How to Deodorize Your Microwave
You take the time to wipe down your stove and countertops. How often do you think about your microwave? Possibly only when it gets a little, well, fragrant? The good news is that’s not hard to fix. Check out Den’s Hot Dogs guide to the best way to clean a microwave.
Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda is an excellent, natural way to eliminate unpleasant smells. If you only need to eliminate the scent, you can simply leave an open box or bowl of baking soda in a closed microwave for 12 hours.
If you need to deodorize your microwave and have stuck-on or splattered foods, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for three minutes and let it sit for another five to ten with the door closed.
Once the time is up, remove the bowl and wipe down the inside of your appliance with a damp cloth. The steam should have loosened the stuck-on food while the baking soda worked its odor-absorbing magic.
Lemon Juice and Water
Have a spare lemon on hand? Squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl and combine with one cup of water. Deodorize your microwave by heating this mixture for five minutes. Let it sit for another five before removing the bowl and wiping down as detailed in the baking soda section.
This is one of the best ways to clean a microwave because when you’re done with the lemons, they double as a natural cleaner for your garbage disposal. Cut the slices into small chunks and run them through your disposal with plenty of water flowing.
Vinegar and Water
Seeing a pattern here? You can mix a wide variety of common household ingredients with water to deodorize your microwave. Put a tablespoon of white or apple cider vinegar into a bowl with ½ cup of water.
Microwave it for two minutes and leave the door shut for another 15. Vinegar works the same way as baking soda in terms of loosening stubborn food stains and absorbing smells.
Don’t Forget the Turntable and Door!
Most turntables can be removed and either run through the dishwasher or washed by hand. Remove the table either before or after using one of the above methods and wash it thoroughly.
Going to the trouble of deodorizing your microwave is pointless if you forget the door. Those same smells can linger on the inside of the glass and the rubber gaskets that seal the door shut.
Dampen a sponge with water and a touch of baking soda. Wipe down all the gaskets and the inside of the door. Then, follow up with a damp cloth to “rinse.”
Lastly, the best way to clean your microwave’s greasy windows is to wipe with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Rinse again with a damp cloth. You can clean the outside of the appliance the same way, or use a commercial window cleaner.
Take Advantage of Your Clean Microwave
Now that you’ve cleaned and deodorized your microwave, it’s time to make some delicious food! Shop our collections of microwaveable hot dogs, pizzas, bowls, and more. Enjoy restaurant-quality, premium ingredients delivered to you with fast shipping!
