A microwave is an essential appliance in most homes, as it helps to make meal preparation quick and convenient. However, with regular use, it can become dirty and smelly, especially if you don’t cover your food while cooking. If you’re wondering how to clean your microwave, don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it may seem. In this article, we will provide easy and effective methods for cleaning your microwave without harsh chemicals.
Steps to Cleaning a Microwave Oven
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start cleaning your microwave, you will need to gather your cleaning supplies. Here are the things you will need:
- A microwave-safe bowl
- White vinegar
- Water
- Baking soda
- Lemon
- Dish soap
- A sponge or cleaning cloth
- A toothbrush
- A dry cloth
How to Clean a Microwave with Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can effectively clean your microwave without using harsh chemicals. Here’s how to clean your microwave with vinegar and water:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with equal parts of water and white vinegar.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for five minutes.
- Let the bowl cool for a few minutes before removing it from the microwave.
- Carefully remove the turntable and wipe it down with a sponge or cleaning cloth.
- Dip the sponge or cleaning cloth in the vinegar and water solution and use it to wipe down the inside of the microwave.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub any stubborn stains or spots.
- Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
How to Clean a Microwave with Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda is another natural cleaning agent that can effectively clean your microwave. Here’s how to clean your microwave with baking soda and water:
- Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for three to five minutes.
- Let the bowl cool for a few minutes before removing it from the microwave.
- Dip a sponge or cleaning cloth in the baking soda and water solution and use it to wipe down the inside of the microwave.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub any stubborn stains or spots.
- Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
How to Clean a Microwave with Lemon and Water
Lemon is a natural deodorizer and can effectively clean your microwave while leaving a fresh, citrus scent. Here’s how to clean your microwave with lemon and water:
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add half a cup of water to the bowl and stir.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for three to five minutes.
- Let the bowl cool for a few minutes before removing it from the microwave.
- Dip a sponge or cleaning cloth in the lemon and water solution and use it to wipe down the inside of the microwave.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub any stubborn stains or spots.
- Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining.
- How to Clean Microwave with Dish Soap and Water
Dish soap is another effective way to clean your microwave. Here’s how to clean your microwave with dish soap and water:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for three to five minutes.
- Let the bowl cool for a few minutes before removing it from the microwave.
- Dip a sponge or cleaning cloth in the soapy water solution and use it to wipe down the inside of the microwave.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub any stubborn stains or spots.
- Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
How to Clean Microwaves with Commercial Cleaners
If you prefer to use a commercial cleaner, make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Here are some tips for using commercial cleaners to clean your microwave:
- Choose a cleaner that is specifically designed for microwave cleaning.
- Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
- Be sure to rinse the interior thoroughly with water after using the cleaner.
- Avoid using cleaners that contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, as they can damage your microwave.
How to Steam Clean a Microwave
Steaming is an effective and natural way to clean your microwave. It involves using steam to loosen and remove any dirt, grime, or food residue from the interior of the microwave. Here’s how to steam clean your microwave:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water. Add lemon slices or a few drops of essential oil to the water for a fresh scent.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for five to ten minutes. The exact time will depend on the power of your microwave. The steam from the water will help to loosen any grime or food residue in the microwave.
- Once the microwave has finished heating, leave the bowl of water inside the microwave for a few minutes to allow the steam to continue to work.
- Carefully remove the water bowl from the microwave using oven mitts or a dish towel.
- Use a damp sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave. The steam will have loosened any dirt or grime, making it easier to wipe away.
- If there are any stubborn stains or spots, use a toothbrush or a scrubber sponge to scrub them away gently.
- Wipe down the interior of the microwave with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
- Dry the interior of the microwave with a clean, dry cloth to prevent any water stains.
- If your microwave has a turntable or other removable parts, you can remove them and wash them separately in warm, soapy water.
By steaming your microwave, you can clean it naturally and effectively without harsh chemicals. This method is safe, affordable, and can be done easily in just a few minutes. Try steaming your microwave regularly to keep it clean and fresh-smelling.
How to Clean Microwave Vent Filters
Microwave vent filters are an important component in ensuring that your microwave works efficiently and effectively. The vent filter helps to trap grease and other particles from the air, which can build up over time and reduce the ventilation capacity of your microwave. If you notice that your microwave is not venting correctly or has a musty or unpleasant odor, it may be time to clean your microwave vent filter. Here’s how to do it:
- Please turn off your microwave and unplug it from the power source.
- Locate the vent filter, usually at the bottom or rear of the microwave. Some microwaves have a removable vent cover that needs to be unscrewed or detached before you can access the vent filter.
- Remove the vent filter from the microwave. Depending on the model of your microwave, the filter may snap out or slide out.
- Fill a sink or a large bowl with hot water and add a small amount of dish soap.
- Submerge the vent filter in the soapy water and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This will help to loosen any grease or grime that has built up on the filter.
- Use a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently scrub the filter. Be careful not to scrub too hard, which can damage the filter.
- Rinse the filter thoroughly with hot water to remove the soap and grime.
- Allow the filter to air dry completely before replacing it in the microwave. This may take several hours.
- Once the filter is dry, replace it in the microwave and secure the vent cover if necessary.
By cleaning your microwave vent filter regularly, you can ensure that your microwave is working efficiently and effectively. This will also help to prevent any unpleasant odors from building up inside your microwave. If your vent filter is damaged or in poor condition, it’s best to replace it with a new one to ensure that your microwave continues to work correctly.
