Most of us probably don't think about cleaning the microwave, especially as we barely let our food touch the machine as we use it. We may tend to forget that food spills and splatters around the inside of a microwave, leading to crusty food splatter that harbors bacteria and mold.
Scrubbing the dried food bits can be time-consuming, and you'll need to use a bit of elbow grease to remove the stains. In this article, we present two easy, yet effective, ways to clean your microwave using safe household cleaning staples!
What You'll Need
There are two ways you can clean a microwave: using a cleaning paste, or microwaving a cleaning solution. Here's what you'll need for each method:
Cleaning Paste
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Dish soap
- Bristle brush or Toothbrush
- Clean cloth
- Paper towels
Cleaning Solution
- Distilled white vinegar
- Water
- Microwave safe bowl
- Oven mitts
- Clean cloth
- Paper towels
How to Clean a Microwave: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using a Cleaning Paste
Step 1: Mix Baking Soda and Lemon Juice to Make the Cleaning Paste
First, create the cleaning paste by mixing together enough baking soda and lemon juice to create a thick solution. The cleaning paste should be thick enough to stick on the roof of the microwave, while moist enough for the solution to clump together.
The baking soda will help loosen dried up grime, and deodorize your microwave as well, while the lemon juice will dissolve hard minerals, kill mold, and provide a fruity scent that will dissipate as the microwave dries.
Step 2: Dot Paste Around the Inside of a Microwave
Dot the paste directly on food stained areas. Be sure to coat the stain in a thick layer for the full effect of the cleaning paste. You can also use the same cleaning paste to coat stains on the exterior of your microwave, but avoid placing the paste on electrical components, as well as the metal plate inside the microwave.
Step 3: Let the Paste Sit
While you don't need to run a heating cycle to clean a microwave using our cleaning paste, you need to let the paste sit to slowly work at the stains. Allow the paste to sit until it has dried, and consider applying multiple layers of the paste for tough stains.
Step 4: Use a Bristle Brush to Scrub Clean
After the paste has dried, dip a bristle brush in some warm water, and use it to clean the dirty microwave. Scrub away the baking soda residue, and clean greasy microwave doors until you no longer see any traces or dirt or grime.
Step 5: Wipe Clean with a Cloth
Make sure to wipe away any remaining residue with a clean and damp cloth. Keep wiping in a circular motion to prevent streaks from forming on the microwave oven. Use a paper towel to wipe the microwave dry.
Step 6: Clean the Exterior with a Dish Soap and Water Mixture
Mix together 1 teaspoon of mild dish detergent into 2 cups of water to create a soapy water solution. Wet a cloth with this solution, and use it to clean the exterior of your microwave. Take a dry cloth, and wipe away any remaining solution.
Microwaving a Cleaning Solution
Step 1: Mix the Cleaning Solution in a Microwave Safe Bowl
Mix together a vinegar and water solution using 2 cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Place them in a microwave safe bowl, and set the uncovered bowl right in the center of the glass microwave plate.
Step 2: Run the Microwave on High for 5 Minutes
Run the microwave on the highest setting for five minutes. You would want the solution to heat and create steam to clean the microwave. Keep an eye on the microwave to prevent over-boiling, spills, and cracking the bowl.
Step 3: Carefully Open the Microwave Door
Let the microwave cool off for 2 minutes before opening the door. The steam may cause burns, so be careful when opening the microwave door. Carefully remove the bowl using a pair of oven mitts as the bowl will be extremely hot.
Step 4: Wipe the Microwave Clean
Take a paper towel or clean cloth, and wipe away the baked-on food with ease. Dip a paper towel into the vinegar and water mixture, and use it to clean the outside of your microwave oven for a complete clean!
What to Avoid When Cleaning a Microwave
Once you get the hang of it, cleaning a microwave isn't a huge chore. Remember, any removable parts can be cleaned separately, and cleaning away food stains before they crust should help maintain the cleanliness of your microwave. Here's how to keep a clean microwave:
- Do not use abrasive scrubbers to clean a microwave as it may scratch the surface.
- Do not wait until the food stains are dry before cleaning them. Wipe the microwave interior using a damp paper towel after every use.
- Avoid using chemical cleaners to keep a clean microwave as these may not be food-safe, and may create toxic fumes when heated.
- Do not clean the microwave while plugged in to prevent electric shocks.
- Avoid touching the metal plate, high-power or high-voltage areas to avoid electric shocks, even when the microwave is unplugged.
Keep a Clean Kitchen
When it comes to house cleaning, the kitchen is one of those areas in a home that you would dread to clean. The grime in the kitchen is coated with oil, grease, and mold from food, so cleanup can be a hassle. Not with Luce - we provide top to bottom house cleaning services in all areas of your house, so we'll tackle those greasy stains for you!
Contact us today, and we can discuss a cleaning routine that fits your home!
