Cleanliness at home should be an important point to take into account whenever we think about our health and well-being. Some specific cases of our daily-use appliances must have a space within the periodic sanitation tasks of the home, such as: the refrigerator or the microwave. These are intended for storing, defrosting or cooking the daily foods we consume, hence their relevance.
Today we will not focus on the microwave, an equipment for everyday use and to which perhaps we do not pay enough attention in its maintenance. If you don’t know how to properly clean the microwave, read the article below, in it you will find very useful tips for easy, quick and effective cleaning.
How to clean the inside of the microwave?
There are numerous solutions for cleaning the inside of the microwave; from natural products such as vinegar or lemon, to specialized chemical products for the elimination of fats, bacteria and germs. Below, we leave you some of the most common and practical ones:
Cleaning with white vinegar:
- Fill a microwave-safe container with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Place the container in the microwave and heat for approximately 2-3 minutes on maximum power. The steam generated will help loosen dirt and odors.
- After heating, let the solution sit in the microwave for a few minutes, so that the steam continues to work.
- Remove the container carefully (it will be hot) and with a damp cloth or soft sponge, clean the inside walls of the microwave. White vinegar will remove stubborn stains and odors.
- Finally, rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth.
Cleansing with lemon:
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a container with water.
- Place the container in the microwave and heat for 2-3 minutes at maximum power.
- After heating, let the mixture sit in the microwave to soften the dirt and leave a fresh scent.
- Next, use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the inside walls and plate of the microwave with the lemon solution.
- Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.
Cleaning with dish soap:
- Fill a container with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Soak a sponge or soft cloth in the solution and wipe all internal surfaces of the microwave.
- Pay special attention to dirtier or greasy areas.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth.
Cleaning with baking soda:
- Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to stains or problem areas inside the microwave.
- Leave it for about 15-20 minutes so that the baking soda can penetrate the dirt.
- Then use a damp cloth to gently rub to remove the paste.
- Rinse with water and dry.
Specific cleaning products:
- When using specific microwave cleaning chemicals, such as commercial cleaning products, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.
- Always remember to rinse thoroughly and dry the microwave completely after cleaning before using it again.
How to clean the outside of the microwave?
To complete the cleaning, we would only need the external part of the appliance. For this we need:
- Prepare a solution of warm water and a few drops of liquid soap.
- Wet a soft cloth in the solution and wring it out so it doesn’t drip.
- Gently clean the exterior surfaces of the microwave, including the door, side panels, and top.
- Pay attention to areas with stains or accumulated dirt.
- Rinse the cloth regularly and continue cleaning until all surfaces are clean.
- Finally, dry the microwave with a clean, dry cloth.
Control panel and buttons:
- Use a cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the control panel and buttons.
- Avoid overwetting the cloth or using abrasive cleaners, as these could damage the electronic components.
- If there are stubborn stains or sticky residue, you can use a cotton swab moistened with water or alcohol to gently clean those areas.
Grills and ventilation systems:
- Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to remove dust and debris from the vents.
- Gently vacuum or use compressed air to remove any dust accumulated on the grilles.
Conclusion
A good cleaning will not only allow us to avoid health problems, it will improve the efficiency of the equipment, avoiding the accumulation of grease and residue, at the same time that our appliance looks like new, giving it an air of hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen.
