Keeping your microwave clean is essential for maintaining its efficiency and ensuring that your food is safe to eat. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of food splatters, grease, and odors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to clean your microwave using simple, effective methods.
Here’s how you can clean microwave in following easy steps:
- 1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
- 2. Remove and Clean the Turntable
- 3. Steam Cleaning Method
- 4. Clean Stubborn Stains
- 5. Clean the Microwave Door
- 6. Deodorize the Microwave
- 7. Clean the Microwave Vent
- 8. Reassemble and Final Check
9 Steps to clean your Microwave
1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary cleaning supplies:
- Microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup
- White vinegar or lemon
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Water
- Soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush or small cleaning brush
- Paper towels or dry cloth
2. Remove and Clean the Turntable
The turntable is the removable glass plate inside the microwave. It often collects food spills and splatters.
- Remove the Turntable: Carefully take out the turntable and the rotating ring.
- Soak in Soapy Water: Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Soak the turntable and rotating ring in the soapy water while you clean the rest of the microwave.
- Scrub and Rinse: After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away any food residues. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a paper towel or cloth.
3. Steam Cleaning Method
Steam cleaning is an effective way to loosen stubborn food particles and grease inside the microwave.
Using Vinegar and Water
- Prepare the Solution: Fill a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup with equal parts of water and white vinegar (about 1 cup each).
- Heat the Solution: Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high power for 5 minutes. The steam from the solution will help loosen food particles and grime.
- Let it Sit: After the timer goes off, leave the microwave door closed for an additional 5 minutes. The steam will continue to work on the dirt.
- Wipe Down the Interior: Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot) and use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down the interior surfaces, including the ceiling, walls, and floor of the microwave.
Using Lemon and Water
- Prepare the Solution: Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup filled with 1 cup of water. Place the lemon halves in the bowl as well.
- Heat the Solution: Microwave on high power for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen grime.
- Let it Sit: Leave the microwave door closed for an additional 5 minutes.
- Wipe Down the Interior: Carefully remove the bowl and use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down all interior surfaces.
4. Clean Stubborn Stains
For tougher stains and stuck-on food particles, a bit more effort is required.
Using Baking Soda Paste
- Prepare the Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the Paste: Apply the paste to stubborn stains and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Scrub the Stains: Use a soft sponge or toothbrush to gently scrub the stains until they are removed.
- Wipe Clean: Wipe away the baking soda residue with a damp cloth, then dry with a paper towel or dry cloth.
5. Clean the Microwave Door
The microwave door can collect grease and fingerprints. Cleaning it regularly will keep it looking good and ensure you can see inside.
- Clean the Exterior: Use a damp cloth with a little dish soap to wipe down the exterior of the microwave door. Pay attention to the handle and any control buttons.
- Clean the Interior: Open the door and clean the inside glass with a mixture of vinegar and water or a mild dish soap solution. Wipe dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
6. Deodorize the Microwave
If your microwave has lingering odors, these methods can help eliminate them.
Using Vinegar
- Vinegar Solution: Place a bowl of equal parts vinegar and water in the microwave and heat on high power for 2-3 minutes. Leave the door closed for a few minutes after the timer goes off to let the steam work.
- Wipe Down: Remove the bowl and wipe down the interior surfaces with a clean cloth.
Using Baking Soda
- Baking Soda: Place an open box of baking soda inside the microwave and leave it overnight. Baking soda is effective at absorbing odors.
- Remove and Clean: Remove the baking soda and wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth.
7. Clean the Microwave Vent
The vent on your microwave can also collect grease and dust.
- Check the Manual: Refer to your microwave’s manual to locate and access the vent.
- Clean the Vent: Use a damp cloth or a toothbrush to clean the vent area. If the vent cover is removable, wash it in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry before reattaching.
8. Reassemble and Final Check
After all components are cleaned and dried, reassemble your microwave.
- Reinsert the Turntable: Place the turntable and rotating ring back inside the microwave.
- Final Wipe Down: Give the microwave a final wipe down to ensure all surfaces are clean and dry.
9. Regular Maintenance Tips
To keep your microwave clean and functioning well, follow these regular maintenance tips:
- Cover Food: Always cover food with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to prevent splatters.
- Clean Spills Immediately: Wipe up any spills or splatters as soon as they occur to prevent them from hardening.
- Weekly Cleaning: Perform a quick clean of your microwave at least once a week to maintain its cleanliness and efficiency.
Microwave Cleaning Questions
How often should I clean my microwave?
You should wipe down the microwave interior and clean any spills after each use. Perform a thorough cleaning, including the turntable and filters, at least once a month.
Can I use commercial microwave cleaners?
Yes, you can use commercial microwave cleaners, but ensure they are specifically designed for microwave use. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Is it safe to use vinegar and lemon in the microwave?
Yes, vinegar and lemon are safe and effective natural cleaners for your microwave. They help loosen grime and eliminate odors without the use of harsh chemicals.
How can I prevent my microwave from smelling bad?
Regularly clean your microwave, cover food while heating, and use natural deodorizers like vinegar or baking soda to keep your microwave smelling fresh.
What should I do if there are stubborn burnt-on food stains?
For stubborn burnt-on food stains, use a baking soda paste and let it sit on the stains before scrubbing. Repeat as necessary until the stains are removed.
