
We’ve all smelled the lingering aroma of burnt popcorn in the air. It may seem as if the smell is impossible to get rid of, but with a few tips and tricks, there are ways to remove the stench of burnt popcorn.
In order to remove the scent of burnt popcorn, one should completely remove the bag or individual burnt kernels from the house and place them in an outdoor garbage bin. Then, open up the windows and either use lemon water, fabric softeners, or create a deodorizer to remove the smell.
Many people stand by different tips and tricks when it comes to removing the smell of burnt popcorn from their homes, so here are the many different ways that have been proven to be effective.
Remove the Burnt Popcorn and Create Air Circulation
The first thing that you should do after burning popcorn is to remove the culprit from the house. Don’t just simply throw the popcorn into the trash; that will make the stench linger in your home.
Take the bag of popcorn or the individual kernels to an outdoor garbage bin or dumpster. If an outdoor trashcan isn’t available, place the popcorn in a sealed bag to try to keep the smell from spreading.
Once you have taken care of the burnt popcorn, open up windows and doors, turn on fans, use the vent hood in your kitchen, etc. to try to remove the smell. Creating this circulation will allow the smell to leave the premises.
If you don’t have the option to open up the windows, just try solely relying on a fan and vents to dissipate the smell.
Steam Water and Lemon to Remove Burnt Popcorn Smell
One of the most common methods to remove the stench of overcooked popcorn is to steam water and lemon in the microwave where the accident occurred or on a large pot over the stove.

Steamed lemon water works as a natural cleaner and it also smells great. This means that this method won’t just cover up the smell; it will clean the burnt particles from the microwave or kitchen.
Microwave Directions
Get a microwave-safe dish or cup, and then place 1 cup of water and 1 half of a lemon. Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the bowl or cup, and then place the rind in the cup or bowl as well.
Put the microwave-safe crockery into the microwave and set the appliance on high and cook for 3 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on the lemon so that it doesn’t burn in the microwave, creating an even more charred stench.
The lemon water will create a penetrating steam that will work its way throughout the microwave. Once the timer goes off, leave the lemon water dish inside of the microwave for 5-10 minutes. Then, wipe the microwave with a damp cloth.
Stove Directions
Bring about 1 1/2 cups of water to boil on a pot. Add about a half lemon or more to the water and let the lemon steep for about 30 minutes to cover up the smell of the burnt popcorn.
Have you ever wondered if popcorn popping was a chemical or physical change? Read the article here
Use Vinegar and Water to Remove Burnt Popcorn Smell
If you don’t have a lemon on hand, or if the citrus didn’t remove the smell, then you can also use a water and vinegar steam to try to combat the lingering aroma. Use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water, add it to a microwave-safe dish, and then cook it in the microwave for about 3 minutes.
After the timer goes off, keep the mixture in the microwave for a bit longer so the concoction can penetrate the burnt popcorn smell. Then use a sponge and wipe the microwave down until it’s clean.
Using Vinegar and Fabric Softener to Remove Burnt Popcorn Smell
Upholstered furniture is known to take on scents. If there is burnt popcorn in the home, you can almost guarantee that your furniture is going to start smelling the same way.
Take a spray bottle, fill it halfway with white distilled vinegar and a few drops of fabric softener. Mix the components and then spray the liquid onto the upholstered furniture to get rid of the smell.
Using Baking Soda to Remove Burnt Popcorn Smell
Baking soda is a fantastic deodorizer and should be utilized to neutralize bad smells like burnt popcorn. There are a few different methods that you can utilize when using baking soda to remove smells.

You can either put water and baking soda in the microwave and cook it, or you can just leave an opened box of baking soda in the microwave overnight.
To make a water and baking soda deodorizer, put water into a microwave-safe dish and then add a large spoonful of baking soda. The mixture will be thick but should still be a liquid. Place the mixture into the microwave and cook it for about 5 minutes.
Once the timer goes off, let the mixture sit in the appliance for about an hour. Then use a cloth to wipe out the microwave.
Another great method is to put bowls of baking soda around the affected area, such as the kitchen and living room. Let the bowls sit out all night to try to neutralize the smell.
Want to know how many calories are in a bag of popcorn? Read the article here
Use Vinegar and Bread to Remove Burnt Popcorn Smell
When paired together, bread and vinegar can be great deodorizers. Add a gallon of water and 2 cups of vinegar to a pot and bring it to a boil on a stovetop. Once the vinegar and water have simmered for about 15 minutes, add a few slices of bread to the pot.
Leave the pot in the room where the burnt popcorn smell is and leave it until the odor has been neutralized. This is an especially great method to deodorize kitchen cabinets.
Using Coffee to Remove Burnt Popcorn Smell
Coffee is a great way to cover up unwanted scents. Simply put some coffee grounds (not grinds) and water in a microwave-safe mug, place it in the microwave for three minutes, and then let it sit in the microwave for a few more minutes.
After letting the coffee sit in the microwave, remove the cup and clean and dry out your microwave. This should replace the odor of burnt popcorn with a lovely aroma of fresh-brewed coffee.