How To Get Rid of Fish Smell in Your Microwave: 9 Helpful Hacks

As a busy mom who often meal preps fish for my family, I know the struggle of having a microwave that reeks of fish all too well No matter how tasty baked salmon is, smelling it every time you reheat leftovers or popcorn is no fun.

If your microwave currently smells like the inside of a tackle box, don’t panic In this article, I’ll share 9 of my tried and true methods for getting fish odor out of the microwave fast

We’ll cover clever homemade deodorizers, microwave cleaning tips, and how to prevent the smell in the first place. With the right techniques, you can stop pinching your nose every time you press start.

Here’s what we’ll tackle:

• Why microwaves absorb fish smells so easily
• Clever hacks using pantry staples
• Deep cleaning methods that actually work
• Tips to avoid fish odor in the future
• When to call in appliance repair pros

After reading, your microwave will be fish stench free and ready for popcorn once again! Let’s get started.

Why Does My Microwave Smell Like Fish?

Before we dive into fixes, let’s look at a few reasons your microwave absorbs funky fish odors in the first place:

• Lingering food residue – Burnt on crumbs and spatters trap smells.
• Lack of ventilation – The tight seal locks in odors.
• Absorbent interior – Microwave walls soak up cooking smells.
• Low heat – Low temp cooking (like defrosting) releases more evaporating moisture to circulate smells.

Unlike your oven, the microwave interior is not porous enough for smells to dissipate. So once fish odor gets in there, it hangs around.

Luckily, the moisture and oil residue responsible for the stench can be dissolved or masked with the right techniques. Keep reading for my tried and true odor eliminating hacks.

9 Clever Ways to Get Fish Smell Out of the Microwave

If you’ve noticed a funky aroma every time you press start, it’s time to take action. Here are 9 methods to get rid of fish smell in the microwave using common household items:

1. Lemon Juice

Citrus is a natural odor eliminator. For a quick microwave freshener, try this:

• Slice a lemon and place in a microwave-safe bowl with water.
• Microwave for 3 minutes, until the water simmers.
• Keep the lemon water in for 5 more minutes to cool and deodorize.
• Wipe down the interior with a cloth and lemon water.

The acidic lemon steam helps neutralize smells stuck to the walls. Plus, it leaves a light citrusy scent behind.

2. Vinegar

As a powerful antiseptic, vinegar is my go-to for deep cleaning smelly microwaves.

To use it, try this simple process:

• Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Microwave the solution for 5 minutes, allowing it to steam up the interior.
• Keep the door closed for 5 more minutes to soak up odors.
• Carefully remove the hot bowl, then wipe the walls and vents with a vinegar-dampened cloth.

The acetic acid in vinegar destroys stubborn fish molecules leaving a fresh scent behind.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another odor-eliminating pantry staple. Simply leave an opened box in the microwave overnight to absorb smells.

For a more powerful treatment, combine baking soda with water to form a spreadable paste. Coat the interior with the paste and wipe clean the next morning.

The alkalinity in baking soda literally neutralizes food odors without leaving a scent of its own behind.

4. Coffee Grounds

Like baking soda, dried coffee grounds soak up smelly particles floating around your microwave.

To use them, try this:

• Spread used coffee grounds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave for 1 minute to warm them up and activate the odor-absorbing properties.
• Leave the heated grounds in the microwave for 1 hour to work their magic.
• Wipe out the microwave, then discard the used grounds.

Both the grounds and the microwave should smell coffee fresh!

5. Vanilla Extract

Here’s a neat trick if you want your microwave to smell sweet again – vanilla!

• Combine 2 tablespoons vanilla extract with 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Heat for 2 minutes until steaming.
• Allow the vanilla steam to permeate for 5 minutes.
• Wipe down the interior to remove any residue.

The pleasing aroma of vanilla extract overpowers foul fish smells. It also leaves your microwave smelling like freshly baked cookies.

6. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is known for its odor absorption powers. Simply leave a dish of charcoal inside the smelly microwave and it will absorb fishy molecules.

For a deeper cleanse, make a paste with water and scrub the interior. Rinse thoroughly after to avoid charcoal dust inside your microwave.

7. Orange Peels

Similar to lemons, citrus orange peels contain oils that break down and eliminate odor molecules.

To use them, try this trick:

• Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a handful of orange peels.
• Microwave for 3 minutes to activate the oils.
• Leave the bowl inside for 1 hour, then wipe clean.

8. Hydrogen Peroxide

As a natural bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide is great for disinfecting and deodorizing microwaves.

Use these measures to clean with H2O2:

• Combine 1 cup hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup water in a microwave-safe container.
• Microwave the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing it to steam and bubble.
• Leave the door closed for 10 minutes to further penetrate odor.
• Carefully remove the hot container, then wipe the interior clean.

The bubbling peroxide steam scrubs away stubborn fish smells. But use it sparingly, as too much can strip the microwave lining.

9. Disinfecting Wipes

For a quick way to eliminate fish odor and clean the microwave, use antibacterial wipes. The alcohol in the wipes kills bacteria growth causing the stench.

Simply wipe down the entire interior, vents, door, and seals to disinfect. The fresh lemon or pine scents will overpower stale fish smells.

Deep Cleaning Tips for Smelly Microwaves

I always recommend giving your microwave a thorough cleaning in addition to using deodorizers. Removing built-up food debris eliminates odor hot spots.

Here’s how to deep clean a stinky microwave:

• Mix warm water and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spritz the interior and let it soak for 5 minutes.
• Scrub the walls, vents, turntable, and door with a soft sponge.
• Use a toothpick or skewer to dislodge gunk from crevices.
• Rinse soap residue thoroughly with a clean, wet cloth.
• Disinfect the interior occasionally with alcohol or bleach wipes.
• Leave the door open for 1 hour after to allow moisture to evaporate.

Repeat these steps weekly to prevent fish funk from returning.

Tips to Avoid Fish Smells in Your Microwave

They say prevention is the best medicine. So in addition to cleaning tips, use these tricks to avoid fish odors in your microwave:

• Always cover food with a lid or paper towel when microwaving. This prevents splatters.
• Run the exhaust fan or open a window when cooking pungent foods.
• Wipe spills immediately after removing food to prevent residue.
• Clean the turntable and interior weekly to prevent buildup.
• Absorb smells quickly by microwaving lemon water after cooking odorous foods.

When to Call a Microwave Repair Professional

If you’ve tried all these DIY odor removal methods but your microwave still smells strongly of fish, the issue may run deeper. Severe smells could indicate an electrical issue or blocked ventilation.

Contact an appliance repair technician if:

• The smell persists after thorough cleaning.
• You notice a burning plastic smell.
• The microwave emits smoke when running.
• You see sparks inside it.

A microwave specialist can inspect the magnetron, fans, and internal wiring to locate issues. They can also deodorize the cavity using professional-grade products.

Breathe Easy with a Fresh Smelling Microwave

Now that you’re armed with these simple tips, you can say goodbye to the lingering stench of fish in your microwave.

The next time you accidentally leave salmon leftovers festering inside, don’t panic. Just deploy one of these odor-eliminating solutions.

And be sure to clean and deodorize the microwave regularly to prevent future smells. Your nose will thank you.