If you’re too lazy to clean your appliances from the inside, today’s article is just for you (and very much so). Thanks to the advice from our home cleaning professionals, in the following lines you will find the best tips on how to clean a microwave.
We will guide you through the cleaning products and materials you’ll need to make your appliance shine, restoring that spotless look it had when it was new. Interested? Keep reading and take notes to do a top-notch cleaning job!
It’s important to clean the microwave frequently for several reasons. First, if it’s not cleaned regularly, dirt can accumulate inside the microwave and become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Remember that this appliance is usually used daily to heat and defrost food, and even to cook. That’s why it’s exposed to spills, splashes, and residue buildup.
Besides the health risks, the accumulation of dirt and grease inside the microwave can also affect its performance and efficiency. Food heated in a dirty microwave doesn’t cook evenly and takes a few minutes longer to warm up.
Another important reason to clean your microwave regularly is to maintain its exterior appearance. A clean and shiny microwave is not only more pleasant to look at but also conveys a sense of hygiene and care in your kitchen.
How to clean the inside of the microwave?
Below, we provide a complete guide to clean and maintain your microwave in optimal condition. From using natural ingredients like white vinegar and lemon to employing specialized chemical products.
- Cleaning with white vinegar
- Fill a microwave-safe container with an equal parts mixture of water and white vinegar.
- Place the container in the microwave and heat it for about 2-3 minutes on high power. The steam generated will help loosen dirt and odors.
- After heating, let the solution sit inside the microwave for a few minutes so the steam continues working.
- Carefully remove the hot container and use a damp cloth or soft sponge to wipe the interior walls of the microwave. The white vinegar will remove stains and persistent odors.
- Finally, rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth.
- Use lemon!
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a container with water.
- Place the container in the microwave and heat it for 2-3 minutes on high power.
- After heating, let the mixture sit inside the microwave to soften dirt and leave a fresh scent.
- Then, use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the microwave walls and the turntable with the lemon solution.
- Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.
- Clean with dishwashing soap
- Fill a container with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
- Soak a sponge or soft cloth in the solution and clean all internal surfaces of the microwave.
- Pay special attention to the dirtiest or greasiest areas.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth.
- For tougher stains, use baking soda
- Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to stains or problem areas inside the microwave.
- Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the baking soda to penetrate the dirt.
- Then, use a damp cloth to gently scrub and remove the paste.
- Rinse with water and dry.
- Special microwave cleaning products
- When using chemical products specifically designed for microwave cleaning, such as commercial cleaners, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.
- Always remember to rinse well and dry the microwave thoroughly after cleaning before using it again.
Clean the microwave with vinegar
To clean the microwave walls, you can boil a bowl of water with a splash of white vinegar for 5 minutes. Then, let the steam act for 10 minutes.
It’s time to open the door and wipe the interior walls with a sponge to remove dirt. If you previously sprinkled some baking soda inside the microwave, the result will be professional-level. Let it dry with the microwave door open to also ventilate it.
How to clean the microwave with lemon
If you want to get rid of microwave odors once and for all, follow the same procedure as with vinegar, but this time with a lemon cut in half. It’s definitely a very effective remedy to clean the microwave. Oh, and don’t forget to clean the turntable well as if it were a normal plate! You can even put it in the dishwasher.
Cleaning the microwave with dish detergent
Dish soap is more aggressive than natural products, yes, but much milder than other specialized microwave cleaning products. In fact, since it’s often more readily available, it often becomes a great ally for cleaning this appliance.
Just like with vinegar, put a bit of water with a splash of dish soap in a bowl and heat it until boiling. Wait until the steam disappears, remove the bowl, and wipe away the dirt with a cloth.
With baking soda
Cleaning your microwave is also very easy using a bit of baking soda, hot water, and a sponge. This trick can remove even the most stuck-on food! Like in the other methods, you just need to put a small container with baking soda and hot water inside the microwave and run it for 5 minutes. Then, remove the bowl and clean the microwave with the sponge, and the most stubborn dirt will come off easily.
Combine forces: baking soda and vinegar
If your microwave is very dirty, you can combine vinegar and baking soda to clean it effectively. You’ll need a bowl that fits in the microwave with about two glasses of water and a tablespoon of vinegar. Run it until the water evaporates and the microwave fills with steam.
Then, take a sponge or scrubber with some baking soda on it. The baking soda will help remove ingrained dirt on the walls and the turntable. Finally, rinse with a cloth soaked in hot water and dry well. With these simple steps, you’ll have a microwave that’s clean and free of bad odors!
How to clean the outside of the microwave?
With these simple steps, you can keep your microwave clean and shiny on the outside, complementing the internal cleaning to ensure your appliance looks like new. Pay attention!
- Prepare a solution of warm water and a few drops of liquid soap
- Moisten a soft cloth in the solution and wring it out so it doesn’t drip
- Gently clean the microwave’s exterior surfaces, 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.
For the control panel and buttons of the microwave:
- Use a cloth slightly dampened with water to clean the control panel and buttons.
- Avoid soaking the cloth too much or using abrasive cleaners, as they could damage the electronic components.
- If there are persistent stains or sticky residues, you can use a cotton swab dampened with water or alcohol to carefully clean those areas.
And for the ventilation systems or grilles:
- Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to remove dust and residue from the ventilation grilles.
- Gently vacuum or use compressed air to eliminate dust accumulated in the grilles.
Cleaning the outside of the microwave is perhaps the easiest part (if cleaning the inside was difficult). Just wipe it down with a cloth dampened with water and mild soap, and you’re done! If your microwave is stainless steel, use a microfiber cloth and rub the surface following the grain direction of the stainless steel. Then immediately dry with another clean cloth.
However, the most important thing to keep the microwave clean is to include its cleaning in your daily routine:
- Clean it once a week—it’s not that hard!
- Since prevention is better than cure, cover food to avoid splatters.
- Clean immediately when any sauce or liquid spills.