Microwave ovens can be considered a basic item in every modern home. It warms up leftover food, makes delicious and fast food, too. But one thing that the homeowner does not want to do is clean the microwave especially. Unlike conventional oven cleaning, a microwave can be cleaned in a few simple steps.
Here are a few tips and tricks on how to overcome this challenge and let your microwave oven last longer.
These are some of the basic things you will need when you clean the microwave. Luckily you should have most of these items in your hand in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure you have them in hand to be ready whenever you need to deal with a dirty microwave.
1 cup of water
Sponge
Lemon
White vinegar
Baking soda
Container soap
Commercial cleaner
Microfibre fabrics
Safe microwave oven
Cleaning your microwave
Now that you know the tools that will help you clean your microwave, here are some things you need to know when it comes to cleaning your device:
Table of Contents
Wet Towel Method
If your microwave does not look like a nuclear explosion inside it, then using a lot of wet paper towels may be more than enough to clean it. Just put paper towels inside your microwave and run your microwave up for about 5 minutes. This trick will create smoke that will help you get rid of unwanted dirt and grime from your microwave oven. It also serves as a starting point for solid news like a sticky diet.
Using dish soap
This method works almost the same as the Wet Paper Towel Method. Fill a non-ferrous microwave dish with water and soap components and place it in the microwave oven. Let it run for only 1 minute on high heat or until steaming. Remove the container and use a sponge to clean the inside of your microwave. Do not forget to clean the microwave door while you are in it.
The power of baking soda
Baking soda is a great way to clean sticky foods in your microwave oven, among other things. Simply make the dough with baking soda and water and place it in any solid food attached to your microwave oven. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes and then wipe it off with a damp sponge or towel. You can repeat the process until you can completely and easily remove unwanted burnt food inside.
Vinegar and water solution
The process of applying this solution is similar to the method of dish soap. Take a safe microwave bowl and mix in one cup of water and vinegar in equal parts.
Put it in the microwave oven and let it cool slightly. Be sure to wipe the unit dry before using it again so that no traces of vinegar are left inside your microwave.
Vinegar is a timeless, flexible, natural cleaning product that helps remove stubborn stains and dirt. A heaven-made match for an extra dirty microwave.
Using a lemon to refresh your microwave
Like vinegar, lemon is another good, natural microwave oven, Just cut one lemon in half and place the sliced on the bottom of a microwavable open plate. Add a few teaspoons of water and place the plate in the microwave oven until it produces steam. Remove the plate and wipe the excess liquid inside the microwave, that is, it is very easy. Also, be sure to wipe the floor inside and outside your microwave door.
The cleaned window cleaner for microwave doors
While you may not realize this enough, your microwave door also needs soft loving care. The good news is that a cleansed window cleaner will work wonders inside and outside the microwave. Use a rag or sponge dipped in the solution and begin rubbing the inside and outside of your unit. Repeat the process to make sure the microwave is completely clean. If the stench of window cleaning bothers you, just use a clean cloth soaked in water and scrub one more round.
Commercial Purifiers
If you do not want to risk using other disinfectants to clean your microwave and using lemons, baking soda or vinegar will not only be tricky, it is time to buy the most commonly available commercial microwave cleaners.
One thing to remember is to choose a commercial cleaner that will not leave a foul odor or smoke on your unit that can affect the smell and taste of cooked food.
Easy-Off Microwave Cleaner is a good choice for a vacuum cleaner but there are other products out there. Just go to your local grocery store or hardware store and ask for some microwave products. Always make sure you read the instructions and remove the air from the microwave oven for at least 30 minutes before cooking again.
Safety Reminders and Tips:
- Close and unplug your microwave before cleaning to avoid any serious hazards, unless you need to use heat to clean your device.
- Never put any metal object inside your microwave. Do not use metal brushes and the like when cleaning your microwave.
- Be careful when using water. Microwave units are electrical appliances and can end up damaging your device if you are not careful especially when you use water to clean your device.
- Pick up and clean the turntable for your microwave from time to time. Safe to wash by hand like any other plate or throw it in the dishwasher. Just make sure you dry it completely before using it again. And never forget to put it back before someone else uses the microwave.
- Always use lids when heating food or beverages in your microwave oven. Reduce spatter instances that increase the time between cleaning your next unit.
- If possible, keep a low profile when using your microwave to reduce the chances of spraying or burning food. Remember to use your microwave properly not only to make cleaning easier but also to avoid accidents in the kitchen.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning your microwave. Remember, you burn food or beverages in your unit and you do not want to use those chemicals by mistake.
- No amount of cleaning will fix the internal problem of your microwave. It is best to call a professional if your machine suddenly stops working. But it helps to keep your machine running tiptop if you clean it regularly.
How to Clean Inside a Microwave
The combination of splatters and scents can leave your microwave looking, well, cracked. To steer the interior of your microwave – turntable installed – follow this step-by-step guide:
- Combine 1 cup of water with lemon, lime, or slices of orange (squeeze the juice from fruit juices in water) in a safe microwave bowl. Or, if you have white or apple cider vinegar on hand, mix a few tablespoons of water with 1 cup in a safe microwave bowl.
- Place the dish in the microwave oven and open it vigorously for a few minutes until the mixture boils and the window is hot.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before opening the door, then remove the container and wipe the inside clean with a sponge.
How to Clean Oil Microwave Doors
It’s not just the interior that matters: Remove smudges and oils from the outside of the microwave with these tips and tricks.
- Clean the whole door – the edges, both sides, and where it closes the oven – with a sponge soaked in water and soaked in a little baking soda. Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge to wash.
- For a greasy window, rinse with a 50/50 vinegar mixture and water. Clean and dry.
- For heavy oil spills and adhesive splatters, wipe the door of your microwave with an all-purpose cleaner, oil-based cleaner (such as Mr. Clean Clean Freak Mist), or a sudsy mixture of dish soap and water. Apply the cleaner with a cloth or sponge to prevent the cleaner from entering the ventilation drain. Scrub with a non-abrasive pad (such as Scotch-Brite), if necessary. Similarly, never spray electronic controls directly on the cleaner to avoid injury. Always use a laundry detergent first, then wipe the controls.
How to Get Rid of Burnout (and All That Stinks, Really) in the Microwave
When you cook something smelly in the microwave, the smell returns as soon as you turn on the oven again. That means it is best to remove the odor immediately.
- For a light smell (spicy food with a strong smell, for example), remove the air from the oven by leaving the door open, or place a bowl of baking soda inside with the door closed to retain the aroma.
- For a strong scent (think: burnt popcorn), clean any remaining residue and apply a fragrant gel, such as Fresh Wave, inside until you stir it again.
How to Get Rid of Sticky Food Inside Microwave
To discard dried foods, use the Good Housekeeping Star Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. With a turntable, simply place it in a dishwasher or wash it by hand with sudsy water and a non-abrasive scrub sponge.
So you have it, a simple but effective guide to how to clean a microwave. If you do not have time to keep your kitchen and microwave clean, we offer regular cleaning services, you will never have to worry about cleaning your microwave again.
