How To Clean a Microwave — Surefire Ways To Get One of Your Favorite Appliances Sparkling Again
They say that the kitchen is the heart of every home, so we work to keep it as clean and inviting as possible — but the occasional unpleasant sight or smell is inevitable.
This time, the culprit is your microwave.
Splatters, spills, and food explosions can build up over time, turning your trusty kitchen companion into a sticky, unsightly mess.
Luckily, there are various methods to remove stubborn food buildup from your microwave's interior. All it takes is a few standard household cleaning products and some elbow grease.
Follow along to learn how to make your microwave look and smell brand new again.
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Our Top Method: How To Clean a Microwave With Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a handy cleaning product and a common household staple. Our tried and true method for cleaning involves heating up vinegar and water to soften the buildup on the interior of any microwave.
Here’s how to do it:
Gather your supplies:
Microwavable mug/cup
Warm water
Distilled white vinegar (optional)
Sponge
Clean rag/towel
Then, follow these instructions:
Fill your microwavable cup/mug about ¾ full of water - be sure not to fill it up all the way. More water won’t be any more effective in the cleaning process. If the smell in your microwave is especially bad, add vinegar.
Place your mug in the microwave and set the timer for 3 minutes or less. This will create steam to loosen up stubborn stains and debris.
Allow your microwave to cool for several minutes.
Check to see if the grime inside of your microwave has softened. If not, repeat steps 2-3.
Take the turntable and any other removable parts out and clean them separately.
Use the soft side of a sponge to wipe your microwave’s interior from top to bottom.
Rinse your sponge and repeat if needed.
Once all the grime has been wiped away, go over the interior again with a clean rag/towel. Use another clean rag/towel for a final wipe-down if necessary.
How Much Vinegar Do I Use To Clean My Microwave?
The amount of vinegar necessary to clean your microwave depends on what size container you will be using. As a general rule, use one part vinegar and one part water for your cleaning solution.
If you’re using our tried and true cleaning method above, fill your microwavable-safe cup/mug ¾ full with a half-and-half vinegar and water solution.
Two Other Methods You Can Try
#1: How To Clean a Microwave With a Lemon
You may prefer a cleaning method that doesn’t make your kitchen smell like vinegar. Adding some lemon or other citrus fruit to your cleaning solution can make your microwave and surrounding space smell delightful.
This method is highly effective in removing grime and makes for a very enjoyable cleaning experience.
Here’s how you can spice up your cleaning process:
The supplies you’ll need:
Microwavable mug/cup
Warm water
One lemon, lime, or other chosen citrus fruit
Cloves (optional)
Sponge
Clean rag/towel
Then follow these instructions:
Fill a microwaveable mug/cup ¾ full of water, lemon juice, and grated peel. You can also add cloves to the mixture for added aroma.
Place the container in the microwave and heat for up to three minutes.
Allow your microwave to cool for several minutes.
Check to see if the grime inside of your microwave has softened. If not, repeat steps two and three.
Take the turntable and any other removable parts out and clean them separately.
Use the soft side of a sponge to wipe your microwave’s interior from top to bottom. Rinse your sponge and repeat if necessary.
Once all the grime has been wiped away, go over the interior again with a clean rag/towel. Use another clean rag/towel for a final wipe-down if necessary.
#2: How To Clean the Inside of a Microwave With Baking Soda
Baking soda has long been touted as a household cleaning staple and can be used in place or in tandem with vinegar to remove stains and debris from your microwave’s interior.
Here’s how to do it:
Gather the following:
Microwavable mug/cup
Warm water
Baking soda
Distilled white vinegar (optional)
Sponge
Clean rag/towel
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you’re ready to get to work! Here’s how:
For stubborn debris and stains, begin by filling up a microwaveable mug/cup ¾ full of water and vinegar (optional). Heat for no more than 3 minutes. Allow to cool, and repeat this step if necessary.
Take the turntable and any other removable parts out and clean them separately.
Sprinkle baking soda around the interior of the microwave.
Use warm water and a sponge to scrub the interior.
Wipe away all baking soda and debris. Rinse your sponge and repeat if necessary.
Use a clean rag/towel for a final wipe-down of the interior. Repeat with a fresh rag/towel if necessary.
What Should You Not Use To Clean a Microwave?
Unless necessary, you should generally avoid using soap when cleaning your microwave. You should also be sure not to spray any cleaning products directly onto interior surfaces. These substances can seep into the vents and cause your microwave to short-circuit.
Instead, place any desired cleaning products or soap onto a sponge before cleaning.
How To Clean the Outside of a Microwave
The process of cleaning the outside of your microwave is similar to the process of cleaning other kitchen appliances.
You can start by removing any dirt, debris, or food buildup using your favorite all-purpose cleaner. Remember to spray/dab your chosen cleaner onto a rag or sponge rather than directly spraying the microwave’s surface.
Once this is done, you can follow up with a glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol to give the exterior a little bit of extra shine.
How To Clean a Burnt Microwave
If dealt with promptly, most burnt food can be removed from your microwave’s interior using the above mentioned methods. Although, you may have to do them repeatedly to remove severely burnt and hardened buildup.
Some burn marks may be too difficult to remove, and a lingering smell can indicate the presence of bacteria that have survived the microwaving and cleaning processes. It may not be best to continue consuming food cooked in these conditions.
Nobody likes replacing kitchen appliances, but sometimes it’s necessary to maintain a clean and safe cooking environment.
Other Tips for Cleaning a Microwave
Avoid placing your microwave’s turntable in the sink with other items to avoid potential breakage during cleaning.
Use a paint scraper spatula to clean out debris from crevices.
Consider using a cover when reheating food in your microwave to reduce cleaning frequency.
If you’ve continuously scrubbed your microwave and still can’t get rid of that stubborn smell, there are plenty of safe odor-removing products on the market that can help.
Clean your microwave regularly to reduce the need to tackle tougher buildups later. Check out Tidy Up Portland’s tips on implementing this and perfecting your cleaning checklist.
Tidy Up Portland! Can Clean Your Microwave — And the Rest of Your Home While They’re at It
After a hard day’s work, the thought of cleaning your kitchen can seem like the most daunting task imaginable - and a dirty appliance only adds to that burden.
At Tidy Up Portland!, our friendly and professional staff are equipped to tackle any mess anywhere in your home so you can focus on the things that matter most. Our team is dedicated to providing quality service with eco-friendly products to keep your family healthy and your home sparkling.
Ready to have your home transformed by Tidy Up Portland!?
We aim to make hiring as smooth as possible for clients with an easy and straightforward booking process.
Contact us today to get started.
