Quck answer
1. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and let fresh air in.
2. Use a fan or air purifier to help circulate the air and remove the odor.
3. Clean the microwave or any other appliance where the popcorn burnt, using a mixture of vinegar and water or a specialized cleaner.
4. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, upholstery, or any other fabric affected by the odor, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up.
5. Place bowls of white vinegar or activated charcoal around the room to absorb the odor.
6. Use citrus-scented candles or essential oils to mask the smell.
7. Avoid burning popcorn in the future by following the recommended cooking instructions and monitoring it closely.
Oops! Instead of being attentive and stopping the microwave at the exact moment for perfect popcorn, you got distracted. Now, you have an inedible black mass in the microwave and a pungent burnt popcorn smell in your nose.
Although burning popcorn is never enjoyable, the persistent smell of burnt popcorn is even worse. Every time you enter the kitchen or open the microwave, the smell hits you. To truly eliminate the lingering odor of burnt popcorn, it’s best to get rid of the smell completely instead of trying to mask it with perfumes and incense.
Getting Rid of the Burnt Smell
To eliminate the burnt smell, open at least two windows and turn on any fans to encourage rapid air circulation. Ventilating your home as much as possible will help the burnt smell exit your home. You can even open the closest exterior door and “fan it” to move air in and out of the doorway. Don’t forget to leave the microwave door open to allow the odor to exit.
If you’re in an apartment or dorm room with only one window, this process may take some time. This is because you need a way for fresh air to enter the area and another way for old air to exit the area. To make the best of a single window, open both the top and bottom halves at the same time. This will allow air to enter one way and exit the other.
You can also speed up the process by placing a fan in the window on a day with little to no breeze. It doesn’t matter whether the fan points inward or outward as long as there is enough room for air to pass in the opposite direction somewhere in the room. If you have two fans, you can clear the smell of burnt popcorn even faster by facing one fan inward and the other toward the outside.
Safely Dispose of Burnt Popcorn
According to Texas A&M, ventilation can only do so much to dilute an odor. To eliminate the odor once and for all, you have to get rid of the source. But be careful! Throwing burnt popcorn in the trash could start a fire.
If you’ve burnt the popcorn badly and haven’t just singed the edges, you are probably looking at a lump of material that resembles something from a fireplace. In fact, it may be smoking or glowing slightly. The popcorn is very, very hot. You cannot simply bag it and throw it (and its odor) in the garbage can to solve this problem.
Make sure the burnt popcorn cools off before you throw it away. To speed up the process and avoid a potential popcorn fire, put the stopper in your kitchen sink drain, carefully put the popcorn and bag in the sink (wearing oven mitts) and run cold water over it until the whole mess is submerged. Use a spoon to break up the popcorn chunks to help the cooling process. Allow the entire mess to sit in the water for at least an hour before draining the water and throwing the popcorn away for good.
FAQ
1. What causes the burnt popcorn odor?
The burnt popcorn odor is caused by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when popcorn kernels are overheated and burnt. These compounds are responsible for the strong, unpleasant smell that lingers in the air.
2. How can I remove the burnt popcorn smell from my microwave?
To remove the burnt popcorn smell from your microwave, you can try placing a microwave-safe bowl filled with a mixture of water and lemon juice inside the microwave. Heat the mixture for a few minutes until it starts to steam. Then, let it sit for a while to allow the steam to penetrate the interior of the microwave. Finally, wipe down the surfaces with a clean cloth or sponge.
3. How do I get rid of the burnt popcorn smell in my house?
To eliminate the burnt popcorn smell in your house, you can try several methods. Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate. Use an air purifier or place bowls of vinegar or baking soda in different rooms to absorb the odor. You can also simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks or citrus peels on the stove to mask the smell.
4. Can I use air fresheners to get rid of the burnt popcorn odor?
Air fresheners can help mask the burnt popcorn odor temporarily, but they won’t eliminate the smell completely. It’s best to use other methods, such as ventilation, natural odor absorbers, or cleaning techniques to get rid of the odor permanently.
5. How do I remove the burnt popcorn smell from my clothes?
To remove the burnt popcorn smell from clothes, you can try soaking them in a mixture of vinegar and water. Let the clothes sit in the solution for about an hour before washing them as usual. Alternatively, you can hang the clothes outside in fresh air or use odor-eliminating sprays specifically designed for fabrics.
6. How long does the burnt popcorn smell last?
The duration of the burnt popcorn smell can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the burning, the ventilation in the area, and the cleaning methods used. In general, the smell can linger for a few hours to a couple of days. Proper cleaning and odor removal techniques can help reduce the duration of the smell.
7. How can I prevent burning popcorn and the associated odor?
To prevent burning popcorn and the associated odor, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking time and power level. Stay near the microwave or stovetop while the popcorn is cooking, and stop the cooking process as soon as you hear the popping slow down. Avoid leaving the popcorn unattended to prevent overheating and burning.