If you’re still following through on your New Year’s resolution (major props, BTW), you’ve probably been shopping at the seafood counter a lot this month. Fish is so damn healthy that we cant help but make it our go-to protein in good-for-you dinners. But fish is so damn smelly that we cant help but want to chop off our noses every. single. time. we cook it. That smell is still there after you clean up, when you make breakfast the next day, and the day after that.
Fish can be one of the smelliest foods to cook in the microwave. That distinct pungent fishy aroma has a way of lingering long after the fillet has been eaten. While microwaves make cooking fish quick and convenient the trade-off is having to deal with stubborn fish odors that make your appliance reek for days.
If your microwave has absorbed the scent of fish, all hope is not lost. With the right techniques, you can freshen the interior and get rid of fishy smells for good. Follow these 12 tips to learn how to remove potent fish odors from your microwave.
Why Does Fish Smell So Strong in the Microwave?
To understand how to eliminate fish odor, it helps to first understand why it develops in the microwave.
Fish has a natural aroma even when raw. This comes from oils and proteins called amines found in the flesh and skin.
Cooking fish amplifies these existing odors trapped in the meat. The oils get hot and volatile, releasing more pungent fumes.
A microwave cooks by exciting water molecules and creating internal heat. This heating of the inherent moisture in fish makes the smells rapidly vaporize and spread.
Since microwaves are enclosed spaces the fish aroma gets concentrated inside. The interior walls and ceiling absorb and hold on to the stench.
12 Tips to Remove Fish Smell from Microwave
Here are 12 effective methods to get rid of fish odors from a tainted microwave:
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful deodorizer. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup white vinegar and heat for 5 minutes. Let the vinegar steam and condense on the walls. Keep the door closed for several hours to allow the vinegar to absorb odors.
2. Lemon
Lemon juice also works to eliminate food odors. Squeeze lemon juice into a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup water. Microwave on high for 5 minutes then let the bowl sit in the closed microwave overnight.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda absorbs smells rather than masking them. Place an open box of baking soda or a bowl of baking soda in the microwave. Leave it overnight or during periods of non-use. The baking soda will soak up fishy odors over time.
4. Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds can be reused to remove odors from the microwave. Place wet grounds on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 5 minutes to release the coffee’s aromatic oils. Leave the plate in the microwave overnight.
5. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds a sweet, pleasant fragrance. Mix 2 teaspoons vanilla extract into 1 cup water. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until hot. Leave the bowl in the microwave to freshen the interior.
6. Citrus Peels
Peels from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes contain fresh, lively oils. Place peels on a plate and microwave for 1 minute. Let the peels sit in the closed microwave for an hour.
7. Activated Charcoal
Charcoal absorbs and traps odors very effectively. Leave a bowl of activated charcoal in the microwave when not in use to capture fish smells over time.
8. Herbs and Spices
Spices like cinnamon, cloves, mint, and rosemary have pungent oils that combat odors. Place any of these dried spices in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes then let sit overnight.
9. Tea Bags
Steep 2-3 tea bags in water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and microwave the water for 2 minutes. Allow the hot tea water to condense and penetrate the interior.
10. Orange Peels
Orange peels contain natural oils that can overpower fish smells. Microwave 3-4 orange peels in a bowl of water for 2 minutes. Keep the microwave closed for 1 hour.
11. Steam
Steam helps loosen food residue and odor molecules. Bring water to a boil in a microwave-safe container. Place inside the microwave and heat for 5 minutes. Keep the door shut for 30 minutes as the steam condenses.
12. Disinfectant Spray
Spraying a disinfectant cleaner formulated to eliminate odors can help sanitize and deodorize the microwave interior. Check the product label to ensure it is microwave-safe.
Tips for Preventing Odors When Cooking Fish
While unpleasant to deal with, fish odors can be avoided in the first place with some simple precautions:
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Cover the fish with a microwave-safe lid or wax paper while cooking. This prevents smells from escaping.
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Use a higher power level and cook fish for a shorter time. Extended microwaving spreads smells.
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Arrange thin lemon slices or rosemary sprigs in the dish. They help mask fish odors.
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Cook fish on a microwave-safe plate rather than directly on the turntable. This prevents residue build-up.
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Wipe the microwave interior with a lemon slice after cooking fish. This neutralizes odors.
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Allow food smells to ventilate before closing. Leave the door ajar for 5 minutes after cooking fish.
With vigilance and care when cooking fish, plus these deodorizing tricks for cleaning up, you can keep your microwave fresh and odor-free.
Common Questions About Eliminating Fish Smell from Microwave
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about removing fish odors from a microwave:
How long does fish smell last in the microwave?
Fish odors can linger in a microwave for anywhere from 2 days up to a week if no deodorizing is done. The smell mayFade over time but often needs to be actively removed.
Does baking soda remove fish smell?
Yes, baking soda is very effective at absorbing and removing fish odors from a microwave. It works best if left in the microwave overnight.
Does vinegar get rid of fish smell in microwave?
Vinegar is one of the best ingredients for eliminating fish smells from a microwave. When heated, the vinegar steam penetrates and neutralizes odors.
What is the fastest way to remove fish smell from microwave?
For a quick fix, lemon juice or vinegar steam are the fastest ways to eliminate fish odors in the microwave. Heat either ingredient for 5 minutes then keep the microwave sealed for 1 hour.
What can I cook to remove fish smell from microwave?
Foods with pungent, fresh aromas help mask fish smells. Cooking lemon wedges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, citrus peels, or vinegar can overpower stubborn fish odors.
Will bleach remove fish smell from microwave?
While bleach does have disinfectant properties, it is not necessarily the best solution for odor removal. The strong chemical fumes may just mix with the fish smell.
Do air purifiers help remove fish smell from microwave?
A portable air purifier placed near the microwave can help speed up odor removal through activated charcoal filters. But cleaning the interior is still required.
With some clever tricks, getting rid of lingering fish odors in the microwave is certainly possible. A little prevention goes a long way as well when cooking fish to avoid smells from developing in the first place. Maintain a fresh-smelling microwave using these helpful tips.
Buy fresh fish and cook it immediately.
The longer fish sits (even in your refrigerator), the smellier it gets. Plan to make a recipe the day you get back from the store. But don’t forget to bring it with you.
Soak your seafood in milk.
Yes, you read that right. Casein, a protein found in milk, binds to trimethylamine, a chemical found on fish that makes them smell bad. The lesson lasts one minute. When you drain the milk, the trimethylamine goes with it, and youre left with a less-offensive smelling filet.