How to Clean a Microwave Simply and Effectively Using Natural cleaners
Microwaves are handy-dandy kitchen appliances that save us a lot of time and energy. They are easy to use, quick, and convenient but they get dirty. One round of leftovers or one bag of burnt popcorn is all it takes to convert a microwave oven from spotlessly clean to an unpleasant dirty microwave.
In this article, we’ve gathered a step-by-step guide to using everyday cleaning products to clean a microwave. It’s time to make your microwave oven sparkle again!
Your dirty microwave can be a good place for germs and bacteria to grow. Now you know where that foul odour after opening your appliance comes from.
Cleaning your microwave will help eliminate these tough stains that can make your microwave's interior smell and look unpleasant. There are many methods to clean a microwave, and you probably need to know which is best for your appliance.
Here we have gathered step-by-step guides to using everyday cleaning products to clean your microwave.
If you are too busy to do regular deep cleaning, you can book our house cleaning services, which include a thorough appliance cleanup to turn your greasy machine into a sparkling clean microwave.
What You Will Need
How to Clean a Microwave Naturally
A common way to clean a microwave is by using an all-purpose cleaner. While it is effective, it could be safer. It can also create fumes and a horrible odour in your microwave.
There are natural and efficient safe products for cleaning your microwave. Luckily, these are everyday kitchen items like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda.
How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar and Water
White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are effective for cleaning and have been used for years as cleaning agents as they contain no harsh chemicals. Vinegar's acidic properties can easily break down grime, dirt, and grease, making it one of the best cleaning solutions for microwaves.
Vinegar can leave an unpleasant odour, especially white vinegar, so you can add a few drops of essential oil to mask the strong smells. Essential oils could also help disinfect, so it's a great choice.
Cleaning Procedure:
Mix two tablespoons of vinegar with two cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Depending on how dirty and greasy the machine is, you can increase the vinegar content, but make sure it's properly diluted.
Place the bowl in the microwave and put your microwave on high for about 5 minutes. The vinegar and water will heat up, and the steam will help break down and loosen up all the dirt, grease, and grime.
Turn off the microwave and allow it to cool for a few minutes before opening the appliance's glass door to take out the bowl. Unplug the microwave and carefully wipe the inside with a damp clean cloth until all the stains are gone.
How to Clean a Microwave with Baking Soda
Baking soda is another commonly used cleaner and a natural deodorizer. It masks the terrible odour oozing from your microwave, so if your machine doesn't smell so good because of food debris and microwave dirt, baking soda will help clean the mess.
Cleaning Procedure:
Pour a generous amount of baking soda into a microwave-safe bowl. Add water to turn it into a paste. Place the bowl in the microwave and let it run high for 5 minutes. Leave the machine to cool before removing the bowl with a microwave mitten.
Wipe down the interior with a clean paper towel or microfiber cloth. For tougher grime, apply baking soda to the spot, leave it for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a sponge. Make sure you clean out the baking soda thoroughly from the machine.
How to Clean a Microwave with Lemon
Lemon juice leaves behind a fresh smell after cleaning. It is a good disinfectant and degreaser, and it is also easy to find. Using lemons to clean your microwave is one of the safest ways to get your microwave sparkling and fresh.
Cleaning Procedure:
Rub the lemon between your palms to loosen up the juicy content. Cut the lemon into two halves. Squeeze the lemon juice into the microwave-safe container and dump the halves into the bowl.
Add a cup of water to the bowl with lemon juice. Place the container in the microwave and run it high for five minutes. Let the microwave cool for a few minutes before removing the bowl.
Wipe the inside of your microwave with a damp cloth or paper towel. The steam will make it easier to clean the microwave, and the lemon will leave behind a fresh smell.
How to Clean a Microwave with Dish Soap
Suppose you still need to get the items mentioned. Your dish soap can clean your microwave. However, ensure you properly clean up the soap suds inside your microwave.
Cleaning Procedure:
Pour some dish soap into warm water inside a bowl. Add vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. If your microwave is filthy and the stains look tough, there's no harm in using all three at once.
Soak a dishwashing sponge in the mixture and use it to clean the interior of your microwave. Afterwards, wipe and clean it with a damp towel.
How to Clean a Microwave with a Melamine Sponge
Using a wet melamine foam sponge to clean a microwave works wonders. It is a great cleaning hack because melamine sponges are made from heat-resistant foam. That means they won't melt when used on hot surfaces like the inside of your microwave. They are ideal for cleaning up messes like splatters or spills inside your microwave.
Cleaning Procedure:
After you remove the glass plate and microwave turntable, soak the sponge with a small amount of water. Use gentle, circular movements to wipe the interior of your microwave oven and the glass plate while being careful not to get any moisture into the vents.
Replace the glass plate and turntable if the microwave dirt is tough. Next, microwave the melamine foam sponge for five minutes on high after soaking it in water.
After letting it cool, use the foam sponge to wash and remove any remaining food or dirt.
How to clean a Microwave with Wet Paper Towels
One of the best ways to clean your microwave is with wet paper towels. These are more absorbent than dry ones, which means they can handle more food grime from your microwave. Plus, they're easier on the finish of your microwave as no scrubbing is necessary.
Cleaning Procedure:
Use many wet paper towels to wipe and clean your microwave if it doesn't appear as though a nuclear explosion occurred inside it.
Remove the glass plate and turntable, and soak the paper towels in the water. Then, put the wet paper towels inside the microwave and run them on high for around 5 minutes.
After letting it cool down, wipe it with a clean towel to eliminate undesirable food debris and pollutants from your microwave.
Enjoy Your Clean and Fresh Smelling Microwave!
After properly cleaning your microwave, you can grill, reheat, or defrost your meals. There would be no more stains, grime, or grease, and you can be sure your food wouldn't get contaminated by germs.
If you love how good your microwave looks, don't wait for it to get dirty before cleaning it again. Ensure you clean regularly and wipe out food splashes immediately. Regular cleanup will save time and energy from struggling with stubborn stains inside your microwave.
If you loved this guide, check our ultimate kitchen cleaning guide to help you clean and sanitize your other kitchen appliances!
FAQs
How to Clean the Microwave door and Exterior?
The microwave door and exterior are pretty easy to clean. Since it is not as dirty as the inside, it requires less elbow grease. You can use the same cleaning products to clean the microwave door and outside of your microwave. You can also use all-purpose cleaners for the body of your microwave.
Be careful while cleaning so water does not get into the vent on the microwave. For the glass plate and microwave turntable, you can easily wash them with dish soap in the sink and return them to the machine.
How to clean a really dirty microwave?
To clean a filthy microwave, mix vinegar with water, lemonade, and baking soda in a heatproof bowl. Mix it up and then simmer for 5-7 minutes or until heated. Wait for it to cool off before washing it with a clean cloth. You can scrub it with a damp towel to remove the hard stains.
How Often Should You Clean Your Microwave?
It would be best if you cleaned your microwave frequently to prevent the build-up of germs. Bacteria can grow when you leave food spills and grime in the machine without cleaning. It is recommended that you clean it at least once a week. Depending on how often you use it, you might have to clean your oven more often.
What cleaners are not safe to use in a microwave?
A few cleaners are unsafe for use in a microwave, and it's essential to know which ones will cause damage.
If you're using a cleaner that contains ammonia or bleach, it's not safe to use in the microwave. These chemicals can cause fires or explosions if heated up too much, so avoid them altogether.
It would be best to avoid cleaners containing acids and other harsh chemicals, as these can damage your microwave's interior over time.
How often should I replace my microwave?
The microwave is designed to last for ten years. You can maintain this for a reasonable time by cleaning it regularly.
