How to Clean a Microwave

Food stains and splatters inside your microwave are not only unpleasant to look at but also create bad odors. These stains can even hinder the microwave's performance. Thankfully, there are various easy ways to clean your microwave.

Fill a microwave-safe cup or bowl halfway with water. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar.

Run the microwave for 5 minutes. You can choose a shorter time if you have a high-powered microwave; just be sure to monitor the process the first time you try this. The microwave's interior will be steamed, and the grime will start to loosen.

Remove the cup from the microwave. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe down the interior of the microwave and remove any remaining dirt.

Take out the microwave’s glass plate and wash it like any other dish. If you’re pressed for time, you can even put the microwave plate in the dishwasher.

Cut a lemon in half. Place both halves with the cut side down on a microwave-safe plate along with a tablespoon of water inside the microwave.

Remove the bowl from the microwave. Use a damp sponge to wipe the inside of the microwave.

Prepare the microwave cleaning solution. Mix 2 parts glass cleaner with 1 part warm water in a bowl. This diluted solution is enough to clean both the interior and exterior of the microwave.

Wipe down the inside of the microwave. Dip a sponge into the solution and clean the interior. Remove the rotating plate and wipe the bottom of the microwave until all stains are gone. Clean the vents from the inside to remove any built-up debris.

• Remember to unplug the microwave before cleaning.
• Soak stains with the glass cleaner solution for about 5 minutes before scrubbing.
• Be sure to wipe the microwave ceiling as food often splatters onto it.

Use a clean cloth to wipe down. Once the microwave interior is spotless, take a damp cloth and wipe everything thoroughly. Make sure to remove any glass cleaner residue, as it contains chemicals that could contaminate food during the next use. Wipe again with a dry, clean cloth.

• If stubborn stains remain, you can use a cloth with a little olive oil to clean them off.
• Be cautious with cleaning products used inside the microwave. For example, avoid using pre-soaked scrubbing pads as small particles could catch fire and cause an explosion.
• Unsafe chemicals can also cause fires or other hazards. Stick with glass cleaner or natural solutions like vinegar or lemon juice.

Let the microwave dry. Allow the microwave to dry after wiping it clean. Smell the interior to check if it's safe to use. If there’s still a glass cleaner scent, take a clean damp cloth and wipe again.

Wipe the exterior of the microwave. You can safely use glass cleaner to wipe the door, handle, buttons, and outer surfaces of the microwave. Make sure to clean all spots thoroughly after removing any stains or grime.

• To keep your microwave clean, cover food loosely when heating.
• Open the microwave door a few minutes after use to allow it to dry and release excess moisture.
• It’s best to clean the microwave immediately after any food spills.
• Use a plastic cover on dishes and clean the microwave after every use.
• Clean the microwave about once a month.
• Use a dishwashing brush to scrub away grease buildup in the microwave.

• Stand at least 1.5 meters away from the microwave door. If steam lingers in the microwave for too long, the door might open, causing hot water to splatter.
• Do not use abrasive scrubbers to clean the microwave.
• If the above steps seem difficult for any reason, you should consider discontinuing microwave use. To reheat food, transfer it to a pan (preferably with a lid), add a bit of water, and heat on the stove.

• Some sponges or dish scrubbing pads
• Dish cloth
• A few minutes
• Microwave oven
• Lemon
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Vinegar
• Dishwashing detergent