How to Deodorize a Stinky and Smelly Microwave: Natural Strategies for Odor Removal

How to Deodorize a Smelly Microwave | Microwave Repair St. LouisIf your microwave smells like it’s been used to cook something questionable, or if there is a lingering smell of last night’s dinner, don’t worry – we have some natural solutions for you! In this blog post, we will discuss how to deodorize a stinky and smelly microwave using items that you probably already have around the house. We’ll also share some tips on how to prevent your microwave from getting smelly in the first place.

At Diamond Appliance Repair St. Louis & Kansas City, we help people just like you with expert microwave repair, refrigerator repair, dishwasher repair, and more. If your problem is bigger than just a smelly microwave, give us a call today.

Tips to Deodorize a Smelly Microwave

If your microwave smells bad, don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to get rid of the smell.

Baking Soda
One of the most popular ways to deodorize a smelly microwave is to use baking soda. Just put a bowl of baking soda in your microwave and heat it up for a few minutes. The smoke and smell from the baking soda will help get rid of any lingering odors.

Vinegar
Another common way to deodorize a smelly microwave is with vinegar. Simply pour some vinegar into a bowl, add a half cup of water, and heat it up in your microwave for a few minutes. The vinegar will neutralize any bad smells, leaving your microwave smelling fresh again.

Lemons or Oranges
You can also try using lemons or oranges to deodorize your microwave. Cut a lemon or orange in half, squeeze it into a microwave-safe bowl, add a half cup of water and the used rind, and place it in the microwave. Heat it up for a few minutes and the citrus smell will help get rid of any bad odors. Once the heating is done, it will also be easier to wipe away spills and splatters.

Cloves
If you don’t have any lemons or oranges, you can also try using cloves to deodorize your microwave. Just put a few dried, whole cloves in a bowl, add half a cup of water, and heat them up in your microwave. Once they are done heating, let the bowl of cloves sit in the microwave for 30 minutes. The cloves will release their scent and help get rid of any bad smells.

Berries
Another option is to put a handful of berries in a bowl, add half a cup of water, cover, and heat them up in your microwave. As you did with the cloves, once the berries are done warming you will want to leave the bowl in the microwave for half an hour. The berries will release their scent and help freshen up your microwave.

Coffee Grounds 
If all else fails, you can also try using coffee grounds to deodorize your microwave. Just put a handful of coffee grounds in a bowl and add half a cup of water. Microwave them for a few minutes and the smell of coffee will overpower any bad smells in your microwave.

Vanilla Extract
If you don’t have any of the items listed above, you can also try using vanilla extract. Just put a teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl and add half a cup of water. Heat it up for a few minutes and the smell of vanilla will help get rid of any bad smells.

Tips to Prevent Your Microwave from Smelling Bad

In addition to knowing how to deodorize a smelly microwave, it’s also important to know how to prevent your microwave from getting smelly in the first place. Here are a few tips:

Never Cook Anything Containing Garlic or Onions

One of the  best ways to prevent your microwave from smelling bad is to never cook anything containing garlic or onions. The smell of these foods will linger, no matter how much you try to clean it.

Clean Your Microwave Regularly

Another way to prevent your microwave from smelling bad is to clean it regularly. Wipe down the inside and outside of your microwave with a damp cloth after every use. Be sure to pay special attention to the seals around the door, as food can get trapped there and start to rot, causing a bad smell.

Use a Microwave Cover

When cooking in your microwave, be sure to use a cover. This will help keep food splatters and spills contained, making them easier to clean up. It will also help prevent bad smells from escaping and permeating your kitchen.

Throw Out Old Food

Finally, one of the best ways to prevent your microwave from smelling bad is to throw out old food. Even if you think something is still good, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If it’s been sitting in your fridge for a while, it’s probably time to let it go.

By following these tips, you can help keep your microwave smelling fresh and clean. However, even if your microwave does start to smell bad, you now know how to quickly and easily deodorize it using items you probably already have around the house.

If you need further microwave repair assistance, please contact Diamond Appliance Repair. We help customers across the greater St. Louis and Kansas City area, including Overland Park, Independence, Columbia, Springfield, Topeka, and more. We work on all major microwave brands, with a focus on Whirlpool microwave repair, KitchenAid microwave repair, and more. Contact us today!