It can take as little as reheating spaghetti to turn your once sparkling-clean microwave into a disaster. Many people avoid cleaning out their microwaves because the task seems like a daunting one, but the truth is, it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and a little bit of time, you can tackle How to Clean a Microwave easily and efficiently.
There are a few clever and easy steps to get your microwave shining like new in no time and no need for harsh chemicals.
What you Need
To get started on your microwave cleaning adventure you are going to require a few tools.
- Water
- Microwave safe bowl
- Vinegar
- Lemon
- Sponge
- Paper towels
Remove Food Splatter
- Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and lemon slices (you can use limes or oranges too).
- Microwave on high for several minutes.
- Allow the microwave to cool for at least 15 minutes before opening the door.
- Remove the bowl and wipe inside using a sponge or cloth, removing all the moisture and grime.
- Remove the turntable and wash separately in soapy water.
- Use a soapy dishcloth to get off built-up grease on the inside of the microwave.
Wipe the Door
- Dampen a sponge or cloth with water.
- Gently wipe the rubber gasket around the door.
- Make a half water and half vinegar mixture or again dish soap works great too.
- Wipe down the window and dry it with a paper towel.
Clean the Exterior
- Using the half water and half vinegar mixture, give the outside of the microwave a wipe down with a sponge or cloth.
- Dry with a paper towel.
Clean More Often
The best way to make sure that your microwave stays clean and doesn’t get overrun by stubborn stuck-on grime is to clean it often. It is a good idea to give it a quick wipe down after every use to avoid cooked-on muck adhering to it.
Use a microwave splatter cover when heating up any dish that will spray and make a mess of your clean microwave. These are inexpensive and can easily be washed in the dishwasher.
Cleaning your microwave doesn’t have to be difficult. Just make sure you have all the materials you require and apply a little elbow grease and your microwave will be sparkling clean in no time.
Check out our other posts to help you with:
How to Spring Clean Your Kitchen
Comments & Reviews
E Online Tips says
I’ve been avoiding cleaning my microwave for too long, but your guide breaks it down into manageable steps. Lemon slices and vinegar sound like a winning combo!
Tara Noland says
it is a necessary evil.
Milan Day says
I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. Looking more from you. Thanks
Arjun Pandit says
Cleaning microwave is really a challenging task but not after reading your article. Thanks
Tara Noland says
So glad you found it helpful!
Tech98 says
Ohh, I was certainly not cleaning my microwave properly. Thanks, from now onwards I will try to apply some of our points.
Manjula says
Thanks for the tips. I also find that Vinegar and Baking Soda mix helpful in cleaning the microwave.
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
This is such an amazing and informational post. I always struggle with ensuring that my microwave is clean but now with these tips it’s shining! I have actually never seen it look so darn good!
Tara Noland says
Awesome, so glad you liked the tips!!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This is really helpful! I will definitely try this!
janis @mommyblogexpert says
Thanks so much for teaching me something new. This is definitely going to help me over the summer when my kids are home from school messing up the kitchen.
Claudia Krusch says
I’ve been doing this to clean my microwave for years and it is sooooo easy!! I wish everybody knew!
Reesa Lewandowski says
Coincidental I just exploded a spaghetti squash all over my microwave. So, thank you for the tips!
Amy says
Having had worked in a deli where I needed to clean the microwave daily, I learned that people are pigs! These are some easy to follow tips!
Jeni Hawkins says
I’m so ashamed to admit that my microwave is totally nasty. This post came at just the right time! Thanks!
Lisa B says
I’ve been doing this to clean my microwave for years and it is so easy. Everyone should know about this technique, saves you a lot of time.
Stacie says
I love this! I am the microwave police. The last thing I want is for everything to get all caked and cooked on in there. I’m talking to you, fam!
robin rue says
Ugh my microwave hasn’t been cleaned in TOO long. I need to get on that – thanks for the tips.