The microwave, developed as a time-saving kitchen appliance, has become a household staple for nearly every homeowner’s kitchen. They are a convenient, easy to use, and fast method of heating food. They’re the perfect solution for a quick meal, but they also get incredibly messy over time. All it takes is one container of leftovers or an overcooked bag of popcorn to turn a sparking clean microwave into a disgusting, stinky mess.
5 Ways to Clean a Microwave
Dish SOAP
Add 1-2 tbsp of dish soap to a bowl of warm water. After mixing the solution, use a microfiber cloth to clean the interior and exterior of your microwave. If needed, use a non-abrasive sponge to tackle those tough stains or grimy clumps. Be careful to not let the suds get into the vents or fans. Once finished, wipe down all surfaces with damp paper towels to remove the soap, grime, and leftover food particles.
Paper Towels
Place a wad of wet paper towels inside the microwave. Then, turn your microwave on high power for up to three minutes. The steam from the paper towels will help soften any splattered food debris and loosen baked on grime. After giving the paper towels a couple minutes to cool down, you can use the warm, wet cloths to wipe down the microwave’s interior. For stubborn, heavily-caked on crud, you may need to repeat the process or use another strategy.
Vinegar SOLUTION
Mix a 50/50 solution of distilled white vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave on high power for up to five minutes. Then, let the solution sit for several minutes. The steam from the solution will help loose any splatter and will make that pesky hardened gunk a breeze to clean. When you are finished, you will probably want to wipe down the microwave with some soapy water or lemon to help neutralize the strong vinegar smell.
WATER & LEMON
Cut a lemon into quarters. Add the lemon and 1 cup of water to a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave on high power for up to five minutes. Alike the vinegar solution, let the bowl sit for several minutes. The steam and acid from the solution will help loose any splatter. When you are finished, you will want to wipe down all surfaces with a damp paper towel.
Don’t have a lemon? You can also try lime quarters, orange slices, or even a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
BAKING SODA
Baking soda is a valuable tool. It can be used in and around the kitchen for a variety reasons. From eliminating odors to helping you bake the perfect treat, it is a must-have for everyone’s pantry. Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 cup of water to a microwave-safe bowl. Stir the solution until is is well-mixed. Then, similar to all of the other methods, place the bowl in the microwave on high power for up to five minutes. Let the solution sit. Then, wipe down all the surfaces with a damp paper towel.