How to Clean a Microwave: A Simple, Effective Guide for a Sparkling Kitchen

A clean microwave is not only more hygienic but also more efficient. Over time, food spills, splatters, and stubborn stains can accumulate inside, making it harder for your microwave to work effectively and leaving it with an unpleasant odor. Fortunately, cleaning a microwave doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Whether you’re dealing with greasy buildup, food splatters, or lingering smells, this guide will show you the best ways to clean a microwave without any harsh chemicals.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the most effective techniques to clean your microwave using simple household items, ensuring your microwave looks fresh, works better, and smells great. Let’s dive in with House Cleaning Sunderland blog to cleaning your microwave.

Why You Need to Clean Your Microwave Regularly

Microwaves are notorious for food spills, especially when reheating saucy or liquid-based meals. Left unattended, these spills can harden and create an unpleasant, sticky mess. Plus, bacteria and food particles can linger, making your microwave a breeding ground for germs.

Cleaning your microwave not only improves its performance but also ensures that your food doesn’t taste or smell like last week’s leftovers. Regular cleaning helps maintain its lifespan and ensures that your appliance stays free from any unwanted odours, food residues, and grime.

What You Need to Clean Your Microwave

Before you begin, gather the following items to clean your microwave effectively:

• Microfiber cloths or paper towels
• Dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
• Bowl or microwave-safe container
• Water
• Lemon or vinegar (for deodorizing)
• Baking soda (optional, for tough stains)
• Spatula or plastic scraper (optional, for sticky spots)
• Cotton swabs (for hard-to-reach areas)

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean a Microwave

Step 1: Start with the Turntable and Tray

Begin by removing the turntable and microwave tray. These parts often accumulate food residue, so it’s best to clean them separately. Wash the turntable and tray with warm soapy water or place them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the microwave.

Step 2: Create a Cleaning Solution

For a natural and effective cleaning solution, fill a microwave-safe bowl with about one cup of water. Add a couple of slices of lemon or a tablespoon of vinegar. Both lemon and vinegar have natural antibacterial properties and are great for breaking down grease, deodorizing, and removing stubborn food stains.

If you don’t have lemon or vinegar, you can also add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water. This will help lift stains and neutralize odours.

Step 3: Heat the Solution in the Microwave

Place the bowl of water (with lemon, vinegar, or baking soda) in the microwave. Heat it on high for about 3-5 minutes. The steam from the solution will loosen any stuck-on food particles, grease, and stains, making them much easier to wipe away.

Once the microwave reaches the end of its cycle, leave the bowl inside for a few extra minutes to allow the steam to continue loosening grime inside the appliance.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior

Carefully remove the bowl of hot water from the microwave (use an oven mitt if necessary, as it can get hot). Now, using a soft microfiber cloth or paper towels, begin wiping down the interior. Start from the ceiling and work your way down to the sides and bottom of the microwave.

For stubborn spots or dried food splatters, dip your cloth in the remaining cleaning solution and gently scrub. You can also use a plastic scraper or spatula to gently lift any tough, stuck-on debris, but avoid using metal objects as they could scratch the surface.

Step 5: Clean the Microwave Door

The door of the microwave tends to collect greasy fingerprints, food splatters, and stains. To clean it:

1. Wipe down the exterior of the door with a damp cloth.
2. Focus on the corners and edges, where grease and food particles can build up. A cotton swab can be especially helpful for cleaning around the seals and edges of the door.
3. For extra shine, you can buff the glass with a dry microfiber cloth.

Step 6: Deodorize with Lemon or Vinegar

If your microwave has an unpleasant smell, don’t worry. After cleaning, you can deodorize it with the leftover lemon or vinegar. Place the lemon slices or a few drops of vinegar on a clean cloth, and leave it inside the microwave for an hour to absorb any lingering odors. Alternatively, you can use a small bowl of water with vinegar or lemon and heat it again in the microwave for a few minutes.

Step 7: Clean the Exterior of the Microwave

Don’t forget about the outside of the microwave! Use a soft cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution (dish soap or all-purpose cleaner works well) to wipe down the exterior. Pay special attention to the handle and control panel, which tend to accumulate fingerprints and oils.

How to Tackle Stubborn Stains and Grime

For tough stains, there are a few additional methods you can use:

• Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it directly to the stained areas, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then scrub it off gently with a soft cloth. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and will help lift stubborn stains without scratching the microwave.
• Use Commercial Microwave Cleaner: If the microwave is especially dirty or has built-up grime that you can’t remove with natural cleaners, consider using a commercial microwave cleaner. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the cleaner on a small area first.

Maintaining a Clean Microwave

Now that your microwave is sparkling clean, here are a few tips to keep it looking fresh:

• Wipe up spills immediately after using the microwave to prevent stains from setting.
• Cover your food with a microwave-safe cover or paper towel to reduce splatters.
• Clean the microwave regularly to avoid buildup. Once every week or two is ideal, depending on how frequently you use it.