Microwave is a perfect kitchen appliance that all of us love to have. From heating leftover food to make delicious and quick meals, this kitchen companion does everything.
But what about the mess it leaves behind? The splatters, the grime, the stuck-on food, and the smells in the interior can drive us crazy.
Although cleaning a microwave is a tedious task, it should not be. Cleaning it on a regular basis will help you maintain the appliance. Further, it helps taste your food as it should.
You may have been doing it regularly. But are you doing it the right way?
Here are the different ways to clean a microwave without damaging it. Follow these methods, and you will no longer feel cleaning a dirty microwave is a big deal.
Let us get started with the discussion.
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What Are The Different Ways to Clean Microwave?
Let us learn about the fantastic ways to clean a microwave. These super hacks will make your appliance look and smell like new. By the way, we will be using the items available at home to accomplish this task. Here are the different ways you can try:
Cleaning Method 1: Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is an awesome ingredient for cleaning. It is so versatile that it can tackle tough stains in your microwave, and also neutralize the odours from it. This cleaning method is best suitable for clearing the food splatters or spills inside. You can also use it to clear the mess caused by an egg explosion. Let us learn how to do it.
This is all you need:
- Bowl
- Microwave-safe Bowl
- Baking Soda
- Water
- Wet Sponge or Cloth
- Paper Towel
Instructions:
- Take a microwave-safe bowl and fill half of it with water.
- Take baking soda and add about two tablespoons to the water. Mix it well.
- Now, place this bowl in your microwave unit. Turn it on and leave it for about three to five minutes.
- After the specified time, take out the bowl from the appliance.
- Take a sponge to wipe away the grime in the interior.
You may say, what about the food spills on the rotating turntable? Yes, you can clean that mess, as well. If your microwave unit does not require deep cleaning, using baking soda is a quick method to get rid of all the grime. Follow the below steps to clean the floor and rotatable of your appliance:
- Firstly, let us try to prepare a cleaning solution.
- Take two parts of baking soda and one part of the water in a bowl. Mix them properly to form a paste.
- Use this paste to apply on the parts in the interiors of the microwave containing food spills.
- Let it sit for a couple of minutes.
- Now, take a wet sponge or cloth to wipe off the paste inside. Remember, you do not have to turn on the microwave here.
- You can even use a paper towel instead of a wet sponge to clean the residue.
Cleaning Method 2: Cleaning With Lemon
The next fantastic method to clean your dirty microwave is using a lemon. We all know the special characteristics and properties of lemon. It is a natural cleaner and deodorizer. It removes the dirt and keeps your appliance smell fresh and look sparkling clean. Let us look at the steps below.
This is all you need:
- Lemon
- Microwave-safe Bowl
- Water
- Microfiber Cloth
Instructions:
- Firstly, take a lemon and cut it in half.
- Take a microwave-safe bowl and add one cup of water to it.
- Now, squeeze the maximum lemon juice from both halves and add it to the water.
- After squeezing, drop the lemon halves also into the bowl.
- Now, place this bowl in your microwave unit. Turn it on and leave it for about five to ten minutes.
- After the specified time, turn off the appliance.
- Let the bowl remain inside for another five minutes.
- This will allow the steam to get to work inside. While the steam helps in loosening the stuck food particles, the lemon water solution helps in eliminating the odours.
- Now, open the door and remove the bowl from the microwave. The container would be hot, so make sure you are using oven mittens to take it out.
- Take a microfiber cloth and damp it with the lemon water solution in the bowl.
- Use this cloth to wipe away the grime in the interior. You can also clean the exterior surface with it.
- For cleaning the turntable, remove it from the appliance first. Wipe it with the cloth properly and then replace it in the unit.
Cleaning Method 3: Using Vinegar and Water
Let us move on to the next cleaning method. This works effectively in getting rid of the stubborn grease stains and dried food spills inside your microwave. The best thing about this method is that you can use it to clean your device after a butter explosion. Below are the steps to follow.
This is all you need:
- Microwave-safe Bowl
- Vinegar
- Water
- Essential Oil
- Wet Sponge
Instructions:
- Firstly, take a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add two cups of water and two tablespoons of vinegar to it. If required, add a few drops of essential oil to it. This will keep the strong vinegar smell at bay.
- Drop a toothpick inside the bowl. This prevents the water from boiling out of the bowl.
- Now, place this bowl in your microwave unit. Turn it on, choose the settings as high and leave it for about five minutes.
- After the specified time, turn off the appliance.
- Let the bowl remain inside for another two to three minutes. This will allow the steam to get to work inside. While the steam helps in loosening the stuck food particles, the vinegar, and oil help in eliminating the odours.
- Now, open the door and remove the bowl from the microwave. The container would be hot, so make sure you are using oven mittens to take it out.
- Take a sponge to wipe away the grime in the interior. The dirt and other dried food particles will come off right away.
- For cleaning the turntable, remove it from the appliance first. Wipe it with the sponge properly and then replace it in the unit.