A microwave is probably one of the most frequently used appliances in most kitchens. Every time you use it, plenty of remnants are left in it from the meals you make. If you let these food particles or grease accumulate over time, there is a high chance that the sticky stuff will make your microwave its new home for good. Unfortunately, your problems may not end here. If you keep postponing your microwave’s cleaning session, bacteria can grow inside it and make the entire kitchen smell like something died in there.
Luckily for you, cleaning the microwave isn’t all that cumbersome as most of us fear. You don’t have to scrub until it begins to feel like a mini-cardio session. In this blog, we have rounded up 7 easy ways to keep your microwave clean. You can thank us later!
1. Water and Vinegar
Vinegar and water are a match made in heaven when it comes to getting rid of stubborn stains while cleaning any surfaces. Microwaves are no exception. For this trick, simply take a microwave-safe bowl. Fill it with two tablespoons of vinegar and two cups of water. If you don’t want the smell of vinegar to get too strong, consider adding one drop of your preferred essential oil. Now, place the bowl in the microwave on high and let it sit for 5 minutes. Don’t open the door for another 15 minutes to allow the inside to get really steamy. Once the 15 minutes are up, use a microfiber cleaning cloth to wipe the inside, top, bottom and sides of the microwave.
2. Wet Towel
If your microwave doesn’t look like it has been through a harrowing experience, simply using a small towel can do the trick. Soak a towel in water and microwave it for about 5 minutes. During this time, the towel releases a lot of steam which fogs up the inside of the microwave and helps to soften any caked-on spots. When the time is up, wait for the towel to cool a little so you can handle it. Or, using oven mitts, you can wipe down the microwave. You can even use a bunch of paper towels to wipe the microwave.
3. Dish Soap
This method is a lot similar to vinegar water, except in this, you use your regular dish soap to clean the tough spots in your microwave. Grab a microwave-safe bowl and pour one teaspoon of dish soap with one cup of warm water. Now, heat this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes and let the interior steam up. Allow it to sit for some more time, then remove the bowl and wipe the microwave with a paper towel or sponge.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is the go-to cleaner for many homeowners. It is excellent in making tough food particles fall right off the microwave. Start by making a baking soda paste by combining ¼ cup water and ¾ cup baking soda. Apply this paste to the spots where you have sticky stuff. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. After that, wipe up the baking soda clusters with a cloth or wet sponge. This will not require too much scrubbing. We promise!
5. Window Cleaner
Take a microwave-safe bowl and combine about a cup of water and ten pumps of window cleaner in it. Spray the inside of the microwave with a window cleaner on places where there is grime. Let the bowl heat for up to 5 minutes. Remove the turntable and wipe the insides clean with a damp paper followed by a dry one.
6. Lemon
The lemon cleaning method is one of the most tried and tested methods of cleaning a microwave. Get a microwave-safe bowl and pour about ½ cup water into it. Slice a lemon in half and squeeze both the halves in the water. Place the lemons in the microwave-safe bowl and heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then use a paper towel or sponge to wipe it clean.
7. Commercial Microwave Cleaner
If you don’t want to use homemade disinfectants, there are a wide range of commercial products available for cleaning your microwave. All you have to do is follow the instructions listed on the pack to regularly maintain your appliance.
Note: Some of these commercial cleaners may have a harsh scent and leave a residue at times. It is a good idea to keep the doors of your microwave open for a few hours to let the air out after cleaning.
Wrapping Up
We hope these simple and convenient tips will come in handy to clean your microwave properly. If you consistently put in efforts to maintain your microwave, it will stay in tip-top shape and last noticeably longer for more years.