How To Get Burnt Plastic Smell Out Of Microwave

Nobody wants a funky plastic smell in their microwave oven, so your safest bet is to know how to get that burnt plastic smell out of your microwave before it happens.

Overheating a plastic food container in the microwave could result in melted plastic which increases the risk of the smell permeating any food you heat up next and this smell can last for weeks.

The best way on how to get burnt plastic smell out of microwave is to deal with it immediately. The longer you ignore the smell, it becomes more difficult to deodorize the microwave, and the worse the problem becomes.

Read on as we guide you on how to get burnt plastic smell out of microwave using one of these easy but effective methods.

What Happens If Plastic Melts In Your Food?

Heating plastics in the microwave may cause harmful chemicals to leach into your foods. This can occur even faster and to a greater degree when plastic is exposed to high temperature in the microwave. This means by microwaving your leftovers in a plastic container you might be exposing yourself to a higher dose of potentially harmful chemicals.

How To Get Burnt Plastic Smell Out Of Microwave? 3 Quick Methods

A burnt plastic smell in the microwave or kitchen isn’t dangerous if the microwave has been used properly. Microwaving plastic items to purposely melt them may emit a harmful smell. To get rid of the burnt plastic smell out of the microwave, these 3 methods are here to help you.

Method 1: Clean The Inside Of Your Microwave

This is should be your first defense against smells in your microwave. Begin with this practical and easy process before trying anything else.

Step 1: Steam With Water: To get the burnt plastic smell out of your microwave you must first take out any debris or loose burnt pieces from the microwave, then heat 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe container for about 3 to 4 minutes. The steam will help loosen up the grime.

Step 2: Clean With Dish Soap: Wipe the inside of the microwave with a soft cloth dipped in water and a little dish soap. Then rub in the direction of the metal’s grain on stainless steel models.

Step 3: Rinse and dry: Using clean water to clean the microwave, and then dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Remember, open the microwave for 2-3 hours to let it air out.

Note: Since microwaves cook by heating and evaporating the water in food, dishes that are dry or starchy (like bread or popcorn) are more likely to burn. Ensure you keep a close eye on your food and leave the toaster for the toasting.

Method 2: Steam Your Microwave Using Lemon Juice Or Vinegar

Some particularly strong smell, like burnt fish or plastic, may prove difficult to take out. If cleaning your microwave using the steps mentioned above does not work, try lemon juice and vinegar. The acid in these natural cleaners can help to neutralize the smell.

Step 1: Make Solution And Steam: Takeout any debris or lose burnt pieces from the microwave, then mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of either lemon juice or vinegar in a microwave-safe container then heat for about 2-5 minutes.

Step 2: Wipe Clean: Wipe the interior with a sponge or paper towel.

Note: If you don’t like the smell of vinegar or lemon juice? You can try either 4 tsp of vanilla extract or 2 tbsp of coffee grounds mixed with ½ cup of water.

Method 3: Deodorize Microwave Overnight

If the smell persists after using either of the cleaning methods mentioned above, a longer-term solution may do the job. This overnight method may help get your microwave back to as it was when you first bought it.

Step 1: Place Deodorizer: Before you go to bed, place an open box of baking soda inside your microwave. Also, if you don’t have baking soda at home, 1 cup of activated charcoal or dried coffee grounds in an open container can as well do the job. Let everyone in your house know that they should not use the microwave while your deodorizer is inside.

Step 2: Remove And Reuse Deodorizer: Allow the deodorizer to absorb odors overnight while you remove it in the morning. It is not advised to use the same baking soda to cook afterward; however, you should be able to use it to clean. Also, move your deodorizer to the cabinets above your microwave if they smell burnt.

Note: If the burnt plastic smell is very severe, the plastic may likely be trapped in your microwave’s charcoal filter, which normally helps reduce odors.

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Conclusion

Thanks for spending time learning about how to get burnt plastic smell out of microwave. If you found any of our above-mentioned odor removal methods useful, kindly share with your friends whom you know might struggling with it.