Cleaning your microwave may not be the most glamorous task on your to-do list, but it’s an important one. Over time, food splatters and spills can build up, leaving behind unsightly stains and unpleasant odours. While many kitchen appliances require regular cleaning, our beloved microwave oven often falls by the wayside out of pure sentimentality. The notion of digging into the cooked-on food particles and persistent stains seems daunting. However, knowing How to Clean Your Microwave can make day-to-day meal prep more pleasurable and improve the lifespan of your microwave.
In this guide on how to clean your microwave, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning your microwave, sharing valuable insights and expert advice along the way. Here are some handy tips and tricks to restore luster and hygiene to your cherished kitchen sidekick.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A microwave-safe bowl
- Water
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- Dish soap or mild cleaning solution
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Toothpick or small brush (optional)
Preparing the Microwave for Cleaning
Before you begin scrubbing away, it’s important to prepare your microwave properly. Follow these steps:
- Remove any removable parts: Take out the turntable, roller ring, and any other detachable components from the microwave. These can be washed separately.
- Wipe down the interior: Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior walls, ceiling, and floor of the microwave. This will help remove any loose debris and make the cleaning process easier.
- Check for stuck-on food: Look for any stubborn food particles stuck to the walls or ceiling of the microwave. Use a toothpick or small brush to gently scrape them off, being careful not to scratch the surface.
The Everyday Cleanup
Wipe Down
First up on our How to Clean Your Microwave crash course is the basic everyday cleaning. Get hold of a damp sponge or cloth, and a little dish soap, and set about wiping down the interior of the microwave. For dried spills, you might need to scrub a bit, but this is generally enough for day-to-day cleaning. Moisture is your friend here; if your sponge isn’t making a dent in hardened food residue, consider dampening it a bit more.
Deodorize
Dealing with lingering smells is often the least favorite part of any cleaning regimen. But even this can be fairly simple when cleaning your microwave. Cut a lemon into two halves, place it on a microwave-safe dish, and run the microwave on high for about one minute. Not only does this trick make your microwave smell divine, but the steam from the lemon also helps to loosen the grime, making it easier to wipe away.
Tips and Tricks for Persistent Stains
The Vinegar Steaming Method
If your microwave’s interior looks more like a battle zone of stubborn food splatters, it’s time to pull out the big guns. Vinegar works wonders to break down those tough stains. Fill a glass bowl halfway with equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar. Set your microwave on high for 5 minutes. The steam that forms helps to soften the food particles and the vinegar works it’s magic to make the mess easier to remove.
Baking Soda Paste
If you prefer a less smelly, yet effective method, baking soda is your perfect ally. Mix two parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste. Apply this mixture to the walls of your microwave, paying special attention to any stubborn spots. Let it sit for 5-15 minutes and then wipe off with a damp cloth. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, gently scrubbing away the dirt without damaging your microwave’s interior.
Dish Soap De-greaser
If your microwave is a victim of a greasy mess, using dish soap is time-proven wisdom. It’s especially helpful in emulsifying the fats and making it easier to wipe them off. All you need is warm water, dish soap, and a sponge. Squirt a tiny bit of dish soap on a damp sponge, scrub the interior, and then wipe away the grime with a clean, damp cloth.
How to Revive Your Microwave’s Exterior
After investing so much time in sparkling clean internals, don’t neglect the outside of your microwave. Here’s how:
Clean the Control Panel
The buttons of your microwave can harbor grime and bacteria. Lightly spray a cloth with an all-purpose cleaner or a vinegar-water mixture, wipe the control panel, and allow it to dry completely. Avoid spraying directly onto the panel as it may seep through the cracks and damage the electrical components.
Polish the Door
The microwave door does the valiant task of protecting your kitchen from food explosions. To clean it, use a damp cloth or sponge and a moderate amount of dish soap to cleanse. Then thoroughly wipe it with a dry cloth to avoid watermarks.
Don’t Forget the Handle
Last but definitely not least, the handle of the microwave is often a victim of dirty hands. Either vinegar or dish soap can effectively deal with this area; simply wet a cloth with either, give it a good wipe, and then dry thoroughly.
The Final Touch: Steam Cleaning
If you want an extra touch of freshness after cleaning your microwave, steam cleaning is a brilliant final step. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water, a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange, or a few tablespoons of white vinegar or vanilla extract. Turn the microwave on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy. Let it cool for 15 minutes before opening the door to wipe out the inside and outside with a sponge.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on how to clean your microwave, there’s no excuse not to keep that lifesaving appliance sparkling clean. Not only does a clean microwave perform better, but it also makes your entire kitchen feel cleaner and more organized. Remember, most of these methods include natural, easily accessible ingredients, making it a safe and inexpensive way to banish grime from your microwave. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring back that brand-new shine to your microwave. Bon cleaning!
