How Do You Get Fish Smell Out of Microwave (6 Steps)

Last night, I reheated leftover salmon, and oh boy—the smell refused to leave. Every time I opened the microwave, it felt like the ocean had moved in. You know that stubborn fishy odor that just won’t go away? It lingers even after cleaning. I tried a few tricks, and now my microwave smells fresh again. Let’s fix yours too, step by step.

First, wipe out visible residue with warm soapy water. Next, heat a bowl of lemon water for 5 minutes and let the steam loosen odors. Then, scrub gently with baking soda paste to absorb smells. After that, microwave vinegar solution for a deep clean. Let the door stay open for ventilation. Finally, place coffee grounds or charcoal overnight to soak up any remaining fishy scent.

Wipe Away Every Bit of Fish Residue

Before trying anything fancy, it’s smart to start simple. Grab a damp cloth with a bit of dish soap and wipe every corner inside the microwave. Fish oils stick to walls and trays, so removing them first helps everything else work better. When I first skipped this step, the smell came right back the next day.

Try removing the turntable and washing it in the sink with warm, soapy water. You’ll be surprised how much smell hides under it. I once found a tiny sauce drop stuck underneath—it was the main culprit. Sometimes, it’s those sneaky spots you can’t see that keep the odor alive.

Always rinse the inside again with plain water to remove any soapy film. Soap residue can trap odors, making it worse later. If you use scented detergent, keep it light—strong scents mix oddly with fish. You want your microwave to smell neutral, not like perfume and seafood together.

To dry it, leave the door open for about 15 minutes. Airflow helps a lot more than you’d think. If you’re in a rush, wipe it with a dry towel instead. That simple start clears half the smell already.

• Use mild soap and warm water
• Clean under the turntable
• Rinse well and let it air dry

Steam Out Odors with Lemon Water

Lemon is magic for fish smells. It cuts grease, kills bacteria, and leaves a fresh scent behind. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add slices from one lemon. Heat it for about five minutes until the water boils and the inside gets steamy. Keep the door closed for another few minutes to let the steam soak in.

When you open the door, you’ll notice how the air feels lighter instantly. The steam softens grime and pulls the smell out from the walls. I love this step because it feels like giving the microwave a spa treatment. Use a soft cloth afterward to wipe down the moisture, and the lemon scent lingers nicely.

If you don’t have a lemon, plain vinegar or even orange peels work fine. I once used leftover orange rinds, and it smelled like a bakery afterward. It’s not about what you use, but that hot steam loosens the odor deep inside the corners.

Try to do this even when there’s no smell—it keeps the inside fresh weekly. Lemon water is gentle and won’t harm the microwave, so it’s safe to repeat anytime.

• Boil lemon water for five minutes
• Keep the door closed for steam effect
• Wipe down after with a soft cloth

Use Baking Soda for a Deeper Clean

Now that the surface smells better, it’s time for the real odor fighter—baking soda. Mix two tablespoons of it with water to make a paste. Spread it lightly around the inside, especially where splatters are stuck. Leave it for ten minutes, then wipe everything clean with a damp cloth.

Baking soda absorbs smells like a sponge. When I first tried it, the fish smell almost disappeared right away. Make sure not to scrub too hard; microwaves have a delicate interior coating. Gentle circles with a soft cloth work perfectly.

You can also leave a small bowl of dry baking soda inside overnight. Just don’t forget to take it out before using the microwave again. It quietly traps any leftover smell that the steam might have missed.

If the smell is really strong, repeat the paste method the next day. It’s simple, safe, and doesn’t cost much. I often use this after cooking oily or spicy food too.

• Make a baking soda paste and apply gently
• Wipe clean with damp cloth
• Leave dry baking soda overnight if needed

Try Vinegar Steam for Tough Odors

When lemon and baking soda can’t finish the job, vinegar steps in strong. Mix one cup of water with half a cup of white vinegar in a bowl. Heat it for about five minutes, then let it sit with the door closed for another ten. That hot vinegar steam breaks down fish oils that cling tightly.

At first, the vinegar smell feels sharp, but don’t worry—it fades fast. Once it cools, wipe everything with a damp cloth. The fish odor goes, and the vinegar scent vanishes soon after. I always open the microwave door for a while to let air do its job.

You can even add a teaspoon of baking soda to the vinegar mix for extra power. Just make sure it doesn’t overflow. That fizzing helps lift grease from surfaces, making your next cleaning easier.

Try using vinegar once a month to keep smells from building up again. It’s one of those tricks that saves you from deeper scrubbing later.

