Microwave is one of the most important kitchen appliances ever made. From heating food to baking, it is capable of a variety of things. To be precise, it makes your life inside the kitchen much easier. With the help of a microwave, you can cook food and save time and effort.
As functional as it is, we hate to clean a microwave. If you are wondering how to clean a microwave the easy way, you are in the right place. In this post, we will tell you different ways of cleaning a microwave properly.
Also read: How to Descale a Washing Machine
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List of Easy & Effective Ways to Clean a Microwave
If you know the right approach to clean a microwave, the task becomes much easier. There are more than one ways to clean microwaves, and we will be discussing some of the most common ones with you.
1. Vinegar & Water
To use this method, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add 1tbsp of white vinegar. Put it inside and microwave it for 5 minutes.
This method will help you clean the entire stuck-up gunk on the interior walls of a microwave. After 5 minutes, wipe down the interior walls using a paper towel or rag.
Take out the turntable and wash it thoroughly. You can even put it in the dishwasher.
2. Baking Soda & Vinegar
This is an inexpensive solution to clean a dirty microwave. Many people use it as a DIY method. All you need to do is add 4 spoons of baking soda to a quart of warm water.
Stir the solution vigorously to break down the powder completely. Now take a sponge or cloth and dip it into the mixture. Using the same cloth or sponge, wipe down the entire microwave.
Now pour equal parts of white vinegar and water into a microwave-safe container. Place it inside the microwave for 3 minutes on high power. Keep the microwave closed for 10 minutes, even after 3 minutes are over. You need to let the trapped steam work its magic.
Once you open the microwave door, remove the bowl and turntable. Take the removable components and use hot soapy water to clean them. At the same time, wipe down the interiors of the microwave with water and vinegar mixture. Repeat the process until no baking soda residue is left.
3. Wet Paper Towels
One of the fastest and easiest ways of cleaning a microwave is to use a handful of paper towels. All you need to do is place some soaking wet paper towels inside the microwave and set it on high power for at least 5 minutes.
The steam released from the wet paper towels will loosen the stuck-up gunk on the microwave’s walls. Once the microwave cools down, you can simply wipe the interior using a cloth.
4. Baking Soda
If you want to know how to clean a microwave the most affordable way, use baking soda. This can help you get rid of cooking spills from the turntable of the microwave.
At first, you need to prepare a paste of baking soda and water. For this, you should mix two parts of baking soda into one part of water.
Apply the mixture to the areas that need to be cleaned and leave it for about 5 minutes. After that, use a cloth or sponge to wipe clean the insides of the microwave. Make sure that no residue is left behind.
5. Dish Soap
Another effective way of cleaning the microwave is to use dish soap. Take a microwave-safe bowl and fill it with warm water. Add a good amount of liquid dish soap and microwave for 1 minute.
After that, take the bowl out and dampen a cloth. Wipe clean the insides of the microwave. The steam released will loosen up the dried and stuck-up debris from the interior walls of the appliance.
You can also add a bit of baking soda to use as a deodorizer.
6. Lemon Juice
Even lemon juice can help you clean your microwave. Take a lemon and cut it in half. Place both the halves cut-side down on a microwave plate. Add some water and microwave for a minute.
Once you notice the inside of the microwave is steamy, take out the plate and wipe the interiors using paper towels.
Lemon juice acts as a great cleaning agent. It will do a wonderful job for your microwave. Cut the halves into smaller pieces and run them through the entire appliance with a lot of water. It will also leave a nice smell behind.
7. Diluted Window Cleaner
To use this method, you need to mix one part of water with two parts of window cleaner. Once you have diluted the solution enough, use it to clean both the interior and exterior of the microwave.
Take a cloth or sponge and soak it in the solution. Use it to wipe down the base and interior walls of the appliance. Keep cleaning until all the stains and spots are removed.
You should also pay attention to the vents of the microwave and get rid of any stuck-up debris. If you have stubborn stains, let the mixture soak for 5 minutes before scrubbing it away. Also, don’t forget to clean the ceiling and upper shelf of the appliance.
Once you are done cleaning the interior of the microwave, use a rag and water to wash it thoroughly. This will help you get rid of any leftover residue.
If you still notice any tough spots or stains, take a cloth and soak it in olive oil. Rub the area with the soaked cloth to remove the stains.
If the inside of the microwave smells of window cleaner, you must wash it down again.
8. Commercial Cleaners
You will come across plenty of different commercial cleaners in the market. But unfortunately, many of them have a bad and unpleasant smell. The leftover residue of these cleaners can add a weird taste to the food. This is why you are recommended to choose a fume-free commercial cleaner.
After cleaning your microwave with a commercial cleaner, you should keep the door open for some time. This will let the smell escape if there’s any.
When using commercial cleaning products, make sure you are not using pre-soaked scrubbing pads. Using any such thing inside the microwave has the potential to catch fire.
Wipe down the exterior of the microwave and make sure that there are no visible stains or spots.
Also read: How to Get Rid of Mice?
So these are some of the best methods you can use to clean your microwave. Most of the cleaning tricks are DIY methods. Instead of spending a lot of money on cleaning products, you can prepare effective cleaning solutions at home. We would recommend you use white vinegar to clean your microwave. This is the most effective cleaning method to use. You should clean your microwave as often as you use it. Also, try to avoid using commercial cleaners as they are not good for your appliance.
Now that you know how to clean a microwave, it should be easier for you to get rid of the stains and spots from the appliance. Keeping your microwave clean is crucial for hygiene purposes.
