How to Get Burnt Popcorn Smell Out of the Microwave

Popcorn is a delicious and healthy snack that can be easily made in the microwave. But sometimes, things go wrong and you end up with a charred mess that fills your kitchen with a horrible smell. How do you get rid of that burnt popcorn odor from your microwave and make it fresh again?

The best way to get burnt popcorn smell out of the microwave is to steam it with lemon water, vinegar, or baking soda. These natural ingredients will help loosen the grease and grime, neutralize the odor, and disinfect the microwave. You may also need to wipe down the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth or sponge, scrub any stubborn stains, and dry it with a dry cloth.

In this article, we will show you how to use these methods step by step, as well as some tips and tricks to prevent burning popcorn in the future. Let’s get started!

Why Does Burnt Popcorn Smell So Bad?

Before we dive into how to get rid of the smell, let’s understand why burnt popcorn smells so bad in the first place. Popcorn is made from dried corn kernels that contain starch and moisture. When you heat them in the microwave, the moisture turns into steam and expands the starch, causing the kernels to pop.

However, if you heat them for too long or at a high power level, the moisture evaporates completely and the starch starts to burn. This produces a chemical reaction that releases acrid smoke and unpleasant odors. These odors can stick to the inside of the microwave, as well as your clothes, furniture, and walls.

Some of the compounds that are responsible for the burnt popcorn smell are:

• Acetaldehyde: A fruity-smelling substance that is also found in wine and vinegar.
• Acrolein: A pungent-smelling substance that is also found in cigarette smoke and car exhaust.
• Furfural: A sweet-smelling substance that is also found in coffee and bread crust.
• Pyrazines: Nutty-smelling substances that are also found in chocolate and roasted nuts.

These compounds can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, as well as cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Therefore, it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible.

How to Get Burnt Popcorn Smell Out of the Microwave with Lemon Water

One of the easiest and most effective ways to get burnt popcorn smell out of the microwave is to steam it with lemon water. Lemon is a natural deodorizer that can mask and neutralize bad smells. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can kill germs and mold in your microwave.

Here’s how to use lemon water to get rid of burnt popcorn smell from your microwave:

1. Turn on any nearby fans and open the windows to ventilate your kitchen.
2. Remove the rotating tray assembly and glass plate from the microwave and wash them separately with soap and water.
3. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and squeeze the juice from two lemon halves into it. Then drop in the lemon halves.
4. Put the bowl in the microwave and set it on high for 3 minutes or until it starts boiling.
5. Keep the microwave door closed for at least 5 minutes after the cycle is complete to let the steam do its work.
6. Carefully remove the bowl with an oven mitt or towel and set it aside.
7. Use a sponge or wet cloth to wipe down the inside of the microwave. Pay attention to any spots or stains that may have been caused by the popcorn.
8. If there are any stubborn stains, use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to scrub them away. You can also dip a cloth into the lemon water mixture and rub it on the stains.
9. Dry the inside of the microwave with a dry cloth or paper towel.

How to Get Burnt Popcorn Smell Out of the Microwave with Vinegar

Another natural ingredient that can help you get rid of burnt popcorn smell from your microwave is vinegar. Vinegar is a mild acid that can cut through grease and grime, as well as neutralize odors. It also has disinfectant properties that can kill bacteria and viruses in your microwave.

Here’s how to use vinegar to get rid of burnt popcorn smell from your microwave:

1. Turn on any nearby fans and open the windows to ventilate your kitchen.
2. Remove the rotating tray assembly and glass plate from the microwave and wash them separately with soap and water.
3. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with equal parts water and white vinegar. You can add more vinegar if the odor is too strong.
4. Put the bowl in the microwave and set it on high for 3 minutes or until it starts boiling.
5. Keep the microwave door closed for at least 5 minutes after the cycle is complete to let the steam do its work.
6. Carefully remove the bowl with an oven mitt or towel and set it aside.
7. Use a sponge or wet cloth to wipe down the inside of the microwave. Pay attention to any spots or stains that may have been caused by the popcorn.
8. If there are any stubborn stains, use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to scrub them away. You can also dip a cloth into the vinegar water mixture and rub it on the stains.
9. Dry the inside of the microwave with a dry cloth or paper towel.

How to Get Burnt Popcorn Smell Out of the Microwave with Baking Soda

A third natural ingredient that can help you get rid of burnt popcorn smell from your microwave is baking soda. Baking soda is a base that can neutralize acids and odors, as well as absorb moisture and grease. It also has abrasive properties that can help remove stains and dirt from your microwave.

