MUMMEPRENEUR

Clean a microwave easily, with these simple methods, using cleaning products you already have in your house. 

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Cleaning the microwave is one of those tasks that many of us tend to ignore. But when you do it on a regular basis, it’s really not that tedious. Besides, regular cleaning helps maintain the unit and ensures that it doesn’t turn into a haven for bacteria and other microorganisms! 

The microwave is probably one of the most used appliances in any kitchen. With all the food that you cook or heat up in it, food particles, dirt and grease can accumulate over time if you don’t clean it. The best way to ensure that your microwave stays clean is to clean any spills and drips as soon as they happen. If you don’t, they will harden and become more difficult to deal with later on. A stitch in time saves nine!

The good news is that you can easily clean a microwave with simple cleaning products you already have in your house, such as vinegar, dish washing soap, baking soda, all-purpose cleaner, baking soda. However, it is important to remember to stay away from harsh chemicals, especially bleach, because these can damage the appliance in the long run. 

Whether it’s a countertop or built-in unit, I’m going to share with you some ways by which you can easily clean a microwave – inside as well as outside.

Things to do before you start to clean a microwave

1. Before you start cleaning the microwave, make sure to unplug the power cord. (Also check for any other safety, cleaning and maintenance instructions mentioned in the user manual). If the cord is dirty or dusty, wipe it off with a clean cloth. Also, check for any damage and get it replaced if necessary. 
2. Gather all the items that you need – paper towels, sponge, cleaning cloth and the cleaning agent of your choice – vinegar, lime, baking soda etc.

The best way to clean the inside of a microwave

Whether or not your microwave needs a good scrubbing, it really isn’t a big deal. Trust me, I’ve had days where I have had to deal with stubborn stains and dried splatters in a microwave. Cleaning a dirty microwave is not as difficult as you think it is. 

Today I’m going to share with you some of the best ways to clean a microwave. These methods are quick, easy and very effective. And, i’m not talking about just surface cleaning – these methods will even tackle splatters and stubborn stains. 

Clean a microwave with vinegar and water

Vinegar is my most preferred cleaning agent in general and therefore, this is the method I use to clean my microwave, quickly and easily. An added bonus is that vinegar is also effective at getting rid of oil and grease.

Here’s how to clean a microwave easily, using vinegar and water.

1. Pour a cup of water into a microwave safe bowl and to this add a tablespoon of vinegar. Then place the bowl in the microwave.
2. Turn the microwave on high for 2-5 minutes, until it gets steamy inside. Leave the microwave door closed for another 5-10 minutes to allow any hardened deposits and grime to soften.
3. Carefully remove the bowl. (Note: It might still be hot, so be careful not to burn yourself)
4. Remove the turntable and wipe it with a clean cloth. If it is very grimy, wash it with soap and water. Rinse and wipe dry.
5. Gently wipe down the inside of the microwave with paper towels or a clean cloth. Be careful near the vents. Finally wipe with a dry microfiber cloth.
6. Return the turntable to its place.

Clean a microwave with lemon/lemon juice

1. Take a lemon, squeeze it gently to soften it and then cut it into half
2. Pour some water into a microwave safe bowl and squeeze as much lemon juice as you can, into it. You can also drop the rind into the water. 
3. Place the bowl in the microwave and run it on high for about 5 minutes, until it gets nice and steamy inside. Leave the microwave door closed for another 5-10 minutes.
4. Open the door and carefully remove the bowl.
5. Remove the turntable and wipe it with a clean cloth. If it is very grimy, wash it with soap and water. Rinse and wipe dry.
6. Gently wipe down the inside of the microwave with paper towels or a clean cloth. Be careful near the vents. Finally wipe with a dry microfiber cloth.
7. Return the turntable to its place.

Clean a microwave with baking soda

Baking soda can be used in a similar manner as vinegar and lime, to clean the interior of the microwave. To do this, dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of water in a microwave safe bowl and follow the same procedure as described for vinegar/lemon juice. In addition to softening any hardened deposits, the baking soda will help eliminate any unpleasant odors. 

For tougher deposits, try applying baking powder paste directly onto the hardened mess. 

1. Make a paste using two parts baking soda and 1 part of water.
2. Apply the paste onto any dried-on spills or splatters and leave it on for around 5 minutes. 
3. Rub off the stain using paper towels or a clean cloth. Rinse and wipe dry.

Clean a microwave with soap

1. Remove the turntable and wash it with dish soap and water. Rinse and wipe dry.
2. Wipe away the inside of the microwave with a damp paper towel or rag, to get rid of any crumbs
3. Put a tiny amount of dish washing soap in a bowl of warm water. Dip a sponge/rag in the soapy liquid and squeeze it out.
4. Use the damp soapy sponge/rag and gently scrub the inside surfaces in a circular motion. Start with the top of the microwave and move your down the back and sides, working your way to the bottom of the microwave. Be careful not to get any liquid into the vents. 
5. Next dampen another rag with clean water and use it to wipe down the microwave and remove any soap suds or soap residue. Repeat if necessary. Again, be careful not to get water in the vents.
6. Finally, wipe dry with a paper towel or clean microfiber cloth and replace the turntable.

Can you clean a microwave with chemicals?

While it is indeed possible to clean a microwave using commercial cleaners or window cleaners, I really wouldn’t recommend them when there are simpler, far better, safer and natural alternatives which are just as effective. Just try any of the methods I’ve shared above and you will surely agree! 

But, if you still decide on using commercially available cleaners, do make sure you check the instructions and maintain any safety precautions, as necessary. Opt for fume-free products and leave the microwave door open for a few hours after you are done cleaning. Also, if the substance is super toxic, it’s probably not a good idea to use it to clean the inside of the microwave. 

Cleaning the Outside of a Microwave

It’s not just the inside, the outside of your microwave needs cleaning too! Microwave handles are especially a common touch point and can therefore facilitate the transmission of germs, if not properly cleaned. So is the touchpad. 

You can easily get rid of streaks, splatters and grease from your microwave’s exterior by cleaning it with a solution of vinegar with water. Make a 50:50 mixture of vinegar with water and spray it onto your cleaning cloth. Then wipe down the exterior of your microwave, including the door, the handles and touchpad. Rinse and then wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

For heavy grease build-up you could use a mild soapy solution or an all purpose grease cutting cleaner. Make sure to read the instructions and use as directed, to prevent damaging your microwave.

NOTE: Remember to apply cleaner on the cloth and not directly onto the appliance in order to prevent any damage to the appliance. 

How to de-grease a microwave

Vinegar works really well when it comes to cutting grease. You can easily get rid of grease from a microwave’s interior as well as exterior, using vinegar. The acid present in vinegar helps breakdown/soften gunk and grease. For heavy grease build-up you could use a mild soapy solution or an all purpose grease cutting cleaner.

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I hope these methods will help you get your microwave squeaky-clean, quickly and easily.

Remember, you can keep your microwave always clean and avoid dried-up messes by cleaning up spills, drips and splatters as soon as they happen.

The more you use your microwave oven, the more frequent cleaning it requires. However, on an average, cleaning it once every few weeks will help keep it looking new and smelling good.

Also remember – Prevention is better than cure. Protect your microwave from spills and splatters by covering food that is placed inside and by using a low power setting for splatter-prone foods.

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