How to Get Rid of Fish Smell in a Microwave

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:13 PM

If you have been cooking a lot of healthy meals, you may wonder how to get rid of a fish smell in a microwave. Even the best microwaves, after all, can be overrun by fishy odors with frequent use. Keep reading to learn more.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • If you cook fish or other ingredients in a microwave, the appliance could develop a nasty odor.
  • There are a variety of ways to combat these foul odors, including a tried-and-true vinegar and baking soda method.
  • Other methods include steam cleaning the interior of the microwave and using citrus.

Removing Fish Smells From a Microwave Oven

Once you have learned how to install a microwave and have been using it for a while, it can develop odors, fish being one of the most lingering and nastiest smells that can infect the appliance. How can you get rid of a fishy smell in your microwave? Luckily, there are a few ways to do this.

Insider Tip

Coffee grounds will also absorb some odors if left in the microwave overnight.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

A simple vinegar and baking soda is an easy and effective way to remove odors from your microwave.

STEP 1

Gather your ingredients, which include white vinegar, baking soda, a microwave-safe bowl, and a clean sponge.

STEP 2

Place the sponge in the bowl, soak it in vinegar and sprinkle some baking soda on top.

STEP 3

Place the bowl inside of your microwave and run it for 20 to 30 seconds.

STEP 4

When the timer goes off, scrub the interior of your microwave with the same sponge.

STEP 5

Rinse the microwave interior with water and wipe it down with a paper towel or dishcloth.

Steam Cleaning

You can learn how to clean a microwave with steam to eliminate persistent odors.

STEP 1

Mix two cups of water and two cups of distilled white vinegar into a microwave-safe container.

STEP 2

Place the container in your microwave and heat at high power until the liquid comes to a boil.

STEP 3

Let the container stand in the closed microwave for three minutes or so, to give the steam trapped inside time to loosen up any gunk.

STEP 4

Remove the container carefully as it may be hot and clean the interior with a sponge or dishcloth.

Use Citrus

You can use lemons, limes, or oranges to help eliminate that strong odor, along with random microwave smells.

STEP 1

Peel your citrus or cut it in half and fill a bowl with one cup of water or two, adding the citrus peels and pieces.

STEP 2

Microwave for around four minutes, though keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.

STEP 3

Let the bowl rest inside of the microwave with the door closed for 30 minutes to 12 hours.

F.A.Q.S

How to get a burnt smell out of the microwave?

You can use a cup of vinegar, coffee grounds, lemon juice, or a number of other methods to remove a burnt smell from ma microwave.


What can you not put in a microwave?

Generally speaking, avoid placing metal and certain plastics inside of a microwave.


How to clean greasy microwave doors?

This calls for a mixture of vinegar and water. Rinse the door and wipe dry.



STAT: Revenue in the Microwave Ovens segment amounted to US$9,746m in 2021. The market is expected to grow annually by 1.32%. (source)

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