Microwaves offer convenience that other kitchen appliances have a hard time comparing with. With the frequent use comes the need for effective microwave cleaning tips.
Burnt popcorn and splashed pasta sauce are some of the common messes found within a microwave. Using the right microwave gear helps prevent excessive mess, but that’s also not foolproof.
So when all else fails, here are the best microwave cleaning tips for you to try. Follow the detailed instructions to successfully cut through the grease, lift stains and remove burn marks.
How do you clean a microwave with vinegar?
Vinegar is a powerful cleaner for household surfaces that can be used to clean a microwave. Vinegar can disinfect surfaces and deodorize the bad smells, which makes it our natural microwave cleaning hack.
To clean a microwave with vinegar, you need a microwave safe container filled with 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar. Turn on high for 3 minutes or until the liquid begins to boil.
Leave the vinegar solution inside the microwave for 5 minutes to allow steam to buildup. Afterwards, carefully remove the container and wipe the surface with a clean cloth.
Save the vinegar mixture to clean mirrors and windows around the house!
How do I clean my microwave with lemon juice?
Lemons are high in citric acid, which helps to clean and disinfect surfaces. Besides that, the area is also left with a delightful citrusy aroma.
To clean a microwave with lemon, you need to slice a whole lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave safe container. Add the lemon halves and also 1 cup of water.
Place the container with the lemons and water inside the microwave. Turn on high for 3 minutes or until the liquid begins to boil.
Let the lemons sit for 5 minutes to allow steam to form on the inside of the microwave. Subsequently, wipe the interior of the microwave with a clean sponge or rag.
Save the lemon liquid to disinfect other surfaces around the kitchen!
How do I clean my microwave with dish soap?
Dish soap is comprised of grease cutting surfactants that quickly penetrate grime and gunk.
To clean a microwave with dish soap, grab a small bowl and lather up those soapsuds with a bit of warm water. Use a sponge or cleaning cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the microwave.
Start at the top and work your way to the bottom with a damp cloth. Do not soak the microwave with the liquid, but rather wipe the microwave vents and control panels with a damp rag.
Once the surface has been cleaned, use a clean rag to wipe down again. Remove any soapsuds and buff the area dry to leave it streak free.
Can you clean a microwave with Clorox wipes?
It is not recommended to clean a microwave with Clorox wipes because bleach makes plastic brittle. However, if you want to clean a microwave without vinegar or lemon, then Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner may work as a viable substitute.
Spray the cleaner onto a cloth or rag and do not spray directly inside the microwave or on the digital display. You don’t want the cleaner getting inside the microwave vent or damaging the electrical screen.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser might also work well on stubborn stains inside the microwave. Gently buff and don’t scratch the surface with any hard abrasives.
How do I clean a burnt microwave?
Burnt popcorn is a common cause for yellow stains developing inside a microwave. Occasionally metals like aluminum or serving utensil cause arcing that also leaves a burn mark.
If this happens to your kitchen appliance, then its best to remedy the situation quickly and address the stain before it permanently sets in. However, even if you act immediately some stains are forever lasting.
To clean a burnt microwave, make a cleaning paste. Mix together baking soda or Bar Keeper’s Friend, an acid like lemon juice or white vinegar and also a few drops of liquid detergent.
Apply the paste to cover the burn mark or stain for 20 minutes. Buff the area to clean and lift the stain from the surface. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residual film.
How do I clean a smelly microwave?
Does your microwave smell like fish? Or do you just want to get the burnt smell out of the microwave vent? If you don’t want to use vinegar or lemon, then baking soda may be another alternative solution for you.
To clean a smelly microwave, mix together ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of water in a microwave safe container. Put the bowl in the microwave and turn on high for 3 minutes or until the water begins to boil.
Let it rest for 5 minutes so the steam builds up inside the microwave. The baking soda steam will deodorize the smell and freshen the interior of the microwave.
How do I clean a moldy microwave?
The interior of a microwave is not conducive to mold growth. However, special circumstances arise and food may have been left inside which allowed the mold spores to take hold.
Mold is dangerous and you don’t want to be consuming food that may be contaminated. To survive, mold needs both moisture and a source of nutrients.
To clean a moldy microwave, you want to scrub the surface with a detergent and remove and food crumbs or splashed liquids. Dry the interior of the microwave to remove excess moisture.
Follow up with vinegar to disinfect the surface and remove the mold spores. Afterwards, leave the microwave door open for some time to allow the enclosed space to completely air dry.
Keep the area clean and dry to prevent further germination of the mildew.
