20 Best Ways to Get Rid of Burnt Popcorn Smell in Your Kitchen
Popcorn is a beloved snack that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is easy to make and requires minimal effort, which is why it is a go-to snack for many. However, sometimes things can go wrong, and microwave popcorn can get burnt and cause unpleasant odors. This not only ruins the taste of the popcorn but also leaves an unpleasant burnt smell in the kitchen, microwave oven, and entire house. These burnt odors can linger for days, making it difficult to get rid of. As a popcorn aficionado, I have seen my fair share of burnt popcorn disasters, and I am here to share some tips on how to get rid of the burnt popcorn smell in your kitchen.
Why does burnt popcorn smell so bad?
Before we dive into the tips, let's first understand why burnt popcorn smells so bad. When popcorn is burnt, it releases a chemical compound called acrolein. Acrolein is a colorless liquid with a pungent smell, which is why burnt popcorn has such a strong odor. The smell can be so overpowering that it can make your entire home smell bad.
Now on to getting rid of the smell. A great way to get rid of lingering odors in your kitchen is to start at the source of the smell, the interior of the microwave. If you are struggling with lingering odor, microwave odors could be the source, so here are some tips to help get rid of it:
Get Rid of Burnt Kitchen Smell
1. Open windows and doors
The first thing you should do when you burn popcorn is to open all the windows and doors in your kitchen. An open door will help to ventilate the space and allow fresh air circulation. You can also use portable electric fans which can get air circulating faster. The fresh air will help to dilute the burnt popcorn smell and make it less overpowering.
2. Turn on the fan
If you have a kitchen fan, turn it on to the highest setting. Range fans or will help to suck out the smoke and odor from the kitchen. Make sure to leave the exhaust fan on for at least 30 minutes to ensure that all the smoke and odor are removed from the kitchen. In addition to a kitchen fan, an air purifier can also help to eliminate any pungent odors.
3. Use vinegar
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and effective odor neutralizer which can help to absorb the burnt popcorn smell. To use vinegar, mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water and place it in a saucepan. Bring the vinegar water mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. The smell of vinegar will help to neutralize the odor and leave your kitchen smelling fresh.
4. Use baking soda
Baking soda is another natural deodorizer that can help to absorb the burnt popcorn smell. To use baking soda, sprinkle it on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours. The baking soda will absorb the odor and leave your kitchen smelling fresh. After a few hours, vacuum the baking soda or wipe it away with a damp cloth.
5. Use lemon juice
Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer that can help to remove the burnt popcorn smell. To use lemon juice, mix it with water and place it in a saucepan. Bring the lemon water mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. The fresh lemon scent will help to neutralize the odor and leave your kitchen smelling fresh.
6. Use activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a natural odor absorber and can help to remove the burnt popcorn smell. To use activated charcoal, place it in small bowls and leave it in the affected area for a few hours. The activated charcoal will absorb the odor and leave your kitchen smelling fresh.
7. Use air fresheners
If you have tried all the natural remedies and still cannot get rid of the burnt popcorn smell, you can use an air freshener to mask the odor. However, be careful when using air fresheners as they can be overpowering and can cause allergic reactions. Look for natural air fresheners that use essential oils or herbs to mask the odor.
8. Clean your microwave or popcorn maker
If you burnt the popcorn in the microwave or popcorn maker, you need to clean it thoroughly to remove the odor. Use a mixture of vinegar and cups of water to clean the inside of the microwave or popcorn maker. The
9. Fresh Scent
A scented candle can help freshen the surrounding air. The good news is a scented candle can help mask that nasty burnt popcorn smell when combined with the other effective methods mentioned.
10. Use a commercial odor eliminator
If all else fails, you can use a commercial odor eliminator to get rid of the burnt popcorn smell. Look for odor eliminators that are specifically designed to remove smoke and kitchen odors. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use the product in a well-ventilated area.
11. Prevent burnt popcorn in the first place
The best way to get rid of the burnt popcorn smell in your kitchen is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid burning your popcorn for next time:
• Follow the instructions on the popcorn packet carefully.
• Use a popcorn maker instead of the microwave.
• Use the right amount of oil or butter.
• Do not leave the popcorn unattended while it is popping.
• Stop the popcorn maker or microwave when you hear the popping slow down.
Get Rid of Burnt Microwave Smell
1. Get rid of the popcorn
To eliminate the burnt popcorn odor remove the burn popcorn and microwave popcorn bag by throwing it in the garbage pail and then immediately bring it to the outside garbage.
2. Clean your microwave
The first step in getting rid of the burnt popcorn smell in your microwave is to clean it thoroughly. Start by wiping the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth to remove any burnt residue. Then, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it on high for five minutes. This will help to loosen any stubborn stains and deodorize the microwave.
3. Use baking soda
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and can help to eliminate the burnt popcorn smell in your microwave. To use baking soda, mix it with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the inside of the microwave and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, wipe away the paste with a damp cloth and rinse the microwave with water.
4. Use lemon juice
Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer that can help to remove the burnt popcorn smell from your microwave. To use lemon juice, mix equal parts of water and lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl or coffee cup. Microwave the mixture on high for five minutes. Keep the microwave door shut for at least 30 minutes. The lemon juice will help to neutralize the odor and leave your microwave smelling fresh.
5. Use coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are a great odor absorber and can help to get rid of the burnt popcorn smell in your microwave. To use coffee grounds, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave them on high for 30 seconds. The heat will activate the coffee grounds and release their odor-absorbing properties. Leave the bowl in the microwave for a few hours to absorb the odor.
6. Use vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is a natural deodorizer that can help to eliminate the burnt popcorn smell in your microwave. To use vanilla extract, mix one tablespoon of vanilla extract with one cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture on high for five minutes. The vanilla extract will help to neutralize the odor and leave your microwave smelling fresh.
7. Use activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a natural odor absorber and can help to remove the burnt popcorn smell from your microwave. To use activated charcoal, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it on high for two minutes. The heat will activate the charcoal, and it will start absorbing the odor. Leave the bowl in the microwave for a few hours to absorb the odor.
8. Use air fresheners
If all else fails, you can use air fresheners to mask the burnt popcorn smell in your microwave. However, be careful when using air fresheners as they can be overpowering and can cause allergic reactions. Look for natural air fresheners that use essential oils or herbs to mask the odor.
Once you have your microwave smelling fresh, the next step is to get rid of the bad odor and lingering smells in your kitchen. Here are some tips on how to get rid of the burnt popcorn smell in the kitchen and getting it back to your natural kitchen smell.
In conclusion, the smell of burnt popcorn can leave a foul odor in your kitchen that can linger for days. However, with the tips mentioned above, you can get rid of the bad smells and leave your kitchen smelling fresh. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to follow the tips to avoid burning your popcorn in the first place to stop any potential popcorn odors.