How to Clean a Microwave
Microwaves are a fantastic appliance.
They save time on cooking by zapping food with a precise dose of power, rendering it hot and ready to eat in seconds.
However, the innards of a microwave quickly become dirty and unsightly if they are not cleaned regularly.
There are multiple microwave cleaning methods including soap & water, industrial cleaners, etc.
Fortunately, these are tried and tested cleaning methods.
This article will explain that cleaning a microwave is simple and easy.
Table of Contents
Cleaning With White Vinegar
White vinegar mixed with water is an effective, natural cleaning solution that leaves no toxic residue.
There are multiple methods of cleaning the microwave using vinegar and water.
The first method is to combine 2 cups of water with two cups of white vinegar.
Place this mixture in a microwave-safe bowl, put it in the microwave, and set the timer for five minutes on high power.
This will not damage the microwave.
In fact, the vapors will penetrate crevices, disinfect them and loosen any crusted food in hard-to-reach areas.
Once the timer is complete, remove the bowl, and wipe the inside of the microwave using either paper towels or a clean cloth.
Remember to clean the turntable if one is present.
Alternatively, a spray bottle with a 1/1 ratio of white vinegar and water is effective.
Thoroughly spray the microwave inside before wiping it down with paper towels or a cloth.
Cleaning With Lemon
Lemon juice is an effective natural cleaning solution.
The acidic properties make it ideal for loosening crusted food and naturally occurring oils from inside the microwave.
Thoroughly squeeze one lemon, then cut it in half.
Squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl.
Add one cup of water, then place the bowl in the microwave for five minutes on high power.
After the timer ends, let the bowl cool off for five to ten minutes to avoid burning.
Remove the bowl and wipe the inside of the microwave using paper towels or a clean cloth.
Lemon juice will clean a microwave if directly applied with a cloth, but that is a wasteful and costly cleaning method.
Cleaning With Soap
Soap will clean a microwave in several different ways.
The first method is to mix dish soap with warm water.
Soak a sponge in the mixture, then wipe the inside of the microwave.
Do not apply too much, as it will soak into cracks and potentially contact electrical points.
Next, set the microwave to high for five minutes.
Afterward, wipe down the inside with paper towels or a clean cloth.
Another method is to mix dish soap and warm water in a bowl.
Place in the microwave for five minutes on high.
Afterward, let the bowl sit for five minutes to avoid burns.
Wipe down the inside of the microwave with paper towels or a clean cloth.
Baking soda is an effective deodorizer.
If the microwave needs it, add two teaspoons of baking soda to the soap and water mixture.
Cleaning With Window Cleaner
When using window cleaner, never mix it with other chemicals.
Window cleaners contain ammonia, which can react with other chemicals to create potentially deadly gasses.
Spray the inside of the microwave thoroughly, then wipe down using paper towels or a clean cloth.
Allow the inside of the microwave to air out thoroughly.
Alternatively, mixed in a bowl of water, five to six squirts of window cleaner will clean a microwave effectively.
Place the bowl in the microwave for five minutes on high power, then let it sit for five more minutes to avoid burning.
Wipe down with paper towels or a clean cloth.
Cleaning the Microwave Inside
Cleaning the microwave inside is a simple process.
Apply the cleaning solution to a rag, then wipe down the inside of the microwave.
Paper towels are an option, but a clean cloth is more effective, not to mention a cheaper option.
Exercise caution when cleaning the pad.
While it will not provide electrical shocks, cleaning roughly can damage it, not to mention spraying liquid behind the light grill.
Remove the turntable when cleaning the inside of the microwave.
The turntable can be cleaned separately.
Cleaning it while still in the microwave will jostle it and potentially break it.
And besides, you’ll need to clean the internal microwave surface underneath it too!
Cleaning the Microwave Door
The door must be cleaned in two stages: glass and main frame.
The door glass, interior, and exterior must be cleaned using glass cleaner and a clean cloth.
The door frame can be cleaned using a standard cleaning solution.
Do not use anything but glass cleaner on the glass, otherwise it will leave streaks.
However, white vinegar and water are effective glass cleaners in a pinch.
The procedure is simple.
Apply cleaner and wipe down using paper towels or a clean cloth.
Wipe gently, otherwise there is a risk of breaking the hinges or damaging the glass.
Cleaning Stuck On Foods
Stuck on foods are tough to clean.
They are best removed using industrial cleaner (409, OxiClean, Pledge, etc.) and either paper towels, a sponge, or a damp cloth.
A small scrub brush will aid in breaking up the food and removing larger chunks.
Remove the turntable when removing stuck food so as not to break it.
Stuck food requires more force than simple cleaning.
However, do not apply excessive force.
Microwaves are not invincible and can be damaged through excessively forceful cleaning.
Apply the cleaner and scrub until traces of the stuck food have been removed.
Getting Rid of Foul Smells
Removing foul smells when cleaning a microwave can be achieved using white vinegar or industrial cleaners.
Industrial cleaners are scented and will replace foul odours with a more pleasant aroma.
White vinegar neutralizes odours but will replace them with the scent of vinegar.
For a neutral smell, mix two parts of water with one part of baking soda, and clean the interior of the microwave and the door.
This not only cleans the microwave but removes foul smells.
Use a clean cloth or sponge when baking soda and water, as paper towels are prone to tearing.
Conclusion
Microwaves can be difficult to clean, especially when food is stuck on the turntable or a nasty smell has developed.
However, the methods in this article will provide safe and effective methods for cleaning the microwave and make it look as good as new!