Here’s how to use baking soda to get rid of burnt popcorn smell from your microwave:

1. Turn on any nearby fans and open the windows to ventilate your kitchen.
2. Remove the rotating tray assembly and glass plate from the microwave and wash them separately with soap and water.
3. In a shallow bowl of water, mix a large spoonful of baking soda until the mixture is thick but still liquid.
4. Microwave the bowl for 5 minutes, then let it sit for an hour in the microwave.
5. Carefully remove the bowl with an oven mitt or towel and set it aside.
6. Use a sponge or wet cloth to wipe down the inside of the microwave. Pay attention to any spots or stains that may have been caused by the popcorn.
7. If there are any stubborn stains, use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to scrub them away. You can also dip a cloth into the baking soda water mixture and rub it on the stains.
8. Dry the inside of the microwave with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Burning Popcorn in the Microwave

Now that you know how to get rid of burnt popcorn smell from your microwave, you may want to avoid burning popcorn in the first place. Here are some tips and tricks to prevent burning popcorn in the microwave:

• Read and follow the instructions on the popcorn package carefully. Different brands and types of popcorn may have different cooking times and power levels.
• Use a timer and listen carefully to the popping sound. Stop the microwave when there are more than 2 seconds between pops.
• Do not leave the microwave unattended while popping popcorn. Stay nearby and check on it frequently.

• Use a special popcorn button if your microwave has one. This will automatically adjust the cooking time and power level based on the weight and type of popcorn. However, this may not work for all kinds of popcorn, so you still need to monitor it closely.
• Use a microwave popcorn popper instead of a regular paper bag. This is a reusable container that can pop popcorn evenly and prevent burning. It also reduces waste and saves money. You can find microwave popcorn poppers online or in stores.

FAQs About Burnt Popcorn Smell in the Microwave

Here are some frequently asked questions about burnt popcorn smell in the microwave and their answers:

Q: How long does burnt popcorn smell last in the microwave?

A: The duration of the burnt popcorn smell in the microwave depends on how badly you burned the popcorn, how often you use the microwave, and how well you clean it. If you follow the methods above, you should be able to get rid of the smell within a day or two. However, if you burned the popcorn severely or left it unattended for a long time, the smell may linger for weeks or even months.

Q: How do I get rid of burnt popcorn smell in my house?

A: To get rid of burnt popcorn smell in your house, you need to ventilate your kitchen and other affected areas as much as possible. Open the windows and doors, turn on the fans and exhaust vents, and use an air purifier if you have one. You can also use natural deodorizers like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, coffee grounds, or essential oils to mask and neutralize the smell. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture, spray vinegar or lemon juice on curtains and walls, place bowls of coffee grounds or essential oils around the house, or diffuse your favorite scent with an oil diffuser.

Q: Is burnt popcorn bad for you?

A: Burnt popcorn is not only bad for your microwave and your nose, but also for your health. Burnt popcorn can contain harmful substances like acrylamide, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to cause cancer and other diseases. These substances are formed when starch and sugar are heated at high temperatures and turn brown or black. Therefore, you should avoid eating burnt popcorn or inhaling its smoke.

Q: Can I reuse a burnt popcorn bag?

A: No, you should not reuse a burnt popcorn bag. A burnt popcorn bag can have holes or tears that can cause spills or leaks in your microwave. It can also have residual odors or chemicals that can affect the taste and quality of your next batch of popcorn. Moreover, reusing a burnt popcorn bag can increase the risk of burning your popcorn again. Therefore, you should discard a burnt popcorn bag and use a fresh one every time.

Q: How do I prevent my microwave from catching fire when popping popcorn?

A: To prevent your microwave from catching fire when popping popcorn, you should follow these safety tips:

• Do not use metal containers or utensils when popping popcorn in the microwave. Metal can spark and ignite a fire in the microwave.
• Do not overfill or seal the popcorn bag or container. Leave some room for the steam to escape and prevent pressure buildup.
• Do not leave flammable items near or inside the microwave. Keep paper towels, napkins, plastic wrap, or other combustible materials away from the microwave when popping popcorn.
• Do not use oil or butter when popping popcorn in the microwave. Oil or butter can overheat and catch fire in the microwave.
• Do not leave the microwave unattended when popping popcorn. Stay nearby and watch for any signs of smoke or fire.

Conclusion

Burnt popcorn smell is one of the most annoying and persistent odors that can plague your microwave and your kitchen. However, with some natural ingredients like lemon water, vinegar, or baking soda, you can easily get rid of it and make your microwave fresh again.

We hope this article has helped you learn how to get burnt popcorn smell out of the microwave with simple and effective methods. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.

And remember, next time you crave some popcorn, don’t let it pop for too long!

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