Owning a microwave has many benefits, especially when you want to heat cold food. After a few weeks of using it, you may notice how there’s a foul odour or stains on the inside. If you don’t know how to clean your microwave effectively, it can lead to health issues or the appliance failing.
In this article, we’ll present three of the best ways to clean a microwave without too much hassle. We’ll also share how to do so efficiently so you don’t waste too much time and energy. Finally, you’ll see some safety measures you should take when performing the task. It doesn’t matter how nasty the food spills or lingering odours are; these steps will sort them out.
There are many tried and trusted ways to clean a microwave. Some are from yesteryear with methods that stood the test of time. Others rely on more modern techniques, relying on chemicals or the latest technology.
If you want to save some time and money, here are some of the top tips for how to clean a microwave.
One of the easiest ways to clean grime and other residue on the inside of your microwave is with lemon and vinegar. The best part is that the combination of these two items also helps to combat foul odours.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Take the water, vinegar, and lemon juice and combine them in a bowl. After placing it in the centre of the microwave, turn it on to the highest setting for two minutes. The steam collects on the inside, which helps to loosen stains and grime.
Now, all you need to do is take a soft cloth and wipe the steam and residue from the inner surfaces. Following this up with dish soap and baking soda will make your microwave even cleaner and fresher.
There’s another trick that is similar to the first method that involves steam cleaning the microwave with baking soda. This time around, you fill a bottle with water and baking soda before spraying the inner surfaces. Using lemon oil is also a helpful alternative.
Now, take a sponge that you usually wash dishes with and make it wet with the same solution. You’ll want to place this in the middle of the microwave on the turntable. With the microwave on high again, let it spin for about two minutes.
You should see plenty of steam when you open the door, with droplets clinging to the interior surfaces. All you do now is take the sponge and clean the microwave, removing those stains and grime. Remember to dry it off when you’re done.
If you’re worried about incorrectly making the mixtures, there are other ways to clean your microwave. The final option is spending some money on cleaning products designed to help you combat the residue or dirt.
You have a variety of options. Some are in liquid bottles, while others are in the form of pressurised gas bottles. Some are ready to use as is, while you need to dilute others with water or other items.
It’s best to do your research to see which cleaning products work best with the microwave that you have. If you also have grilling elements in your appliance, you may need other specialised tools to effectively clean the inside and all components.
We also have some final recommendations for you. It’s best to get a plastic plate cover for when you heat food, preventing spattering on the inner surfaces. Also, make sure you use the right heat for liquids to prevent them from boiling over onto the glass plate.
We do understand that it’s easy to neglect cleaning and maintenance of microwaves. When the grime becomes really thick, these easy methods might not work. Also, some appliances are more complicated. If you need assistance from a professional, be sure to check the YourPro platform to contact one of our service providers.
In this article, we’ll present three of the best ways to clean a microwave without too much hassle. We’ll also share how to do so efficiently so you don’t waste too much time and energy. Finally, you’ll see some safety measures you should take when performing the task. It doesn’t matter how nasty the food spills or lingering odours are; these steps will sort them out.
Best Ways to Clean a Microwave
There are many tried and trusted ways to clean a microwave. Some are from yesteryear with methods that stood the test of time. Others rely on more modern techniques, relying on chemicals or the latest technology.
If you want to save some time and money, here are some of the top tips for how to clean a microwave.
Clean a Microwave with Lemon and Vinegar
One of the easiest ways to clean grime and other residue on the inside of your microwave is with lemon and vinegar. The best part is that the combination of these two items also helps to combat foul odours.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 bowl
Take the water, vinegar, and lemon juice and combine them in a bowl. After placing it in the centre of the microwave, turn it on to the highest setting for two minutes. The steam collects on the inside, which helps to loosen stains and grime.
Now, all you need to do is take a soft cloth and wipe the steam and residue from the inner surfaces. Following this up with dish soap and baking soda will make your microwave even cleaner and fresher.
Steam Cleaning with Baking Soda
There’s another trick that is similar to the first method that involves steam cleaning the microwave with baking soda. This time around, you fill a bottle with water and baking soda before spraying the inner surfaces. Using lemon oil is also a helpful alternative.
Now, take a sponge that you usually wash dishes with and make it wet with the same solution. You’ll want to place this in the middle of the microwave on the turntable. With the microwave on high again, let it spin for about two minutes.
You should see plenty of steam when you open the door, with droplets clinging to the interior surfaces. All you do now is take the sponge and clean the microwave, removing those stains and grime. Remember to dry it off when you’re done.
Specialised Microwave Cleaning Products
If you’re worried about incorrectly making the mixtures, there are other ways to clean your microwave. The final option is spending some money on cleaning products designed to help you combat the residue or dirt.
You have a variety of options. Some are in liquid bottles, while others are in the form of pressurised gas bottles. Some are ready to use as is, while you need to dilute others with water or other items.
It’s best to do your research to see which cleaning products work best with the microwave that you have. If you also have grilling elements in your appliance, you may need other specialised tools to effectively clean the inside and all components.
Safety Precautions and Recommendations for Cleaning a Microwave
While we’ve provided some easy and entertaining ways to keep your microwave clean, there are some dangers you need to be aware of. If you don’t take these precautions, you may be putting your life in danger.- Turn off the power: You’ve heard that electricity and water don’t go well together. After you’ve steamed the inside with heat, be sure to turn off the microwave by removing the plug from the socket. You don’t want any sudden sparks to shock you.
- Wear gloves: There are two main reasons to wear gloves during the microwave cleaning adventure. First, that bowl will be hot after you heat the liquid in the bowl, so don’t burn your hands. Also, you should always use gloves when working with chemicals or any type of solution, or just cleaning in general.
- Avoid cuts: Some microwaves have specialised metal plates on the surfaces. When you’re cleaning into the corners or near the edges, make sure you don’t cut your hands or wrists.
- Correct tray placement: Once you’re done cleaning, and everything is dry, you’ll want to put that glass tray back in the proper position. Make sure the grooves are in place and check that the tray turns correctly when the appliance is on.
- Use a soft material: The steam does most of the work for you when it comes to cleaning the microwave. You don’t need a steel scrub or any abrasive material to do the hard cleaning. It may cause scratches or paint to scrape off the inner surfaces, causing damage.
We also have some final recommendations for you. It’s best to get a plastic plate cover for when you heat food, preventing spattering on the inner surfaces. Also, make sure you use the right heat for liquids to prevent them from boiling over onto the glass plate.
It’s Easy to Keep Your Microwave Clean!
As you can see, these three methods of cleaning your microwave are easy and efficient. You don’t need to use too many ingredients or spend too much money on the application. You’re only a few steps away from making your appliance as fresh as new.We do understand that it’s easy to neglect cleaning and maintenance of microwaves. When the grime becomes really thick, these easy methods might not work. Also, some appliances are more complicated. If you need assistance from a professional, be sure to check the YourPro platform to contact one of our service providers.
