Only one round of popcorn is enough to turn the sparkling and clean microwave into a dirty and smelly one. The primary way to keep the microwave lean is to do regular maintenance after every few days. Whenever you notice splatters or greasy fingerprints on the control, take this guidance on how to clean a microwave.
You can clean your microwave with everyday usage products that you already have in your kitchen.
Cleaning Agents Required
Following are the cleaning agents required
- All-purpose cleaner
- Baking soda
- Dish Soap
- Vinegar
- Sponge
- Grease-cutting dish soap
- Toothpick
- Clean cloth
- Microwave safe bowl
- Lemon Juice/ lime/ orange Juice
Do not use bleach as it weakens the interior of the appliances.
How to clean a microwave interior?
When smell and splatters combine, it results in looking your microwave very bad. If you want to look your microwave very nice then follow these steps
- How to clean a microwave with lemon?
- The very first step is to take a lemon and squeeze it between your hands. So that lemon juice start flowing. Then cut a lemon and take out the juice of lemon.
- Now next step is to take one cup of water and lemon juice into microwave safe bowl. If you do not have lemon juice you can take orange or lime juice.
- Place the bowl in the microwave and turn it on for many minutes at a high temperature. Wait until the water starts boiling and its window gets steamed.
- When the microwave turns off, then wait for 5-6 minutes before you open the door. After that open, the door of the microwave, take out the bowl and wipe the interior with a sponge.
- Take out its glass plate and clean it with care because the plate is slippery at that time.
- How to clean a microwave with Baking Soda?
The baking soda that gives you a fluffy pancake can also clean the microwave. Baking soda is a natural cleaner. So, you can use it to clean your microwave dirt and grime.
- Take a microwave-safe bowl and add two spoons of baking soda and a cup of water. Mix them well.
- Keep this mixture in the microwave and turn it ON- on high temperature.
- When it turns off wait for five to ten minutes and then carefully open the door and remove the bowl of mixture.
- Take out the glass plate. Wipe it very carefully with a clean soft cloth. Now wipe the interior of the microwave.
- The steam loosens the food debris. Take a sponge, dip it into the soda mixture, and use it to clean the microwave.
- Clean it very well and place the plate back.
- How to clean a microwave with Dish Soap?
One of the best ways to clean the microwave is to use dish soap. Follow these steps to clean the microwave with dish soap
- First of all, Mix the dish soap and warm water in a bowl. Now take a sponge and soak it into the mixture.
- Take out the glass plate of the microwave and clean it.
- Now take the soaked sponge and use it to clean the interior of the microwave. Start from the top of the interior and then sides in a circular motion. Make sure to coat every inch of the microwave. Take care of vents to not get wet.
- Rinse the coating of soap and then repeat the above step until you get a spotless microwave.
- Wipe the microwave very well and take a clean soft cloth or paper towel.
- Place the glass plate.
- How to clean a microwave with Melamine Foam Sponge?
The Melamine foam sponge is also known as a magic eraser because it does magic like cleaning. Follow these steps to clean the microwave:
- First of all, remove the glass plate and wet the sponge slightly to activate the melamine foam. In a small circular motion clean the plate and the interior of the microwave. Make sure not to get wet your vents.
- If you see that the stains are too tough to remove then replace the glass place. Soak the melamine foam sponge in water and microwave it on high for 5 minutes.
- Allow it to cool down and use the sponge to clean the stubborn stains and debris.
- Your microwave is now in clean condition.
- How often to clean the microwave?
As we know a microwave is an important appliance to b used in the kitchen. It is used around the clock. So, it is good to clean your microwave once every month. If you feel a smell and stains, then increase the frequency of cleaning.
The life span of any microwave depends on how well you maintain it.
- How to clean a microwave with Vinegar?
To clean a microwave with vinegar following are the steps you need to follow
- The very first step is to take a microwave-safe bowl and then add vinegar and water in equal proportions. If vinegar is 2 spoons then water is also 2 spoons. You can also take a measuring cup. If you do not like the vinegar smell, then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Place the mixing bowl in the microwave and turn it on at high temperature for a few minutes(5 to 6 minutes). It starts boiling after a few minutes and that’s ok. Do not scare of it. Wait until its door is fully steamy. As it softens the stubborn grease and grime.
