How to clean a microwave

Microwaves are truly efficient appliances to have in your kitchen. They are extremely convenient and have proven their usefulness in any household time and time again. We have a completely different situation when it comes to the moment you have to clean a microwave. It takes time and effort and in many cases we do not really have the first idea of how to do it. Fret not! We have prepared this post, giving you helpful insight on how to clean a microwave oven the right way.

So, If:

• Your microwave smells off;
• Your microwave hasn’t been cleaned in a long time;
• You don’t know how to effectively clean your microwave.

Then read on.

The dangers of a dirty microwave

While domestic microwaves are generally safe appliances, it is essential to know what are the potential dangers. A really dirty microwave, for example, could become a hazard in two aspects. First of all, leaving splattered or dripped food debris in your microwave, could be excellent grounds for the development of germs and bacteria. As we all know, germs and bacteria thrive in warm and wet areas and a dirty microwave offers both.

In addition, leftover food debris and grime would normally continue to cook and may potentially cause sparking. In order to avoid that, we recommend that you deep clean your microwave at least once a month, and give it a good wipe every week. This way, you would avoid any damages and prolong the lifespan of your appliance.

How to keep a microwave clean

There are a couple of things to consider in order to prevent microwaves from getting dirty and smelly. Below, we have described a few useful and easy methods of cleaning a microwave. As usual – safety first! Before attempting to clean your appliance, make sure to unplug it. You can also use cleaning gloves to avoid any skin damages, especially if you have allergies. Now that you are safe, we can proceed to let you know how to clean your dirty microwave.

Cleaning with lemon

Did you know that you can clean a microwave with a lemon? This is actually a great method recommended by many different sources. It is both organic and safe, eliminating the need to use any chemicals whatsoever. So how does it work?

1. Take one lemon and cut it in half. Get a microwavable bowl or glass and squeeze as much of the two lemon halves as possible in it.
2. Add one cup of water and microwave for 5-10 minutes. The end goal is for the inside of the microwave to be steamy. Leave it inside for another 5 minutes.
3. Then, remove the bowl or glass, as well as the microwave turntable, and carefully wipe the inside of the appliance with a cleaning cloth.
4. Clean the turntable and place it back into the microwave. Et voila!

Cleaning with vinegar

Next, we are going to review how to clean a microwave with vinegar. Like the lemon cleaning method, this is eco-friendly, affordable, and relatively easy to do.

1. Fill a microwaveable glass or bowl with half water and half vinegar, heat it up for 5 minutes or until it starts boiling. The steam will dissolve most of the food debris in your appliance and the acetic acid will take care of any unpleasant smell.
2. Remove the glass/bowl out of the microwave carefully as it will be hot. You can also take out any removable parts such as the turntable.
3. Wipe with a sponge to clean all dirt and grease and then dry the appliance by using a clean cloth.

You now have a clean microwave, ready to safely serve you and your family again.

Cleaning with baking soda

Let’s now discuss how to clean a microwave with baking soda. Baking soda turns out to be quite useful. There are two ways of cleaning your microwave with baking soda as follows:

1. Use baking soda directly – Get your baking soda and sprinkle it directly into the microwave. Make sure to remove the turntable and any other dismantlable parts of the appliance. Get a wet cloth or sponge and thoroughly scrub the inside of your appliance including the door and walls. Once you do that, rinse your cloth or sponge and wipe down the microwave. Finally, take a clean cloth and dry off the appliance, both inside and outside. Repeat the process for the removable parts.
2. Use baking soda paste – Similar to the eco-friendly method, described in our blog post “How to clean a fan assisted oven”, make your own baking soda solution by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of water. Place the solution into a microwaveable glass or bowl and heat it up in the microwave. Pour out the ready baking soda paste inside your appliance. Scrub thoroughly with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry off. Do the same for the removable parts.

Cleaning with dish soap

Last but not least, we are going to cover how to clean a microwave with dish soap. In most dish soaps there are no harsh chemicals so this is yet another generally non-harmful cleaning method for you to try out.

1. Fill in one microwavable cup with water and squeeze in a few generous drops of your favourite dishwashing product.
2. Heat it up in the microwave until it gets steamy.
3. Remove the glass from the microwave, as well as any of the appliance’s dismantlable parts.
4. Thoroughly clean the interior with a wet cloth or sponge. Then, clean the removable parts and dry everything with a dry clean cloth.

All of the cleaning methods we have discussed are going to be very helpful in case of a smelly microwave.

Book a professional service

If you are still not convinced that you have the time, desire, or skills to clean your microwave by yourself, then booking a professional appliance cleaning service is our next suggestion. The Fantastic technicians are available seven days a week to lend a helping hand and get this chore off your list. Using efficient and safe antibacterial cleaning solutions, the Fantastic professionals would make your appliance sparkling clean and will improve its overall lifespan.

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What method did you use to clean your microwave? Let us know in the comment section below!

Image source: Shutterstock / Africa Studio