How to Deodorize Your Microwave Naturally

Even when you make the best effort to prevent liquid spills and food splatters in the microwave, they are bound to happen. These spills and splatters as well as general steam emitted as your food heats up can leave behind odors.

While the smell of your food cooking smells great at the time, the lingering smells of residue can be downright nauseating. Let’s look at how to deodorize your microwave naturally.

Why Choose Natural Deodorizers?

There are numerous chemical-based products that you could choose to clean and deodorize your microwave with. While they will remove the food mess and bad smells, they will also leave behind traces of chemicals. These chemicals can make their way into your food the next time you clean the microwave. Because of this, it’s best to use natural deodorizing methods in your microwave.

Methods to Deodorize Your Microwave Naturally

To completely deodorize your microwave, you need to clean it as a first step. Cleaning it removes the grime that releases the bad odors.

Some of the natural microwave deodorizing methods listed below will clean and deodorize. Others require you to clean the microwave first. What are safe and effective ways to get rid of that bad smell in your microwave?

Steam Clean with Lemon and Water

Lemon contains acetic acid that is effective at cleaning the microwave. In addition, the lemony scent is associated with cleanliness. To steam clean your microwave with lemon and water, fill a bowl with a cup of water and a sliced lemon.

Run the microwave for five minutes. The microwave window will steam up. Before opening the door, let the steam remain for five additional minutes. You can then wipe down the interior of the microwave using a clean cloth. The steam will loosen any baked-on messes, making them easier to wipe up.

Baking Soda for Odor Absorption

Tough odors won’t stand up to the odor-fighting powers of baking soda. Mix baking soda and a small amount of water to create a thick paste. Use a clean, damp dish cloth to rub the paste throughout the inside of the microwave.

After a few minutes, wipe away the paste and odors with a second wet cloth. Let the door remain ajar for a few additional minutes after deodorizing the microwave.

Vinegar and Water Solution

Like lemon juice, vinegar has acetic acid that is a powerful cleaning agent. Fill a bowl with a half cup of water and a half cup of distilled white vinegar. Run the microwave for five minutes until the window steams up.

Wait at least 10 minutes before opening the microwave door. Wipe away the mess. Then, fill a second bowl with a cup of water and no vinegar. Repeat the process to eliminate the smell of vinegar.

Coffee Grounds Trick

Coffee grounds also absorb odors and can be used to deodorize your microwave. Place a bowl filled with a cup of water and two tablespoons of coffee grounds in the microwave. Turn on the microwave for five minutes, and then let the steam work its magic for an additional five minutes before opening the door. Wipe away the moisture inside the microwave with a clean cloth.

An alternative is to place your moist, used coffee grounds in a bowl. Put the bowl in the microwave and close the door. Let the grounds sit in the microwave overnight, and your microwave will smell great in the morning.

Vanilla or Essential Oil Freshener

You can also use the power of steam and essential oils to fight odors. Choose your preferred oil, such as lavender, tea tree or eucalyptus oil.

Add a few drops of the oil to a cup of water in a bowl. Run the microwave for five minutes, and let the steam sit in the microwave for an additional five minutes. Wipe off the steam.

How Often Should I Deodorize My Microwave?

Cleaning and deodorizing go hand in hand. Your microwave needs to be wiped down after each use. The removable plate should be washed in the dishwasher each time you run the dishwasher. General cleaning with soap and water will minimize odor buildup.

Deodorizing the microwave should be done as soon as you notice a funky smell. Tackling a minor odor problem is much easier to do than eliminating odors that have been building up for weeks or even months on end.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Microwave Smelling Fresh

While these are effective ways to eliminate odors, there are a few essential steps to take to keep your microwave smelling fresher in between deodorizing sessions. These include:

• Replace the microwave filter regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Clean the microwave weekly. Don’t allow the odors and mess to build up.
• Immediately wipe up spills and splatters. They’re much easier to clean when they are still fresh.
• Wash the removable microwave plate in the dishwasher daily when you run a load of dishes.

Cleaning your microwave and other kitchen appliances takes time, effort and the right strategy. Rather than doing the scrubbing yourself, you can enjoy the easier path to a clean kitchen and home. At Cleanzen, we provide the full range of cleaning services Boston that you need for a pristine living space. Schedule your next cleaning service with us today.