Clean your microwave in the blink of an eye by following some simple “recipes!”
It’s cleaning day! What a “joy!” You decide to start with the kitchen, and you write down all the tasks you have to do. Looking around, you see the microwave. Ugh! It’s pretty dirty, and with the grease buildup, it’s going to take forever to clean it thoroughly.
But relax! Because there is no need to worry about it too much! Here at Wipe and Organize, we have solutions for every single issue regarding cleaning and the household. To clean your microwave, it’s advised to utilize natural cleaning supplies and do-it-at-home methods instead of using a store-bought cleaner.
The finest microwave cleaning techniques are quite simple, so let’s not waste more time and start with the first one:
Clean your microwave with lemon
Lemon (and water!) can be used again if there is a residual cooking smell coming from your microwave. Use lemon, the most popular citrus-based household cleanser, to give your microwave a fragrant makeover.
How can you do that? Well, easy peasy lemon squeezy by following these steps:
In a bowl that can withstand the microwave, combine one cup of water, one lemon juice, and shredded peel. For extra freshness, you can also add a few slices to the same water. After that, gently put the bowl in the microwave and give it a 2- to 3-minute timer. Bring the lemon water to a boil.
After that, you can easily clean your microwave by simply wiping down the interior with a soft, clean cloth. In case the grease is stubborn, repeat the operation, and before you start wiping, keep the microwave door closed and let the steam do the job for another 2 minutes.
Clean your microwave with baking soda
Another efficient and easy way to clean your microwave is by using baking soda. This is one ingredient everybody must have in their household, and if by any chance you don’t happen to have it, it’s super affordable to buy. Here’s how to clean your microwave like a pro by using this basic ingredient.
As with the lemon cleaning method, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water. Then add to the water about two tablespoons of baking soda. Carefully place the bowl into the microwave and let it run for a couple of minutes. Then remove the bowl and wipe away the grease. Voila, clean microwave!
There’s an easier way to use baking soda if you don’t need to give it a thorough cleaning. To break down the dirt, just sprinkle some baking soda on the area and scrub it in. Make sure to empty your microwave of any leftover baking soda when you’re finished, if you forget it will be harder to remove later.
…pss! You don’t have a microwave-safe bowl? We got you! On Amazon, you’ll find a nice deal for these Large Soup Bowls Set of 4 for just $26.99. Hurry up the offer might be gone soon!
Clean the filters with dish soap
Indeed, your microwave contains a filter; therefore, you should clean it sometimes. It is safest to clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s directions to avoid causing damage to it.
It is necessary to clean the microwave filters every three to six months, depending on how frequently you use them. Fortunately, a microwave filter can be cleaned without any equipment and with ease. Stick to the guidelines below.
The first step is to remove the filter located below the microwave. Don’t force it, because it should pop out easily. Put the filter in a big bowl of hot water. Incorporate 1/4 cup of baking soda into the recipe if the filter appears too oily. For best results in the breakdown of grease, let the filter soak for around fifteen minutes.
After taking the filter out of the hot water, use a sponge to clean it in the sink. It should be easy to remove the oil. Before putting the filter back in the microwave, please give it a good rinse and allow it to dry fully.
Clean your microwave with vinegar
A third efficient method recommended by specialists on how to clean your microwave is to use vinegar and water if you don’t have any baking soda or lemons.
Pour two cups of water and two teaspoons of vinegar into a bowl that is safe to microwave. Optionally, add one or two essential oil drops for a bit of freshness.
A toothpick or a little wooden spoon can be inserted into the mixture. As a result, as the water warms up, bubbles will develop against the wood, keeping the water from overheating and bursting into a boil.
After putting the entire mixture in the microwave, shut the door and cook it for three minutes on high. Next, without opening the door, let things settle for another fifteen minutes. This waiting period enables the microwave to reach a high temperature, which helps you remove all the stubborn stains.
Carefully take out the bowl from the microwave and place it aside (don’t pour it out just yet), using potholders or an oven mitt to shield your hands. Take off the turntable tray as well, so you can wash it in the sink. Use the vinegar mixture to dampen a clean microfiber cloth and clean the inside of your microwave.
Use a sponge, hot water, and dish soap to clean your microwave turntable in the kitchen sink. Then put it back in the microwave once it has been cleaned.
…Are you looking for a microfiber cloth? Check out this pack of 12 MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth that costs only $12.98 on Amazon!
How can you keep your microwave clean?
To have a clean microwave, you have to cover your food when you want to heat it. Cover any food that might be spattered (spaghetti, casseroles, or soups) with a paper towel or a food cover designed for microwaves before putting the microwave on.
Unlike baked-on stains, fresh spills are quite simple to clean up. If spills happen, most may be cleaned up using a cleaning solution made specifically for microwave ovens or with warm, soapy water.
Don’t forget to always be careful with the dishes you put in the microwave! Some materials can melt or, worse, lead to unwanted fires that can damage your appliance. Stick to those microwave-safe recipients.
Another hack to keep your microwave squeaky clean is to follow the cooking times. If it’s necessary, lower the power setting to prevent overheating.
Bottom line
It’s advised to clean your microwave once a month and after each use with a paper towel. In case you spill something inside of it or your favorite food just “exploded” inside of it and made a huge mess, increase the frequency of the cleaning.
In general, microwaves can be functional for more than 10 years, depending on how you take care of them. But one thing is certain: Your microwave operates at its peak efficiency when it is cleaned regularly.
How often do you clean your microwave and what products do you use? Tell us in the comments.
You may also be interested in reading 8 Household Items NOT to Clean With Baking Soda.