How to Clean Microwave Stains
Microwave stains are a common problem that can make your microwave look dirty and unappealing. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to remove stains from your microwave. Here’s how to clean microwave stains:
Vinegar and Water: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can help remove stains from your microwave.
Baking Soda and Water: Baking soda is another natural cleaning agent that can help to remove stains from your microwave.
Lemon and Water: Lemon is a natural deodorizer that can help remove stains from your microwave while leaving a fresh citrus scent.
Commercial Cleaners: There are also several commercial cleaners available that can help to remove stains from your microwave. Choose a cleaner specifically designed for microwave cleaning and follow the instructions on the label carefully.
How to Clean a Greasy Microwave
Cleaning a greasy microwave can be a challenge, but it’s important to keep your microwave clean to prevent it from malfunctioning or becoming a fire hazard. Here are some tips for cleaning a greasy microwave:
Vinegar and Baking Soda: Vinegar and baking soda are two natural cleaning agents that work well on grease.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave on high for five minutes.
- Leave the bowl inside the microwave for a few more minutes to allow the steam to loosen the grease.
- Remove the bowl and dip a sponge or cleaning cloth in the mixture.
- Use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
- Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste.
- Use a toothbrush or a scrubber sponge to apply the paste to any stubborn grease stains and scrub them away.
- Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Dish Soap and Water: Dish soap is another effective way to remove grease from your microwave.
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave on high for five minutes.
- Leave the bowl inside the microwave for a few more minutes to allow the steam to loosen the grease.
- Remove the bowl and dip a sponge or cleaning cloth in the mixture.
- Use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
- Use a toothbrush or a scrubber sponge to apply a small amount of dish soap to any stubborn grease stains and scrub them away.
- Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Commercial Cleaners: There are also several commercial cleaners available that are specifically designed to remove grease from microwaves. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and rinse the interior of the microwave thoroughly after using the cleaner.
Prevention: To prevent your microwave from becoming greasy in the first place, cover your food while cooking, wipe up any spills or splatters as soon as they happen, and clean your microwave regularly.
Using these methods, you can effectively clean a greasy microwave and keep it looking and functioning like new. Remember to use caution when cleaning your microwave and always unplug it before cleaning to avoid accidents.
How to Clean Burnt Smell Out of a Microwave
If you’ve accidentally burned something in your microwave, like popcorn, you may be left with a strong burnt smell that can linger for days. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to get rid of the burnt smell and leave your microwave smelling fresh and clean. Here’s how to clean the burnt smell out of your microwave:
Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can help to absorb and neutralize the burnt smell in your microwave.
- Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave on high for five minutes.
- Leave the bowl inside the microwave for a few more minutes to allow the steam to neutralize the smell.
- Remove the bowl and use a sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
- Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
White Vinegar: White vinegar is another natural deodorizer that can help to eliminate burnt smells.
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and white vinegar.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave on high for five minutes.
- Leave the bowl inside the microwave for a few more minutes to allow the steam to neutralize the smell.
- Remove the bowl and use a sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
- Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Lemon: Lemon is a natural deodorizer that can help leave a fresh, citrus scent in your microwave.
- Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add half a cup of water to the bowl and stir.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave on high for five minutes.
- Leave the bowl inside the microwave for a few more minutes to allow the steam to neutralize the smell.
- Remove the bowl and use a sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
- Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds are another natural deodorizer that can help to absorb and neutralize smells.
- Place a handful of coffee grounds in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the bowl in the microwave on high for five minutes.
- Leave the bowl inside the microwave for a few more minutes to allow the coffee grounds to absorb the smell.
- Remove the bowl and use a sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
- Wipe the interior with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
By using these methods, you can effectively get rid of the burnt smell in your microwave and leave it smelling fresh and clean. Remember always to use caution when cleaning your microwave and to unplug it before cleaning to avoid any accidents.
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Microwave
Cleaning the exterior of a stainless steel microwave is an important task to keep it looking shiny and new. Here’s how to clean the exterior of a stainless steel microwave:
Vinegar and Water: White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner used to clean stainless steel appliances.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto a microfiber cleaning cloth.
- Wipe the stainless steel microwave with the damp cloth, using long, even strokes toward the grain.
- Rinse the cloth and wring it out, and then wipe the microwave again to remove any remaining residue.
- Dry the surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Commercial Cleaners: There are also commercial cleaners specifically designed to clean stainless steel appliances.
- Spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cleaning cloth.
- Wipe the stainless steel microwave with the damp cloth, using long, even strokes toward the grain.
- Rinse the cloth and wring it out, and then wipe the microwave again to remove any remaining residue.
- Dry the surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is an excellent natural polish for stainless steel appliances.
- Put a small amount of olive oil onto a microfiber cleaning cloth.
- Wipe the stainless steel microwave with the cloth, using long, even strokes toward the grain.
- Buff the surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
By using these methods, you can effectively clean the exterior of your stainless steel microwave and keep it looking shiny and new. Remember always to use caution when cleaning your microwave and to unplug it before cleaning to avoid any accidents.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean a Microwave
Keeping your microwave clean is essential for its performance and longevity. With these tips on cleaning your microwave, you can keep it looking and functioning like new for years. From natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda to commercial cleaners, there are plenty of methods to choose from based on your preferences and needs.
Remember always to use caution when cleaning your microwave and unplug it before cleaning to avoid any accidents. By cleaning your microwave regularly, you can ensure that it remains a safe and efficient appliance in your home. So, go ahead and give your microwave the cleaning it deserves today!