overnight.
Remove the bowl the next morning and wipe down the interior.
Activated charcoal is a highly effective odor remover.
What You'll Need:
A few pieces of activated charcoal
A small container
Steps:
Place the charcoal in a container and leave it in the microwave overnight.
The next day, remove the charcoal and wipe down the microwave.
Repeat as needed.
A simple soap and water wash can also help remove residual smells.
What You'll Need:
Dish soap
Warm water
A sponge
Steps:
Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water.
Dip a sponge into the soapy water and scrub the interior of the microwave.
Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
Leave the microwave door open to dry.
If home remedies don’t work, try a commercial microwave cleaner or odor eliminator.
Steps:
Follow the instructions on the product label.
Ensure proper ventilation when using chemical-based cleaners.
Wipe down the microwave thoroughly after use.
To avoid dealing with this issue again, follow these preventive tips:
Always read and follow the microwave popcorn instructions.
Reduce cooking time slightly if using a new microwave.
Stay near the microwave while popping popcorn to prevent overcooking.
Clean the microwave regularly to prevent odors from accumulating.
Now that your microwave is free of burnt popcorn odor, it's time to enjoy some fresh and delicious popcorn again. For the best microwave popcorn experience, consider trying Farmer Jons Popcorn. Their high-quality microwave popcorn pops perfectly every time, reducing the risk of burning and leaving you with a tasty, buttery snack. Enjoy popcorn without the worry of lingering burnt smells!