• Heat vinegar-water mix for five minutes
• Let sit before wiping
• Ventilate after to remove vinegar scent

Let Air and Absorbers Work Overnight

After all that cleaning, let your microwave rest. Keep the door open for a while to let air circulate. Trapped moisture can hold odors longer than you think. Once it’s dry, place something that naturally absorbs smells—like coffee grounds, activated charcoal, or even baking soda.

I once left a small cup of used coffee grounds inside overnight, and the difference by morning was amazing. The fishy note was completely gone, replaced with a cozy coffee smell. You don’t need fancy stuff—simple pantry items do the trick.

If you prefer something store-bought, charcoal odor absorbers or refrigerator deodorizers also help. Just make sure they’re microwave-safe before placing them inside. A few hours or overnight usually does it.

This last part is more about prevention than cleaning. It keeps your microwave ready for the next meal without surprises.

• Keep door open to dry out
• Use coffee grounds or charcoal overnight
• Avoid sealing moisture inside

Keep It Smell-Free for the Future

Now that it’s fresh again, a few habits can stop that smell from coming back. Always cover fish or any strong-smelling food when reheating. Even a simple paper towel helps block splatters and keeps the walls clean. I started using small microwave covers, and cleanup got way easier.

Wipe the inside after every use, especially if you notice grease spots. It only takes ten seconds but saves you from doing deep cleaning later. Leftover oils are what trap most odors.

Every few days, microwave lemon water or vinegar for a minute or two as a quick refresh. It’s a small effort that keeps your kitchen smelling great. Plus, it makes your microwave look newer longer.

Don’t forget the vents too. If they’re dusty, smells can linger even when everything inside is clean. A quick wipe around them keeps air flowing freely.

• Cover food while heating
• Clean after every use
• Do weekly lemon steam refresh

Final Thoughts

Getting fish smell out of your microwave isn’t hard—it just takes a few smart steps. With lemon, vinegar, baking soda, and some patience, you can make it smell brand new. Keep these habits going, and you’ll never deal with that fishy wave again. Fresh, clean air feels much nicer every time you open the door.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use vinegar in the microwave?

Yes, it’s completely safe when used in small amounts mixed with water. The steam from vinegar helps break down grease and remove odor-causing oils. Just make sure to leave it to cool before wiping the inside. I usually open the door afterward for a few minutes to let any leftover smell disappear naturally. It’s one of the safest and most effective natural cleaners for microwaves.

Can I use bleach to remove fish smell?

It’s better not to. Bleach is too harsh for microwaves and can damage the interior coating. It also leaves behind fumes that might affect food later. Stick to safer cleaners like lemon, vinegar, or baking soda. These do the job without risk. A quick steam clean using lemon water works just as well and keeps your kitchen smelling clean without chemical odors.

Do I need to remove the microwave plate every time?

Yes, it’s worth doing. The plate collects drips and oils that hold the smell. I always remove it and wash it with regular dish soap. Check under the plate too—smells often hide there. Even a quick rinse helps keep things fresh. Once you make it a habit, it feels effortless and prevents any future build-up.

Is it okay to leave baking soda inside the microwave overnight?

Yes, as long as the microwave is turned off. A small bowl of dry baking soda works overnight to soak up remaining odors. I usually take it out in the morning before using the microwave again. It’s completely safe and very effective. Just remember not to microwave the baking soda itself—it’s meant for passive absorption only.

Can coffee grounds really remove bad smells?

Absolutely. Coffee grounds are amazing natural odor absorbers. I often use leftover ones from my morning brew. Place a small bowl inside the microwave and leave it overnight. By morning, the fish smell is gone, replaced by a light coffee scent. It’s simple, inexpensive, and works like magic without any chemicals involved.

Do I need to repeat these steps if the smell returns?

Yes, sometimes odors linger if the first clean missed a spot. Just redo the steam and baking soda steps. Focus on hidden corners or under the turntable. Once you remove all traces of oil, the smell won’t come back. A quick refresh with lemon water weekly usually prevents it from happening again.

Can I mix vinegar and baking soda together inside the microwave?

Yes, but carefully. They react and fizz up, which helps loosen grime. Use a small amount to avoid overflow. Heat the mixture for a short time, then wipe it clean after cooling. I’ve done this a few times when the smell was strong, and it always worked great. It’s safe and surprisingly satisfying to watch.

Do I need to leave the microwave door open after cleaning?

Yes, letting it air out is important. Moisture traps odors, so keeping the door open for about 15 minutes helps it dry completely. Sometimes I even leave it slightly open for an hour if the smell was strong. This step makes a big difference and ensures the fresh scent lasts longer.