Six Easy Ways to Clean a Microwave
The more you use your microwave oven and other kitchen appliances, the more often you'll have to clean them. To prevent the spread of germs, clean and disinfect the exterior and keypad daily. For most households, adding one of these six easy microwave cleaning tips to a weekly cleaning checklist should get the job done.
1. Paper Towels and Water
Place a wad of soaking wet paper towels inside and run it on high power for up to five minutes. The steam from the towels will soften and loosen caked-on grime. Once the towels cool down, you can use them to wipe the exterior clean, and then the interior. For stubborn stains and grime, you can also use a
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or baking soda on the inside of your microwave.
2. Dish Soap and Water
Mix dish soap in a bowl of warm water until you see suds. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the exterior of your microwave and then clean the inside by removing any crumbs or debris with a damp paper towel. Be careful not to let the suds get into vents or fans. Wipe down all surfaces with damp paper towels to remove the dirt and soap residue.
3. Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, cleaner, and mildly abrasive, so it's one of the best ways to clean microwave stains and buildup. Mix baking soda and water into a thick cleaning paste and apply it to baked on grime and stubborn stains. Let the paste sit for five minutes, then wipe off the paste and crud with a dampened non-abrasive sponge. Finish removing the baking soda residue with damp paper towels. Baking soda also works well on your regular
oven and stove.
4. Lemon Juice and Water
When you clean a microwave with lemon, you're using a safe, natural deodorizer and cleaner that will leave your microwave smelling fresh and sparkling clean. Rub a lemon between your palms to loosen up the juices, then cut it in half and squeeze all the juice into a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water. Drop in the lemon halves and place the bowl in your microwave.
Run the microwave on high for five minutes and let the bowl sit for 10 more minutes. Open the door carefully to avoid steam and use oven mitts to carefully remove the bowl. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with your lemon and water solution to wipe down the exterior and then the interior of your microwave.
5. Vinegar and Water
Mom was right, distilled white vinegar is one of the best natural cleaners and sanitizers that is also safe to use on surfaces throughout your home. To clean a microwave with vinegar, fill a microwave-safe bowl with two cups of water and two tablespoons of vinegar. To minimize the vinegar odor, you can add two drops of your
favorite essential oil.
Put the bowl in your microwave and run it on high for five minutes. Let the vinegar and water solution sit for 10 more minutes. Open the microwave door carefully and use oven mitts to remove the bowl. Dampen a microfiber cloth with your vinegar and water and wipe down the exterior and then the interior of your microwave.
When you're done cleaning your microwave, wipe down the exterior with a clean damp cloth to remove the remaining dirt, streaks, and cleaning residue. Buff the exterior of the glass door and any shiny trim with a dry microfiber cloth. Replace any parts you removed and plug in your microwave. Now that you know how to clean a microwave, read on to learn how to keep it clean.
How to Enjoy a Clean Microwave Oven More Often
Wouldn't it be great if you could keep your microwave looking clean and smelling fresh all the time? If you want to enjoy a clean microwave oven more and skip the deep cleanings, use these handy tips to keep messes under control.
- Remove your microwave turntable and platter every couple of days and wash them in the sink.
- Wipe down the exterior of your microwave and the touchpad daily.
- Use lower power settings when you warm up messy foods.
- Cover food in your microwave with a paper towel or plate to contain splatters.
- Use a plate under bowls and other dishes to catch food that bubbles over.
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- Reduce moisture and odors by leaving your microwave door open between uses.
A little preventive cleaning maintenance goes a long way toward keeping buildup and germs at bay. If you want to learn how to
clean other small kitchen appliances and just about anything else in your home, check out our cleaning blog. You'll find tips for organization, cleaning, and disinfecting that will help you maintain a cleaner, healthier home.
Whether it's through our extensive library of cleaning posts or by using one of our popular residential
cleaning services, The Maids is on a mission to create cleaner, healthier homes all across North America. Find out more about cleaning for health and get your
free estimate online.
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