Please help DH clean our microwave

[squaretoes]

My lovely DH clearly misread the packet of some microwavable couscous and put it in the microwave for 20minutes. It pretty much exploded, lots of smoke, really bad smell!!

This was 3 days ago, he has cleaned the microwave with all purpose cleaner lots of times but the smell is still there and the whole microwave has a lovely smoky colouring...we have tried airing it but its frankly disgusting.

Any idea's?? What can he do? Is it a lost cause and we need to buy a new one?

Dh did this a few years ago with a heated wheat pack - it burnt The microwave stank and I couldn't get rid of the smell. In the end I put it on Freecycle and bought a new one. It still worked, I just couldn't cope with the smell. Sorry, not very helpful I know.

Have you tried a pot of Easter with washing up liquid on full till it boils over in there?

Cup of water with a lemon squeezed into it. Put it on high for 5 minutes or so and give a good wipe. Might not get rid of the burn but might help with he smell.

You can try putting a large mug half full of water and lemon juice, start the microwave for about 3-4 minutes and let the steam do the work. Then wipe and do again until clear. Worth a go, or buy a new one!

I've used this before to clean my microwave, which just uses white vinegar. It worked really well for a very grubby oven. Open your windows whilst it's doing its 10 minutes though as your kitchen will smell like a chip shop

If that doesn't work I'd chuck - the change in colour suggests it might have damaged the paint inside the microwave.

Pot of water not easter

If neither of those work, a cup of water with a spoon of bicarb in, or a cup of milk, might absorb the smell.

Also wiping with the steam as soon as he opens the microwave might help shift the smokiness.

Otherwise try a paste of bicarb - I just sprinkle bicarb on a wet sponge then wipe. I used this to remove a layer of burnt on rice water (from the pain boiling over) on our glass hob the other day.

Good luck, it sounds horrid!

Try steaming? I don't know if it would work but with perseverance it might dislodge some of the marks or discolouration. Have read about people steaming with a bowl of boiling water and lemon (presumably to get rid of smells) inside the microwave or alternatively if you have one of the hand held ones maybe that would help.

Sorry for x posting, bloody phone!!

A bowl of boiling water with a squeeze of lemon juice, on for about 10 minutes, you should then just be able to wipe away any marks and the lemon juice should help with the smell.

Fantastic, thank you!! Will try the steam and bicarb and if no success DH is buying a new one!!

Agree with pp about steam and bicarbonate- but could also try one of those Magic Erasers?