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How To Remove Smell From Microwave, The microwave is a kitchen workhorse, making it a convenient appliance for heating and cooking various dishes. However, frequent use can lead to unpleasant odors lingering inside. Whether you’ve reheated strong-smelling foods or accidentally overlooked a spill, you can easily refresh your microwave and remove those unpleasant odors with a natural and effective solution: lemons. In this blog, we’ll explore how to use lemons to banish odors and leave your microwave smelling fresh and clean.
Why Lemon?
Lemons are a fantastic choice for removing odors in the microwave due to their natural citrusy fragrance and antimicrobial properties. The citric acid in lemons helps break down and neutralize lingering odors, leaving behind a pleasant, refreshing scent.
Here’s how you can do it:
Ingredients and Supplies:
- One lemon (or lemon juice)
- Microwave-safe bowl or cup
- Water
- Sponge or cloth
- Optional: microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plate
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Remove Smell From Microwave
Prepare the Lemon: Start by cutting the lemon in half. You can use a whole lemon if you prefer a stronger citrus scent or just half of it for a milder effect.
Squeeze the Juice: Squeeze the lemon juice into a microwave-safe bowl or cup. If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use store-bought lemon juice or lemon extract.
Add Water: Fill the bowl or cup with water, leaving some space at the top to prevent it from boiling over during the cleaning process. A 1:1 ratio of lemon juice to water works well, but you can adjust it depending on your preference.
Microwave for Cleaning: Place the bowl or cup with the lemon-water mixture in the microwave. If you have a microwave-safe lid or plate, you can cover the container to prevent splatters. Microwave the mixture on high for 3-5 minutes or until it boils and creates steam.
Let It Sit: After microwaving, don’t immediately open the microwave door. Allow the lemon-water mixture to sit inside the closed microwave for about 5-10 minutes. The steam generated during this time will help loosen and dissolve any stubborn odors and stains.
Wipe Down the Interior: Carefully open the microwave door, and using a sponge or cloth, wipe down the interior surfaces. The steam from the lemon-water mixture will have loosened any dried-on food or stains, making them easier to remove. Be cautious as the interior may be hot.
Rinse and Dry: After wiping, rinse the sponge or cloth, and then give the interior of the microwave a final wipe to remove any remaining residue. Dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.
Enjoy the Freshness: Your microwave should now smell fresh and clean, with no lingering odors. The natural citrus scent of lemon will leave it smelling pleasant.
Additional Tips:
- To maintain a fresh-smelling microwave, you can place a lemon wedge or a small bowl of lemon slices in the microwave when it’s not in use.
- Regularly clean your microwave by wiping up spills and splatters as they occur to prevent strong odors from developing.
How To Remove Smell From Microwave Conclusion
With just a lemon and a few simple steps, you can easily remove unpleasant odors from your microwave and leave it smelling fresh and clean. This natural and cost-effective method not only banishes odors but also adds a delightful citrus scent to your kitchen. Enjoy your microwave, odor-free and ready for your next culinary adventure!
How To Remove Smell From Microwave FAQ
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice as an alternative to fresh lemons for this cleaning method. Simply squeeze or pour a small amount of bottled lemon juice into a microwave-safe bowl or cup, add water, and follow the same steps outlined in the guide.
Microwave the lemon-water mixture for 3-5 minutes, or until it boils and produces steam. The steam helps break down and neutralize odors while loosening any food residue. Keep an eye on it to prevent the mixture from boiling over.
While lemons are most commonly used due to their strong citrus scent and natural cleaning properties, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges or limes. They may have a slightly different fragrance but can still help freshen up your microwave.
In most cases, you won’t need to scrub the interior of the microwave vigorously. The steam generated by the lemon-water mixture should soften and loosen any stains or residue, making it easier to wipe away with a sponge or cloth. However, for stubborn stains, a gentle scrubbing may be required.
The lemon-water mixture is most effective when used fresh for each microwave cleaning. Over time, the lemon juice loses its potency, and reusing the mixture may not yield the same results. It’s best to prepare a new mixture each time you want to remove odors from your microwave.
Read More: Ceramic vs. Steel Microwave: Which Is the Right Choice for You?
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