Remove Burned Smell From Microwave - burnt popcorn, melted plastic, charred waffles, you name it... This quick cleaning tip removes all microwave odors quickly!
Burnt popcorn... I don't think there's another odor that will linger on in the kitchen longer. I mean, why can't the delicious fragrance of freshly baked cookies hang around for days?
Unfortunately, the odor I'm dealing with today is even worse... burnt plastic and charred chocolate chip waffle, courtesy of one hungry seven-year-old boy setting the timer for FIVE minutes instead of 15 seconds. I cleaned the microwave thoroughly, but that horrible, overpowering scent endured.
In a moment of desperation it occurred to me that coffee grounds work well at absorbing odors. So I mixed up approximately two tablespoons of ground coffee with one-half cup of water and popped it in the microwave for about three minutes. Voila - no more burnt smell!
If it can tackle burnt plastic, burnt popcorn should be no match...
Check out these other useful quick tips to save you time and money in the kitchen.
Nikki says
As soon as I read your suggestion, I immediately went in the kitchen, got out the coffee and filled a large measuring cup with 1/2 cup water, stirred it and put in the microwave for three minutes, twice. This worked great for me. Thank you so much I have had the odor in my home for days and now it’s gone.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yay, so happy this solved your issue!
Penny says
It worked no more burnt plastic smell!! Thank ya!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yay, so glad it helped!!
Audrey Rose Muratore says
I am so going to try this! Today, my nephew forgot to put water in with his ramen noodles while cooking them for almost 4 minutes in the microwave! Completely burnt the ramen and the bowl was melted. Microwave smells so bad!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Oh my goodness — I bet that smells awful. Hope it works for you!
Audrey Rose Muratore says
Oh it was awful, and smells like it over and over again after using the microwave. But this coffee thing helped a bit
Debi says
So you do actually heat it for 3 minutes?
Not just sit it in there for 3 minutes. Hope doesn't sound stipid!!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yep! I microwave it for about 3 minutes. Of course, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't boil over, but I use a large Pyrex measuring cup and have never had a problem.
Carrie says
My son just did that last night. Crazy kids
crazy mom says
@Audrey Rose Muratore, I am literally looking here for this same exact reason. My 10 year old did this...
shadowfax says
Can you use instant coffee?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I haven't actually tried instant coffee, but I don't see why it wouldn't work!
shadowfax says
Thanks. Will give it a try.
I've tried lemon 1/2s in a bowl of water (2xs),wiping interior down with vinegar and there's still a lingering smell from my burning popcorn by following the length of time listed in directions. Big mistake. It really is an awful lingering smell.
丁ane says
how do u get rid of burned chocolate microwave smells