The microwave becomes a vital appliance, making the magic of heating food within seconds to prepare meals and the revival of leftovers. It is among the kitchen appliances that most homeowners would leave out during cleaning time. Apart from spills and splatters due to cooking, grease accumulation grows around the appliance over time, producing an offensive odor and enhancing bacterial growth. It is not just in terms of performance but hygiene, which is essential for the kitchen, understanding how to clean a microwave.
Though it can seem intimidating, cleaning your microwave should be nothing to worry about. It is a decidedly simple and quick task that gives the impression of getting something done.
Table of Contents
Why Cleaning the Inside of Your Microwave Is Essential
Cleansing and keeping a home appliance is usually seen as one of the most significant pointers toward its journey through the life of that home appliance.
- Health and hygiene considerations—So often, food particles, grease, and bacteria build up inside the microwave, leaving a dangerous source of health problems. Learning how to clean the inside of a Microwave includes making your meals safe and really clean from contamination.
Knowing how to clean a microwave Periodic cleaning of the microwave by using appropriate methods of microwave washing removes harmful germs and keeps the cooking environment clean.
- Odor and Stain Reduction—Every time food spills inside the microwave, it establishes itself as a source of hard-to-remove stains and unpleasant smells.
Your microwave should stay germ-free from smelling bad whenever you clean it as often as possible. This method of cleaning a microwave with lemon or vinegar works wonders to deodorize without a doubt.
How to Deep Clean a Microwave Step-by-Step
General Steps to Clean the Inside
- Unplug the Microwave: The first step is safety; always unplug the microwave first.
- Remove Loose Debris: Wipe away crumbs and other loose bits of food with a damp cloth.
- Steam Clean for Easy Grime Removal: Nothing works like steam for loosening stubborn grime before wiping it away.
In this video, we’ll teach you step-by-step how to clean a microwave using simple, natural methods:
Method 1 – Cleaning a Microwave with Lemon
Using lemon is one of the easiest and most effective methods for cleaning your microwave:
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water.
- Slice the lemon half, extract its juice into the water, and put the two halves into the bowl.
- Heat the bowl for about 5 minutes. The steam will help loosen dirt and give a fresh citrus fragrance.
- Remove the bowl with care thereafter and wipe the inside surface with a soft cloth.
Method 2- Cleaning a Microwave with Vinegar
Heavy incidents of dirt signal the use of vinegar as your cleaner, should you want a practical way how to clean a microwave:
- Combine a cup of water and two tablespoons of vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Place it in the microwave for at least 3-5 minutes for the steam to fill the interior.
- After letting the steam hang out for about a minute, use a damp cloth to wipe inside. This procedure is highly popular for cleaning a microwave with vinegar.
Guide to Cleaning The Turntable
If you’ve wondered how to clean a microwave, this brief guide will show you simple steps to keep your turntable clean.
- Remove the turntable and rinse it with frothy water.
- Rub out the food particles with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing it.
- This spot right under the turntable usually makes one very filthy.
- Wipe them with a damp cloth or use vinegar to remove those stubborn places.
- It is essential to clean this area well to prevent any odors from building up.
Dealing with Tough Stains and Grease
Cleaning microwave with baking soda:
- Mix with water to form a paste.
- Apply in the microwave on all stubborn spots.
- Let stand for 10-15 minutes, and scrub gently with a sponge. Wipe clean.
Following these methods will also keep the microwave in working condition.
Commercial Cleaners
- If natural methods with lemon or vinegar do not break through heavy grease, we suggest using a microwave-safe commercial cleaner.
How to Keep Your Microwave Odor-Free
Use lemon and vinegar as deodorizing agents.
- Using natural deodorants regularly avoids the formation of odors. Steam cleaning with either lemon or vinegar washes away dirt and clears out nasty odors.
Coffee Grounds or Baking Soda.
- Place a small bowl of coffee grounds or baking soda inside the microwave overnight to remove unwanted smells. This is one easy method for refreshing the microwave without fuss.
How to Clean a Microwave Filter
The microwave filter absorbs grease, odors, and food particles to help your appliance operate efficiently and avoid unwanted smells.
Here is a guide showing how to clean the filter efficiently:
- Check your microwave manual on how to locate and safely remove the filter.
- Create a solution of warm water mixed with a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
- Submerge the filter in soapy water for 10–15 minutes to loosen dried grease and grime.
- Using a soft brush or a sponge, gently scrub away the residue. Use non-abrasive scrubbers only, to save from scratching the filter.
- Rinse the filter thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely before reinstalling it.
By following these steps, you not only learn to clean a microwave filter but also enhance your overall routine on how to clean a microwave for a spotless, efficient appliance.
