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How to Neutralize Microwave Smells

With today’s fast-paced lifestyles, microwaves have become a lifesaver for those who need to cook a fast meal. Since the microwave gets a lot of use, food odors often linger behind in the appliance. Whether you accidentally burned food or just heated leftover seafood, the smell sticks to the interior surface and makes the microwave unpleasant. Scrubbing the inside of the microwave may not remove the food odor completely. Use items that you have in your kitchen to neutralize the microwave smells instead of dealing with the stench.

Things You'll Need

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Lemons
  • Cloves
  • Damp washcloth
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Bowl
  • Towel
  • Baking soda
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Instructions

  1. Lemons

    • 1

      Pour 1-1/2 cups of warm water into a microwave-safe bowl.

    • 2

      Chop three lemons and add them to the water.

    • 3

      Add 1 tbsp. of cloves and microwave the solution on high for five minutes, or until it boils. Let the bowl sit inside the microwave for 15 minutes, or until the water cools completely.

    • 4

      Wipe off any food from inside the microwave with a damp washcloth.

    • 5

      Open the microwave door to let the smell dissipate for one hour.

    Vanilla Extract

    • 6

      Pour 2 to 3 tbsp. of pure vanilla extract into a small microwave-safe bowl.

    • 7

      Microwave the vanilla extract for one minute to fill the appliance with a fresh scent.

    • 8

      Allow the vanilla extract to sit for five to 10 minutes before you remove it from the microwave.

    Chlorine Bleach

    • 9

      Combine 2 tbsp. liquid dish soap with 1/4 cup chlorine bleach in a bowl.

    • 10

      Wipe the inside of the microwave with the solution to kill any bacteria. Don’t forget to wipe down the gaskets and door with the solution.

    • 11

      Rinse the solution off the appliance with clean water and dry the microwave thoroughly with a towel.

    Baking Soda

    • 12

      Mix an equal amount of baking soda and water together in a bowl.

    • 13

      Wipe the interior of the microwave down with the baking soda solution to neutralize the smell.

    • 14

      Rinse the solution off with clean water and dry the appliance with a towel.