Microwave odors (ewwww) (heating, smells, cleaner, appliance)

[Nelly Nomad]

The house we currently rent has a microwave that holds onto odors and never lets go. I'm not sure what to do about it. We've tried the standard remedies: boil a vinegar/water mix and wipe (all 6 surfaces), boil lemon/water mix and wipe, clean with one of those mild bleach cleaners... Doesn't matter what we do, this microwave holds onto the odor of whatever it cooked last.

Today's heated up oatmeal (mmmm steel-cut!) is a bit less appetizing when it comes out smelling like last night's leftover fish .

We've resorted to leaving the door open to let it air out, but of course, this will eventually cause the light to burn out. Does anyone have suggestions as to how to keep it from holding odors in the first place?

[SriRavi]

Try heating baking soda and water in the microwave. Baking Soda absorbs all the odors.

[crazyma]

You might try these
get some charcoal ( like for a grill), layer them across the bottom and leave them in there a few days
That might help

chop up some lemons put on a plate & leave em in there a day or two (then put them in your disposal to freshen it

wash it out good with a Pine sol type product or try ammonia (NOT together !!!!!! bad mojo fumes)

and keep a box of open baking soda next to the oven and stick it in there when not in use

Good luck- ex hubby had left unprocessed deer meat in our frig once YUCK and I never thought I would get the smell out...but I eventually won!

good luck to ya!

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by crazyma

and keep a box of open baking soda next to the oven and stick it in there when not in use

That sounds like the best idea. One of the worst microwave smells to me is butter popcorn, it lingers for days.

[ShaneSA]

Look around the microwave and see if there is a filter near the fan. You can take out the filter and wash it in vinegar. If it is an installed microwave, they sometimes have filters in them. Other than that, the baking soda may work best.

[MyssaTx]

Clean your microwave with a water and vinegar solution and make sure you rinse well. Leave the microwave door open to air out. If there is still an odor open a box of baking soda and leave inside.

[Nelly Nomad]

Thanks folks! I haven't had a chance to try out any of your suggestions but I truly appreciate them. Will be trying this week and will post back to let you know how things go.

Thanks again!

[GregW]

Junk this unit and buy another.

[Nelly Nomad]

Originally Posted by GregW

Junk this unit and buy another.

Thanks for the suggestion, Greg, but the house is a rental. There is no way I'd gift these owners with a microwave. Perhaps their thinking was "it's stainless, so that makes the property worth more (and we can charge higher rent)". Hah. Like the other appliances here, it's stainless but not good quality.