- When the microwave auto shut off, wait for 5-10 minutes and then open the door of the microwave and take out the bowl. Be very careful because the bowl, steam, and other parts may be hot.
- Take out the glass plate of the microwave and clean it wisely. Be very careful as it is very slippery when
- Now it’s time to clean the interior of the microwave including the door, sides, top, and bottom. Take a soft cloth or tissue to clean. Make sure not to use any liquid in vents because it create mechanical issues in the future.
- If some stains are still left then take a vinegar and water solution and scrub gently.
- In the last, place the glass plate and microwave is cleaned.
- How to clean a microwave filter?
The countertop microwave does not have any filter. But above the range have. It has an exhaust fan too. It helps in smoke and grease to go out. So the microwave filter needs to be cleaned after every few months.
A dirty filter is dangerous to use and can’t work as efficiently as it can. So, cleaning its filter is important and super easy. Just follow these steps.
Remove the Filter
The very first step is to remove the filter. The filter is located underneath your above-the-range microwave. Very carefully remove it and take a hot water bowl. Then keep the filter in this bowl. Add baking soda to the water for a good cleaning.
Leave it to soak
Let the filter soak in the hot water for 10-15 minutes so that extra stubborn stains and grease break down.
Scrub the filter
Now it’s time to take out the filter from hot water and scrub it with a sponge or scrubber. It removes the grease.
Rinse it and replace
The next step is to rinse the filter using clean water and dry it completely before replacing it.
How to clean a microwave exterior?
Following are the ways by which we can clean our microwave exterior.
- How to clean microwave doors?
Cleaning a microwave is not just limited to the interior only. The exterior of the microwave is also important. Use the following tips and tricks to clean it.
- Take a baking soda and water lightly thick mixture and use it to clean the door of the microwave. Make sure to clean the edges of the door where it seals the oven. Take a sponge and clean it. Wipe it using a soft cloth or you can a take paper towel.
- If the window is greasy, take vinegar and water in equal portions and use them to clean the door.
- For very heavy grease, use a grease-cutting cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water. Apply the cleaner with a cloth or sponge and leave it for a few minutes then wipe it out.
- Exterior
- Take a brush and clean the rubber gasket. Remove the food stuck in the door or the corners. Take vinegar and water mixture for extra cleaning. Clean the hinge area properly.
- Take a rubbing alcohol and water mixture on a cloth and then wipe the doors and outside of the microwave. Make sure to prevent moisture or water from mesh and vents.
- If some stains are not removed then take a recommended cleaner for your microwave and make your microwave sparkling.
How to maintain cleaned microwave for longer?
Sparkling microwave is loved by all. But it requires proper care and cleaning. You can keep your microwave looking clean for a longer time by following the tips
Cover your food
It is the key point you should follow. Before your turn on your microwave, cover the food with a microwave-safe plate to prevent splatter.
Clean the spills immediately
It is easy to clean fresh spills than baked spills or old spills. If any time spill does occur, Clean it immediately with warm water and soap mixture.
Use microwave-safe dishes
It is advised and recommended by companies that always use microwave-safe dishes. Otherwise, other dishes melt or spark. It may lead to a blast or fire. Always check for microwave-safe dishes before using them.
Follow cooking time
I think one of the most common messy and dirty microwaves is overcooking. It is good to follow the recommended cooking time.
Clean regularly
It is good to clean your microwave every month for its sparkling look and longer life.
Conclusion
Microwave is one of the essential appliances that need to be cleaned every month. Many of us are not aware of how to clean it. There are several ways to clean it. I explain the following ways
- How to clean a microwave with lemon?
- How to clean a microwave with vinegar?
- How to clean a microwave with lemon?
- How to clean a microwave with dish soap?
- How to clean a microwave with a sponge?
- How to clean microwave doors?
It is super easy to clean the microwave at home. Go to the above section and read this article in detail.
I hope enjoy reading this article.
You can read my other article here.
