Among all the household chores you need to do regularly, your microwave probably isn’t always at the top of your list. If you tend to postpone cleaning it, it can quickly become messy and difficult to clean — something no one wants.
That’s why you will find here different ways to prevent grease, food stains and dirt from building up over time. You’ll discover how to properly wash the turntable and the microwave filter. And that’s not all — you’ll learn how effective different cleaning products are, including dish soap and cleaning sponges, whether you have a countertop model, an over-the-range model or a built-in one. Experts recommend light weekly cleaning to remove crumbs and stains from inside the microwave. However, a deeper cleaning is needed once a month.
Natural Cleaning Methods
You can use natural cleaning methods with vinegar, baking soda, and lemon (great for removing odors). Vinegar is a mild cleaner and works well for small grease stains, but for heavier stains, a stronger cleaner like dish soap may be needed.
There is also a method using water and lemon: it steams the inside of the microwave, softening stuck food residues, and the lemon scent helps mask or eliminate bad odors.
How to Clean the Inside of a Microwave Using Lemon or Vinegar
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Mix one cup of water with slices of lemon, lime, or orange (squeeze some juice into the water) in a microwave-safe bowl.OR use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar: mix a few tablespoons with one cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
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Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 2–3 minutes until the mixture boils and steam appears on the window.
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Let it cool for five minutes before opening the door. Then remove the bowl and wipe the inside with a sponge.
How to Clean the Outside of the Microwave Using Dish Soap and Baking Soda
The outside of the microwave needs attention too. Follow these tips to keep your appliance clean and free from stubborn grease.
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Clean the microwave door — edges, sides and the latch area — with a sponge dipped in water and baking soda. Wipe with a damp cloth to rinse.
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Clean greasy windows with an equal mixture of vinegar and water. Rinse and dry.
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For heavy grease and stuck stains, wipe the door with a multi-purpose degreasing cleaner or a soapy mixture of dish soap and water. Apply the cleaner with a cloth or sponge to keep it from entering the vents. Rub with a non-scratch cloth if necessary.
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Do not spray cleaner directly on the electronic controls. Always apply cleaner to a cloth first, then wipe the controls.
How to Clean a Microwave Filter
If you have an over-the-range microwave, clean the filter at least once a month. The filter is designed to catch grease, so if left uncleaned, sticky residue will build up on it and its walls. These filters are similar to kitchen hood filters and can be removed and washed in the sink with warm, soapy water.
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Fill your sink with warm, soapy water.
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Place the filter inside and let it soak for at least 10 minutes.
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If residue remains, add ¼ cup baking soda to the water and soak again.
How to Remove Odors from the Microwave
When cooking food with a strong smell, odors can return each time you use the microwave. It’s best to get rid of them right away.
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For light odors (spicy or strongly scented foods), aerate the microwave by leaving the door open, or place a bowl of baking soda inside with the door closed to absorb odors.
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For strong odors (like burnt popcorn), clean any residue and place an odor-absorbing gel inside until the next use.
How to Remove Food Residue from Inside the Microwave
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Wash the turntable by hand with warm water, soap, and a non-scratch sponge.If it’s very dirty, consider washing it in the dishwasher — most microwave glass turntables are dishwasher-safe.
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Wipe the interior walls with a cleaning sponge.To prevent future food splatter, use a microwave-safe food cover when heating food. This reduces stuck food and reduces cleaning frequency.
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