How to Clean a Fixed Microwave Filter
Heat a Bowl of Water
Water should be placed in a bowl and set into the microwave before setting to high power for 5 minutes to trap steam in a space. Open the door and close it for 3 to 5 minutes before opening.
- Remove the microwave power and open the appliance (being careful that the hot appliance is covered by steam all over). Spray degreaser on the top mesh panel and allow the grease to dissolve.
Heating up & Cleaning Grease
- The top mesh is stainless steel, so don’t worry about damage. Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning. Let me know if you have any refinements!
- Once 30 minutes have passed, the grease should be completely melted.
- Rinse the top mesh with an oral irrigator or spray bottle. Then, put a large basin beneath it to catch dripping water.
- Let it dry for a few days before using it again.
How to Clean the Outside of a Microwave
- Ensure it is unplugged: To keep things safe, unplug it from the outlet. Gather equipment: A soft cloth, a mild cleansing agent (detergent), and warm water.
- Dust: The exterior should be dusted with a dry cloth or a microfiber duster.
- Prepare soapy water: Mix a few drops of detergent into warm water.
- Wet and clean: Dip the cloth into the solution, wring it out a bit, and then clean the door, control panel, and handle. Be sure to wipe away any extra moisture from electronic parts.
- Tough stains: For stains like coffee or grease, give some soaking time (1-2 mins) before wiping.
- Thorough drying: Wipe off moisture using a dry cloth to prevent streaks.
- The method will efficiently and safely clean the microwave.
Following these measures shows you how to clean a microwave very well, but also takes care of the appliance practically and aesthetically.
Best Practices to Maintain a Clean Microwave
Covering Food While Cooking
Draping a microwave-safe cover over the food inside prevents it from splattering and does most of the cleaning for you. This habit should be continued as soon as you put something to heat in the microwave.
Cleaning Regularly After Use
Wipe down the inside of the microwave after each use to prevent food buildup. A quick cleaning routine can save you from dealing with stubborn grime later.
FAQs How to Clean a Microwave
How Often Should I Clean the Inside of My Microwave?
If you clean the microwave weekly, it will ensure that the unit does not stain and smell.
Can I Use Dish Soap Instead of Vinegar or Lemon?
Cleaning agent: Dishwashing soap is a better cleaning agent for removing food residue and dirt from the inner parts of your microwave.
Works for Deodorizing: Vinegar or lemon juice can effectively neutralize odors and leave your microwave smelling fresh.
Overall Method: Using dish soap for cleaning and vinegar or lemon for deodorizing is a good example of cleaning a microwave efficiently.
Cleaning agents: Dishwashing detergent is a good cleaning agent for removing food residue and dirt from the inner parts of your microwave.
Deodorizing Effect: Vinegar or lemon juice is more effective than deodorizing for neutralizing odors and leaving your microwave smelling good.
Overall Method: The use of soap dish for cleaning and vinegar or lemon for deodorization seems to be an excellent example on how to clean a microwave effectively. It shows a process of using natural ingredients to keep your microwave clean and exactly how you best clean a microwave for doing so.
What is the best way to clean the inside of a microwave?
Steam Cleaning: In an appropriate bowl for microwave use, mix equal parts water and vinegar (or water with a squirt of lemon) and heat until steam forms. This steam loosens stubborn bits of food and grease. That is how efficient microwave cleaning is. Wipe Down: Allow steam to loosen dirt for a couple of minutes before using a soft cloth or sponge to wipe it off. Alternative Cleaning: Although dish soap can be used for cleaning, vinegar or lemon juice is considered better for deodorizing hence this is how to clean a microwave for maximum effectiveness.
What is the easiest way to clean a very dirty microwave?
For cleaning a very dirty microwave, the easiest method is steam-cleaning. Fill a bowl suitable for microwaves with water and vinegar or lemon juice; heat it until steam forms and loosens the grime. Once it cools slightly, wipe down the interior with a sponge or cloth—this method is a quick demonstration of how to clean a microwave as effectively as possible, showing one just how to clean a microwave without the added punishment of scrubbing it all down.
Does vinegar clean a microwave?
Certainly, vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that can help remove stains from microwave ovens. When used in a steaming method, vinegar cuts through grease and food crumbs and eliminates bad odors.
Is it better to clean my microwave with lemon or vinegar?
For those wondering how to clean a microwave with natural ingredients, lemon and vinegar can come in handy. Lemon leaves a fresh smell and acts as a natural disinfectant, and vinegar dissolves grease and eliminates bad smells. You can use either one alone or combine them to get a potent mixture to clean with.
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